Hyaluronic Acid For Dry Eye
HA is found naturally in the aqueous humor and vitreous of the eye. It is useful in retaining water studies show that it can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a useful rewetting agent.
It also helps stabilize the tear film in the eye which along with its wound healing capabilities, make it very useful in the treatment of dry eye, improving vision in post-surgical patients, and healing corneal abrasions.
Bottom Line: Keep some HA drops handy in your medicine cabinet.
Can Protein Supplements Cause Arthritis
Q) Is there any evidence to show that taking protein supplements can cause or worsen arthritis?
Antony – 2017
A) If you’re at risk of gout, excessive protein intake may be problematic. Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis and is caused by having too much uric acid in your bloodstream. Uric acid is the waste product created when the body breaks down purines; a type of protein found in many foods and all your cells.
Gout is a metabolic disease which is mainly influenced by our genes, age, gender and ethnicity. However, levels of uric acid are also affected by what we eat. If you’re at risk of gout, eating a lot of protein in the form of red meat, soya or shellfish, all high in purines, makes attacks more likely. So, eating lots of protein is bad news for people with gout.
Protein supplements in the form of whey proteins contain gycomacropeptide, a component of milk that appears to reduce the risk of attacks of gout. However, people with gout should be careful about increasing their protein load with whey. The burden on the kidneys to excrete or clear the extra whey products might become excessive, so its always worth getting a blood test to check your kidney function if you have gout and are considering using whey protein supplements.
This answer was provided by Dr Tom Margham in 2017, and was correct at the time of publication.
Turmeric And Curcumin For Arthritis
Research suggests turmeric and its components can potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain.1–4
Most people know turmeric as a powdered spice used to give foods flavor and colorit gives many curries their deep golden color. Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have found curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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What Is The Evidence Of Using Bee Venom Injections For Arthritis Pain
Q) My 37-year-old-daughter has had;juvenile idiopathic arthritis since she was two. We tried all avenues to help her, including some visits to a homeopath when she was 1718. The homeopath decided on a course of bee venom injections.
The results were absolutely amazing. Almost overnight she went from being unable to walk short distances without pain to being ‘normal’ and walking quite a long way.
But the effects seemed short-lived. A combination of leaving for university and one very unpleasant injection, coupled with the miracle wearing off, meant that the injections were no longer pursued.
My daughter now regularly injects herself with an anti-TNF product, which concerns me. Recently she suffered a very nasty streptococcal infection. Id be very interested to hear of any further developments with bee venom trials.
Glynis, via email – 2015
A) Bee venom therapy has been around for thousands of years. Reference to the treatment can be found in ancient Egypt and Greek medical writings. Also known as apitherapy, the technique is more widely used in Eastern Europe, Asia and South America.
A number of animal studies have shown that bee venom has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. High-quality trials in humans are needed to define any future role of bee venom for arthritis but I’m not aware of any that are being undertaken.
This answer was provided by Dr Tom Margham in 2015, and was correct at the time of publication.
Does Dose Or Supplement Type Matter
Studies suggest that there may be a dose response relationship between marine n-3 PUFAs and the reduction of ARA-derived eicosanoids associated with inflammation. To elicit an anti-inflammatory effect, a threshold intake of 2.7 g per day EPA has been suggested.5,11 Studies using low intakes of EPA and DHA have not concluded any clinical benefit from fish oil supplementation.5
Other studies have made similar conclusions, observing symptomatic benefits with doses above 2.7 g per day after a delay of 23 months.14,15;However, participants in these studies had established disease and were subject to study withdrawal if treatment variation was required. These limitations are problematic for interpreting the effect of fish oil supplementation in modern RA treatment.15
Some studies have also suggested that the type of n-3 PUFA may have some impact on clinical efficacy, with EPA more effective than DHA in improving disease outcomes for patients with RA. In a systematic review, a significant, beneficial effect on joint pain was observed for fish oil with an EPA/DHA ratio > 1.5, suggesting that EPA is more beneficial than DHA.6
With this evidence in mind, a threshold intake of at least 2.7 g daily is recommended in clinical guidelines in order to achieve a mild anti-inflammatory effect for patients with RA.
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The 14 Best Joint Pain Supplements
Considering ingredients quality and efficiency, label transparency, product reviews, weve picked out 10 of the best joint pain supplements in terms of safety and efficiency.
Projoint Plus is a dietary product, which is formulated to assist with alleviating pain in your joints. This supplement contains a potent dose of ingredients that have been scientifically proven to provide relief in the symptoms experienced following an injury, as well as caused by arthritis.
Age-related deterioration, which is usually caused by wear-and-tear over the years, can also have a significant impact on a persons life. This supplement will also assist with reducing the symptoms caused by these problems.
