Arthritis is a disease that damages joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and limited range of motion. More than 100 different arthritis diseases exist, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There is no known cure for this progressive disease, so treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation and slowing joint deterioration.
Part of a broader management plan includes supplements for arthritis that support joint health, improve mobility and relieve discomfort. Understanding which supplements will be helpful is essential to making an informed decision about your health. At MAF Supplies, we’re committed to effective, proven and alternative healthcare to improve your quality of life and overall wellbeing. Our goal is to help you navigate your options on health-focused products as part of a medically informed care plan.
Key Takeaways
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Table of Contents
- Which Arthritis Supplements Relieve Pain?
- What Vitamins Are Good for Arthritis?
- Supplements for Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Difference?
- Is There an Alternative to Arthritis Supplements?
- A Holistic Arthritis Management Plan
Which Arthritis Supplements Relieve Pain?
Supplements are widely marketed for their potential to support joint health, improve mobility and relieve discomfort. Some aim to reduce inflammation, whereas others are designed to support cartilage, lubricate joints or address nutritional deficiencies that may worsen symptoms.
Here are some widely recognised arthritis supplements used to support joint comfort and function.
GcMAF
GcMAF is one of the supplements to consider for arthritis. What is GcMAF? GcMAF is a Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor. It initiates and regulates cell and neuro functions in the body. This function includes activating macrophages. This helps eliminate harmful cells that attack the body.
GcMAF supplementation may be helpful in managing autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It can restore balance to the immune response and reduce inflammation. GcMAF benefits extend beyond arthritis, supporting bone health and alleviating chronic pain.
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e)
SAM-e is a natural compound produced from methionine, an amino acid. It has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and cartilage-protecting effects, making it one of the best supplements for osteoarthritis. SAM-e also enhances mood and improves brain function, so it’s also useful for depression management.
Fish oil
Fish oil contains polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fats are more effective at managing rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis because inflammation primarily drives rheumatoid arthritis. The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake of 1,600 mg for men and 1,100 mg for women.
Curcumin
A popular spice, turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin. Curcumin acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It blocks an inflammation-promoting enzyme, making it useful for rheumatoid arthritis. This supplement for arthritis seems to provide relief from swelling and tenderness.
Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)
ASU is an extract from avocado and soybean oil. The extract inhibits cartilage breakdown and promotes repair. As a natural, slow-acting agent, ASUs manage acute pain and actively prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.
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Boswellia
Boswellia serrata, also called Indian frankincense, comes from the gum resin of the Boswellia tree bark. It contains potent anti-inflammatories that block inflammatory molecules that attack joints and other tissues. It also reduces cartilage damage in arthritis. It’s one of the best supplements for arthritis because it can help with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Other natural supplements for arthritis are aloe vera, eucalyptus, green tea and ginger.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have also been listed as supplements, but findings have been inconsistent. According to a Harvard Health Publishing report, small studies found that people with knee osteoarthritis felt moderately better after taking either supplement. But the same number of people who took the same supplements found no benefit.
What Vitamins Are Good for Arthritis?
Evidence has yet to show that taking vitamins improves symptoms of arthritis, but they’re necessary for overall health. A diet rich in these nutrients can improve bone health, prevent the risk of high inflammation levels and ensure normal bodily function. Vitamin deficiencies have also been linked to people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, low levels of B6 and B12 are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of the best vitamins for arthritis are vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B6, B12, and K. Vitamins D and K are essential for bone strength; vitamin D also helps fight inflammation, and vitamin K supports cartilage structure.
Supplements for Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: What’s the Difference?
Osteoarthritis wears away the cartilage that caps the joints in your bones, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining that lubricates and protects the joints. Their differences as a disease are relevant to the supplements’ targets.
Supplements for rheumatoid arthritis aim to manage immune-driven inflammation, whereas osteoarthritis supplements work to support cartilage to prevent further wear and tear.
So if you’re looking for the best products for arthritis in the hands, the answer would depend on the type of arthritis.
Is There an Alternative to Supplements for Arthritis?
Yes, there are alternatives to supplements for arthritis. These include weight management with diet and exercise, acupuncture, heat and cold therapy, and therapeutic massage. Your physician may also prescribe lifestyle changes to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
A Holistic Arthritis Management Plan
Arthritis requires a holistic approach, combining lifestyle changes and supplements with prescribed medications formulated for arthritis.
Supplements are generally safe, but always check with your physician first before taking any. Your doctor will take your medical history into account when prescribing a suitable supplement or vitamin for arthritis, including the dosage. Note that supplements are not meant to replace medication for arthritis.
Check your options for managing arthritis, including MAF’s scientifically developed supplements, from GcMAF capsules to powders.
Author
Dr Toshio Inui
Doctor, expert in internal medicine and worldwide authority on GcMAF treatments, Dr. Inui is the visiting professor at Kagoshima University. He has dedicated his career to developing innovative treatments using MAF, and has 22 research works and 266 citations into macrophage activating factors.