Joint Care Supplements | Nutrition Alert

By Laura Lewis, MS

Chronic joint discomfort can affect knees, hands, elbows, shoulders, and hips. Anywhere where bones meet with cartilage in between can be a hot spot for unhealthy levels of inflammation, swelling, reduced mobility, and discomfort. Joint care supplements can help!

Why do my joints hurt?

Joint discomfort is incredibly common, affecting over 400 million people worldwide; 32 million in the US alone [1,2]. The disability rate for common joint issues is approximately 50% [2]. It has been estimated that about 1 in 3 people over 75 have symptomatic joint problems in the knee(s) [1].

While effective for discomfort, painkillers do not support healing or address the root cause of pain.

Fortunately, research has shown that several natural supplements can work just as well for the promotion of comfort [2]. Another benefit to joint care supplements is that they support healing and repair in the joints, as well as healthy inflammatory responses and comfort [2].

Do joint care supplements really work?

Four powerful nutrients available to support joint health are glucosamine, chondroitin, curcumin, and SAMe.

Let us share a little more about the science behind the nutrients in joint care supplements so you (with the help of your doctor) can make the best decision for your individual needs.

Glucosamine

Natural cartilage contains glucosamine, an amino sugar that helps to maintain the strength and structure of cartilage. Glucosamine contributes to both its resiliency and shock-absorption properties. It is involved both in the structural matrix of cartilage and in drawing hydration to the joint [3].

When taken as a nutritional supplement, glucosamine may also help prevent some cartilage breakdown and the subsequent progression of joint trouble [3].

There are no natural, human food sources of glucosamine, but it can be isolated from the shells of shellfish for supplementation. While natural in its origin, it may not be an appropriate supplement for those with shellfish allergies or those living a vegan lifestyle.

Chondroitin

Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of cartilage. Chondroitin is a gel-forming polysaccharide macromolecule that contributes to the cushion-like characteristics of cartilage. It may also help prevent cartilage breakdown for osteoarthritis.

Research has shown that chondroitin can promote joint comfort and mobility in people with joint trouble [5]. One specific study found that short-term chondroitin supplementation improved knee discomfort by more than 20% [5]. In the long term, chondroitin supplementation helped to slow the narrowing of joint space, a measurement of cartilage breakdown [5].

Again, there are no common food sources of chondroitin. You can get some from the gristle (which is cartilage) between animal bones, but it is not typically a palatable food choice. This makes supplementation the easiest option, but again, not a vegan one. Supplemental chondroitin is typically isolated from animal sources.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin…together

Chondroitin and glucosamine are often found combined in joint care supplements as it seems their activities in joint support are somewhat synergistic. These nutrients are considered long-term structure-modifying agents as they have been shown to have a beneficial effect of delaying long-term knee cartilage loss [6], in addition to reducing discomfort, stiffness, functional limitations, and swelling at the joint [7,8].

In subjects with knee discomfort, glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation has demonstrated support for both more comfort and better locomotor functions [9]. Some of this effect may be credited to the fact that these nutrients contribute to the further production of hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication, and they are building materials for cartilage.

Aside from these structural functions, glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy inflammatory response [1]. This action may delay inflammation-induced breakdown of the cartilage, while the building-block functions may help to support the joint structure and keep the joint lubricated.

Together, these effects may lead to more comfort and increased mobility of the affected joint. In fact, clinical trials support this suggested use [10].

Metabolic Maintenance offers a Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement with added hyaluronic acid. Supplemental hyaluronic acid has also been shown to support tissue hydration and joint lubrication [4].

Curcumin

Perhaps a better option for those on a vegan diet is a supplement with curcumin. Curcumin is a naturally occurring substance, isolated from turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisines. Curcumin gives turmeric its antioxidant and pro-healthy-inflammation effects that are thought to benefit cardiovascular health, brain function, mood, and a host of other conditions.

A 2019 study conducted on people with joint trouble in the knees showed that curcumin supplementation promoted significant improvement to their comfort [11]. In addition, people taking curcumin lost an average of 2% of their body weight and experienced very few side effects [11].

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis reported that: curcumin can relieve discomfort, improve joint function, and reduce joint stiffness [2]. In terms of adverse events, curcumin is comparable to a placebo, with fewer side effects than painkillers [2].

In a study of people with autoimmune-related joint trouble, curcumin supplementation was associated with healthier inflammatory response and more comfort [12].

Curcumin may not be an appropriate choice for those on blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) as it has some natural blood-thinning properties. It also may be inappropriate for those with gallbladder issues or blood sugar imbalance as it can amplify problems in the gallbladder and cause a decrease in blood sugar. Please talk to your doctor about whether curcumin is the right choice for joint support in your body.

SAMe

Initially, producers touted SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-methionine) for its ability to promote a positive mood and emotional balance. However, scientists studying its effects on mood also noted that SAMe treatments led to improvements in joint health as a side effect. Now SAMe is commonly marketed as a supplement to promote joint health, comfort, and mobility [13].

Yet again, SAMe supplementation has been shown to promote comfort and mobility through healthy inflammation levels for people with joint trouble [14,15]. The long-lasting response to SAMe suggests that SAMe also has a protective effect against further damage to cartilage [14].

Because SAMe interacts with serotonin signalling, if you are taking any medicine recommended by a psychiatrist, do not take SAMe without first discussing it with that doctor.

SAMe can have a positive effect on mood, but can also change the effect of mood-related medications. Your doctor can help you decide whether to make an adjustment to your medication or whether you should choose a different supplement for joint support.

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Published on June 15, 2022

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