Hi my name is Sue Yu.
I'm a registered dietitian at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is thought
to be one of the leading causes of disability.
OA disrupts or limits one's ability
to do activities of daily living.
There is evidence and research to support
that certain supplementation can reduce inflammation, improve
joint mobility, and improve bone health.
Having a healthy, well-balanced diet
is important to staying healthy.
However, supplementation might be needed
to improve the symptoms of OA.
Certain vitamins and minerals are called antioxidants.
they help to protect cells and cell
membranes from damage, which can help to alleviate inflammation.
Some examples all beta-carotene, such as vitamin A, vitamin C,
vitamin E, and selenium.
OA weakens the cartilage around the affected joints,
causing the bone to change.
When this happens, it increases your risk
for osteoporosis, a disease where
bones become weak and brittle.
Consuming adequate calcium intake,
either from diet and or supplements,
can help to strengthen your bones.
It is best to obtain calcium from your diet
first when possible.
Good sources of calcium containing foods
are milk, cheese, or yogurt, calcium fortified soy, almond,
rice milk, fortified orange juice,
canned sardines with bones, canned salmon with bones,
and calcium fortified cereals, to name a few.
The recommended daily amount of calcium you need
is depending on your age and gender.
The general range is from 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg a day.
In addition to having calcium for bone health,
it is also important to have adequate vitamin D. Vitamin
D helps the body to absorb calcium
and helps to inhibit to some inflammation in cells
caused by OA.
The recommended intake for adults
is 800 international units a day.
However, you may need more, depending on your vitamin D
level.
Speak to your doctor about having your vitamin D
level checked.
Good sources of vitamin D are found
in fortified dairy products, fatty fish, egg yolks,
and liver.
Try getting some mild sun exposure,
about 10 to 20 minutes a day.
Since vitamin D is hard to find in food,
supplements might be needed.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are probably
the most well known supplements to use to ease OA related pain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin or naturally occurring
chemicals found in the fluids around joints.
These supplements are often used in combination.
Some research indicates patients have similar reduction in knee
pain as compared to taking anti-inflammatories
Once you are taking this supplement,
it may take up to four to eight weeks to notice the effects.
SAMe is a compound found naturally
in the body that helps produce and regulate hormones
and maintain cell membranes.
It plays a role in pain receptors
by acting as a pain reliever.
SAMe may work as well as aspirin and similar drugs
and may stimulate cartilage growth.
SAMe takes as long as other drugs
to see effects, about one month or more.
It is what recommended it to take 600 milligrams to 1,200 mg
a day and is best when divided into three doses.
Do not take if you're planning surgery.
Please remember to talk with your doctor
first before taking any supplements.
Your doctor can review any medications
you are taking to ensure there's no into actions
between the drugs, as well as to determine
whether the supplement is right for you.
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