The supplement is in the form of a capsule that can be taken with or without a meal. It also contains ingredients that assist with the delivery of the active ingredients into the bloodstream; thus providing faster results.
This product can be purchased from the official website at $29.95 for a packet of sixty pills. This formula also offered on a 60-day money-back guarantee. There is a lack of information regarding the manufacturers of Projoint Plus, and specific dosage instructions are also not provided on the page that describes the benefits of the product.
With sixty capsules found in each container; however, the user would most likely be required to take two capsules daily more accurate dosage instructions can be found on the products label.
Reducing The Need For Treatment
NSAIDs are often recommended for short-term pain relief for patients with RA. These medicines exert their analgesic effects by inhibiting COX, an enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation.3 As their use is associated with increased risk of upper gastrointestinal and CV events, NSAIDs should be used in the lowest dose possible needed to reduce pain, and for short periods only.10,11;A meta-analysis concluded that n-3 PUFAs at doses > 2.7 g/day for > 3 months significantly reduced NSAID use by patients with RA with no heterogeneity between studies .3
The effects of cod liver oil supplementation on NSAID requirements for patients with RA are also promising.12
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Where Do I Find Omega
- Oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel
- Flaxseed and canola oil
- Walnuts
- Foods fortified with omega-3, such as margarines and eggs.
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fats may help you to achieve benefits for your heart and general health. However it is unlikely that you can obtain enough omega-3 fats from your diet to reduce inflammation without fish oil supplements.
How Much Is Too Much
Because high doses of some supplements can have risks, how do you know when it’s OK to take more than the RDA or DV?
One way is to look for the UL of a nutrient. With many vitamins and minerals, you can safely take a dose much higher than the RDA or DV without coming close to the UL.
For instance, the average person can take more than 50 times the RDA of vitamin B6 without reaching the upper limit. But some people develop symptoms of nerve pain with these higher levels of B6. So you should always be cautious. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Some supplements are riskier than others. With some vitamins and minerals, the upper limit is pretty close to the RDA. So it’s easy to get too much. For example, a man who takes just over three times the RDA of vitamin A would get more than the upper limit. High doses of vitamin A — and other fat-soluble vitamins like E and K — can build up in the body and become toxic. Other risky supplements include the minerals iron and selenium.
Supplementsare designed to be additions to your diet.Popping pills is not the answer to good health. Experts say you should eat a well-balanced diet and take supplements to fill in any nutritional gaps. Some people take a multivitamin with minerals for nutritional insurance.
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But Wait A Minute What About Hyaluronic Acid And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can HA help alleviate the pain and stiffness you feel with RA?
Maybe. There are not a ton of studies out there but there are a few.
In a study of 20 RA patients who also had osteoarthritis of the knee, intra-articular injection of HA was found to be beneficial
A 2015 study found that intra-articular injections of HA were 1.5 times more effective than Naproxen and 3.5 times more effective than acetaminophen.
Bottom Line: HA injections may be effective in the relieving pain and stiffness associated with OA, but the jurys still out on RA more research appears to be needed.
For Other Parts Of The Body
Only a small amount of research has been done on glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis of joints other than the knee and hip. Because there have been only a few relatively small studies, no definite conclusions can be reached.
More information
- Chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the handA 6-month trial of chondroitin in 162 patients with severe osteoarthritis of the hand showed that it may improve pain and function.
- Glucosamine for osteoarthritis of the jawOne study of 45 patients with osteoarthritis of the jaw showed that those given glucosamine had less pain than those given ibuprofen. But another study, which included 59 patients with osteoarthritis of the jaw, found that those taking glucosamine did no better than those taking a placebo .
- Glucosamine for chronic low-back pain and osteoarthritis of the spineA Norwegian trial involving 250 people with chronic low-back pain and osteoarthritis of the lower spine found that participants who received glucosamine fared the same at 6 months as those who received placebo.
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Solgar Boswellia Resin Extract Vegetable Capsules
Solgar Boswellia Resin Extract capsules are great for many reasons, one being they’re nice and inclusive – suitable for vegetarians, vegans and kosher approved.
Boswellia is also known as Indian frankincense, the active components in the extract are widely known for naturally having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it’s also been used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions across the globe for centuries.
Some studies have also shown that it may be able to slow the autoimmune process, thus helping to further prevent cartilage loss, which should allow for more freedom in movement that can be comfortably enjoyed.
What Type Of Supplement Should I Choose
Fish oil supplements are available as capsules or as a liquid. Different brands of capsules vary in the amount of omega-3 fats they contain so it is worthwhile to compare brands. Check the label to see the amount of omega-3 contained in each capsule . Bottled fish oil is generally the most convenient and least expensive way to take the dose needed to reduce inflammation . Capsules are preferred by some people and are more portable when travelling.
