The 5 best dietary supplements for osteoarthritis!

Bones and joints account for nearly 80 per cent of our body weight and are essential for carrying out every daily activity by supporting the work of our muscles.

However, ageing and a lifestyle that can sometimes be very hectic, combined with intense and strenuous training, can put a strain on the health of our bones and joints. The combination of these factors leads to problems which, if not treated properly, can negatively affect mobility by causing pain and inflammation or, in more serious cases, develop into full-blown conditions.

The best-known of these is undoubtedly osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects our joints – particularly the hips, knees, fingers and toes – causing pain and leading to a significant reduction in range of motion due to cartilage deterioration.

In this article, Tsunami Nutrition will attempt to explain the symptoms that help identify the onset of this condition and which dietary supplements are best for combating the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can be partially prevented and delayed through appropriate preventative measures, addressing certain risk factors such as being overweight, maintaining regular physical activity and treating accidental injuries. Once the tissues and joint surfaces begin to deteriorate, the damage can only increase over time, leading to a worsening of symptoms.

But what are these symptoms? Let’s examine them in detail. The most common symptoms, which can affect any joint, are as follows:

• Localised pain when using the joint; in advanced cases, the pain may become more widespread and worsen overnight
• Stiffness, which is mainly felt in the morning upon waking or after rest. However, after 30 minutes, the stiffness gradually eases
• Loss of flexibility, caused by the formation of bone spurs on the joints
• Swelling, caused by a build-up of fluid in the joint following strain
• A feeling of instability in the joint
• Noises when the joint is used
• Fatigue, sleep disturbances and depression, caused by the pain and other symptoms of arthritis

The main problem is that, in the early stages, pain and joint stiffness are generally mild or moderate; furthermore, they occur only occasionally and are short-lived, resolving of their own accord within a few days.

This is why most patients regard these early symptoms as minor inconveniences and ignore them for days, months or even years. This prevents them from taking appropriate measures to counteract the progression of the condition – or, if that is difficult, at least to reduce the discomfort and slow down the progression of the disease.

Why take dietary supplements for osteoarthritis?

Supplements for osteoarthritis are extremely useful as they offer genuine, natural support in combating this condition, which affects the joints and bones, leading to the loss of joint cartilage, which is replaced by bone tissue. In fact, they help to slow down or, in the best-case scenario, halt the progression of osteoarthritis.

The bones and joints form an extremely important system as they provide support for the body and protect the internal organs.

However, due to ageing and, as we have already mentioned, an unhealthy lifestyle combined with a poor diet, disorders and diseases of the bones and joints such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, arthritis and bone fractures can occur.

Supplements for osteoarthritis help to promote the good health of the cartilage that supports the bones and joints, and therefore help to:

• Maintain healthy bones and joints
• Reduce joint pain
• Strengthen bones and joints
• Reduce inflammation

The best dietary supplements for osteoarthritis

Bones and joints undergo continuous regeneration, with old tissue being replaced by new tissue, enabling them to retain as much flexibility and strength as possible and to withstand weight and impact.

This requires a number of nutrients that we obtain from our diet, but if this is not enough, it is worth including dietary supplements for osteoarthritis in your diet. 

Let’s take a closer look at the five best supplements for osteoarthritis to help combat this condition.

TN Pharma Flexi-Fort

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects many people and develops gradually with age.

That is why TN Pharma’s R&D team has created Flexi-Fort, a comprehensive joint health product to combat joint pain, comprising 5-loxin® patented Boswellia, patented OPTIMSM® MSM, curcumin with CURCUSHINE™ MICROCAPSULES technology, devil’s claw and glucosamine, which work synergistically to enhance each other’s effects. Let’s take a closer look at them:

• 5-loxin®: a special, patented extract of Boswellia serrata that reduces joint pain and improves range of motion and speed of movement.
• OPTIMSM®: a patented form of MSM of high purity and greater potency than the most common form, which relieves joint pain and promotes natural collagen synthesis.
• CURCUSHINE™ MICROCAPSULES: a bioavailable, microencapsulated source of curcumin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; may be useful in the treatment of joint pain – particularly when combined with glucosamine – by improving joint mobility and reducing collagen breakdown.
• Devil’s Claw: known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, this phytocomplex is useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
• Glucosamine: plays an important role in the production of joint cartilage to maintain bone health by relieving joint stiffness and pain.

