Dietary Supplements for Joint Pain

Joint pain is slowly becoming one of the more threatening health issues. It can lead to the inability to balance and move efficiently, which can lead to its own set of issues. Joint pain is a common complaint of people of all ages, however it is especially evident in older populations. This point is highlighted by the results of a UK study on joint pain in the elderly. Of the 4804 subjects that were monitored, 83% reported some level of joint pain. Luckily, there are several quality dietary supplements that may be used to treat joint pain.

Glucosamine

• Glucosamine is a a naturally occurring compound in the human body. It is an amino sugar that is thought to help eliminate joint pain. Although glucosamine does occur naturally in the body, the amounts produced have been shown to slow with age. This is where it comes in as a dietary supplement. According to a 2006 study conducted by the National Institutes for Health, glucosamine is an excellent option for those experiencing joint pain. The study results "indicate that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate might be most effective in osteoarthritis patients who had moderate to severe knee pain" (See Reference 3). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition.

Chondroitin

• Chondroitin, scientifically known as chondroitin sulfate, is a long sugar chain found naturally in the body. It is a crucial component of cartilage and aids against compression. Knowing these two functions of chondroitin, it makes sense that additional amounts may provide a great escape for those experiencing joint pain. As stated in the above study, the combination of chondroitin and glucosamine has been proven effective in osteoarthritis patients. Considering that osteoarthritis is one step further than simple joint pain, it is likely that these two dietary supplements are beneficial to anyone experiencing achy joints.