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What Dose Should I Take For Arthritis
Research suggests the dose needed to reduce joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is 2.7 grams of omega-3 daily. This dose usually requires approximately either:
- nine to 14 standard 1000mg fish oil capsules or five to seven capsules of a fish oil concentrate per day, or
- 15mL of bottled fish oil or five to seven mL of concentrated bottled fish oil per day.
For osteoarthritis, fish oil supplements at a lower dose may be useful. A recent study showed that there was no advantage in using high dose fish oil for osteoarthritis of the knee. Lower doses of fish oil can also benefit your heart and general health.
Can I Still Take Vitamin Supplements While On Methotrexate
Q) I take;plaquenil and;methotrexate for my rheumatoid arthritis, and folic acid. My rheumatology clinic has suggested not taking vitamin supplements as it’s not known if they’ll react with methotrexate and stop it working. What do you think about supplements and methotrexate?
Joyce, York – 2010
A) I presume your clinic was unsure which supplemental vitamins you were taking. From a prescribers point of view that’s the nightmare the patient taking a drug or drugs which they have bought themselves and which may interact or counteract with a drug;that has been prescribed for their condition. I use the word drug loosely, as many food supplements and vitamins can interact with prescribed medication. An example is grapefruit juice and;ciclosporin the one counteracts the other. In the case of methotrexate the concern would largely be folic and folinic acids, which act against the methotrexate. Folic acid is usually prescribed, in small doses, along with methotrexate so that it can minimise the side-effects of the drug. Large doses, particularly taken on the same day as methotrexate, would stop the drug working. Some foods also contain folic acid, particularly green vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and;peas, as well as chickpeas and brown rice.
This answer was provided by Dr Philip Helliwell in 2010, and was correct at the time of publication..
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Glucosamine Hcl & Chondroitin Tablets
If you’re not ready to give up activity just yet, it’s good practice to replenish what you’re losing.
Our bodies naturally create glucosamine and chondroitin, they’re what form all of the cartilage components, cartilage absorption in the early stage of arthritis is what you’ll want to repair and rejuvenate in order to comfortably move around.
If you’re running, doing intense training or any activities that might need a little bit of absorption on impact.
Should You Try Herbs Supplements And Vitamins
Before your rheumatoid arthritis prescription medication reaches your hands, its gone through medical research. Its also gone through clinical trials and its effectiveness and safety have been proven and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
The FDA doesnt currently approve dietary supplements including herbs, minerals, and vitamins. But some people do report temporary relief from their RA symptoms when using some complementary therapies.
The complementary treatments covered in this guide shouldnt replace your current medications. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbs, supplements, or vitamins. Some remedies can cause serious side effects or cause a dangerous interaction with your current medications.
Also be sure to check youre purchasing these products from reputable sources. Talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider about how to find high-quality products.
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How To Choose The Best Joint Pain Supplements
Choosing joint pain supplements is not easy. This is mostly because there is an abundance of joint pain supplements on the market with most of them not offering any true measurable benefits.
Because most of these products are designed as dietary supplements, they dont undergo rigorous FDA testing making their ingredient safety and efficiency highly debatable.
Furthermore, the studies on common ingredients in joint pain supplements are inconclusive and contradictory, as stated in a review on joint pain supplements published in Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
So choosing the best joint pain supplements will largely depend on your own research and trust regarding these products.
Supplements And Vitamins For Arthritis
There are a large number of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are thought to help people manage their arthritis symptoms, but some of them are not supported by science. Here, we take a closer look at supplements and vitamins thought to aid people with arthritis and whether there is research to support those claims.
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How Effective Is Vitamin B5 For Osteoarthritis
Q) My partner and I both find vitamin B5 extremely effective in dealing with the symptoms of;osteoarthritis and are puzzled that its use for this isn’t more widely known. I understand a Dr Barton-White did research into this back in the 1960s. I wonder why this wasn’t followed up. Can you shed any light on this?
Peter, Guildford – 2005
A) Pantothenic acid is available in a variety of foods. Rich sources of pantothenic acid include liver and kidney, yeast, egg yolk, broccoli and whole grains. Fish, shellfish, chicken, milk, yogurt, legumes, mushrooms, avocado and sweet potatoes are also good sources. Deficiency of this vitamin is virtually unknown because it occurs in so many foods. As you state, there were a number of studies in the early 1960s but nothing has been published since. I’ve as yet been unable to review the early studies so cant pass on my comments to you but, in the absence of a clear therapeutic reason, you’re unlikely to need supplements of this vitamin.
This answer was provided by Dr Philip Helliwell in 2005, and was correct at the time of publication.