• Osteoarthritis can happen as a normal part of aging or "wear and tear" on a joint
• After a trauma, such as a car accident which can cause chronic misalignment of a joint
• Overuse of a joint as in sports or occupations with highly repetitive movements

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

• Stiffness in joint or joints, especially first thing in the morning or following periods of rest
• Pain increases with joint use
• Joint swelling
• Crackling sounds with joint movement

What nutrients are helpful for supporting osteoarthritis?

Besides lifestyle considerations such as weight loss if overweight (to decrease weight-bearing stress on affected joints), learning how to avoid repetitive movements and overcoming inability to use a particular joint (seek help from an occupational or physical therapist), and getting plenty of water and healthy whole foods in the diet, there are some particular nutrients which may help rebuild joint tissue and/or relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis:

Glucosamine sulfate: with age, the body synthesizes less of this substance which helps to build and repair cartilage. Taking glucosamine sulfate may help by providing more of this raw material for the body, as well as dietary sulfur which is important for growth and repair of many different body tissues. Studies have shown improvement in measurements of pain and movement in joints at doses of 1500mg per day when taken for at least a month, compared to placebo. This is best taken long term, or in repeated short term courses for optimal results.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)- when this material, which is naturally formed by the body, is deficient in the joints, the cartilage loses its shock-absorbing qualities. Supplementing with this nutrient has been shown by MRI studies to increase cartilage formation in subject with osteoarthritis. It also may have some mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)- an additional source of sulfur, this nutrient has shown promising results in a few small studies in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Vitamin C- many seniors do not consume enough foods with this vital nutrient, which is extemely important for tissue and joint repair. Best consumed by eating a variety of fresh fruits, berries, and dark green leafy vegetables.

Zinc, copper and boron- these minerals are necessary for repairing joint tissues; you can find these in some combination mineral supplements, as well as in whole grain foods and seafoods.