TN Pharma Flexi-Fort is vegan, gluten -free and lactose-free.

TN Naturals Vitamin D

TN NaturalsVitamin D is a natural vitamin D supplement in tablet form that aids the absorption of minerals, calcium and potassium, thereby promoting bone and joint health and wellbeing to help counter the progression of osteoarthritis.

Vitamin D supports the development and maintenance of bones and joints by aiding the absorption of important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. It also helps prevent the onset of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and combats osteomalacia in adults.

TN Naturals Vitamin D is vegan, gluten -free and lactose-free.

Tsunami Nutrition ARTICOLPure Professional

The joints of the human body serve to connect two or more bones, ensuring mobility, strength and flexibility during movement. However, osteoarthritis can affect their health and well-being by causing pain and inflammation.

With this in mind, the team at Tsunami Nutrition has developed ARTICOLPure Professional, a supplement based on the exclusive FORTIGEL® patent, containing high-quality hydrolysed collagen, which has been the subject of several clinical studies demonstrating its significant effects on the regeneration of articular cartilage, which makes up 70 per cent of joint mass.

The formula is enriched with glucosamine, MSM, devil’s claw, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia serrata, vitamins and minerals to help prevent joint problems.

ARTICOLPure Professional is suitable for people with coeliac disease and those who are lactose intolerant; it is gluten-free and lactose-free.

TN Pharma Collagen-Fort

Collagen is a protein essential for joint health. However, as we age, the production of this substance decreases, which contributes to the weakening of bones and joints.

To address this collagen deficiency, TN Pharma has developed Collagen-Fort, a supplement containing the patented hydrolysed marine collagen Naticol® which stimulates collagen synthesis to promote joint health and wellbeing.

This patented active ingredient, based on fish collagen peptides, improves muscle strength and endurance, increases bone density and provides a more compact muscle fibre structure.

Collagen-Fort is vegan, gluten -free and lactose-free.

TN Naturals Arthro Vegan

Osteoarthritis weakens the joints over time, increasing pain and the risk of injury.

To prevent this, TN Naturals has developed Arthro Vegan. This tablet-form supplement, containing glucosamine, MSM, turmeric, boswellia, devil’s claw and hyaluronic acid is extremely beneficial for people suffering from joint pain and for preventing potential injuries caused by the weakening of joints, ligaments and cartilage by keeping them stronger and more flexible.

Arthro Vegan is a vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of dietary supplements for osteoarthritis?

Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis are well tolerated in most cases and do not generally cause any specific side effects. However, gastrointestinal problems may occur due to an intolerance to the substances contained in the product or to an overdose.

Furthermore, caution is advised when taking dietary supplements for bone and joint health if you suffer from any medical condition.

How long does it take to see results from dietary supplements for osteoarthritis?

There is no precise, set timeframe for the effects and results that taking dietary supplements for osteoarthritis can have on our health. This is because each person’s absorption rate varies, and the body reacts differently to the effects of the product depending on the ingredients it contains.

In fact, some people may experience almost immediate relief, as their bodies benefit from the supplement’s action right from the start, whilst others may find that their bodies absorb the circulatory supplement’s formula more slowly.

What are the recommended doses for osteoarthritis supplements?

The recommended dose for osteoarthritis supplements is usually stated on the packaging, and it is advisable to follow the instructions in order to achieve the desired results in managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

However, in some cases, it is possible to take a higher dose of these supplements, particularly in situations where you need to maximise the benefits of the ingredients contained in the product.

For the products we recommend in this article, the recommended dose is as follows:

• TN Pharma Flexi-Fort: take 2 tablets a day
• TN Naturals Vitamin D: take 2 tablets a day with main meals
• Tsunami Nutrition ARTICOLPure Professional: take 8 g ( 2 scoops) in 200–250 ml of water or milk and mix thoroughly
• TN Pharma Collagen-Fort: dissolve the contents of one sachet in 250 ml of water and take once a day
• TN Naturals Arthro Vegan: take 1 tablet a day with a glass of water