Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability in the elderly, affecting daily activities and reducing quality of life. To date, there is no drug that can cure or completely treat osteoarthritis. Intervention strategies often focus on modifying risk factors, controlling symptoms, improving mobility, and improving quality of life. Below are some important nutrients that help strengthen bones, prevent arthritis, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

1. Omega 3

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play an important role in immune regulation and have a positive effect on the body’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms. They can help reduce pain and stiffness in joints similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are absorbed through the diet. Fish oil is a rich source of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs. Studies conducted in animal models have shown the effect of omega-3 fatty acids against experimentally induced arthritis. Feeding mice fish oil delayed the onset and reduced the incidence and severity of type II arthritis.

Fatty fish and nuts are rich sources of omega 3 for the body. (Source: internet)

2. Calcium

Calcium is one of the most abundant elements in the human body and is a major component of mineralized tissues, which contain over 99% of the body’s total calcium. Calcium plays an important role in bone mineralization and is essential for bone growth, development, and strength. Calcium also plays a role in preventing bone loss and fractures due to osteoporosis later in life.

Meta-analyses show that calcium supplementation reduces bone loss by 0.5–1.2% and reduces the risk of fractures by at least 10% in the elderly. 

Calcium – the golden key to strong bones. (Source: Internet)

3. Vitamin

Vitamins are essential micronutrients of the body, they are responsible for participating in many activities such as cell structure, energy metabolism as well as all vital activities of the body, including the health of the skeletal system. Adequate vitamin supplementation maintains the integrity of the bone and joint structure, support flexibility, smooth joint function, while reducing pain and reducing the risk of diseases related to bones and joints.

– Vitamin D: Acting as a calcium transmitter into the body, Vitamin D helps regulate and enhance calcium absorption to accelerate the formation of bone protein and calcium binding. Vitamin D regulates mineral balance and bone metabolism. Children need vitamin D to build strong bones, adults need vitamin D to keep bones strong.

– Vitamin K is a coenzyme needed to produce proteins involved in bone metabolism and regeneration. Vitamin K has two main forms: Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is a factor that plays a role in activating Osteocalcin to take Calcium in the blood and bind to bone structures. Thanks to that, it ensures a healthy, strong skeletal system, with few pathological conditions or injuries. Vitamin K also participates in the mineralization of bones and cartilage;

– Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, involved in the synthesis of collagen type I, supports the immune system, and is an effective anti-inflammatory. Vitamin C also has the ability to increase bone density in the cervical spine and thighs.

Being a micronutrient, Vitamins still play an important role in bone and joint health

4. Protein

In fact, 50% of bones are made up of protein. When this nutrient is not adequately supplemented, the ability to absorb calcium reduced, directly affecting the rate of bone formation and breakdown. Collagen is the main protein that creates a solid skeleton for bone cells to develop, allowing bones to be strong and reducing the risk of fractures. In addition, Collagen also helps strengthen the connection between cells, thereby improving the ability of bones to recover after injury. Collagen supplementation can support the treatment of bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis while helping to slow down the aging process of bones.

Protein plays an important role in bone formation as well as bone mass accumulation. (Source: Internet)

5. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in articular cartilage, which plays an important role in maintaining the structure and health of joints by preventing cartilage degeneration, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. At the same time, Glucosamine improves the autophagic response of chondrocytes and promotes the chondrogenic ability of stem cells. Therefore, glucosamine acts as a building block of the cartilage matrix and has many roles in promoting joint health.

Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are commonly used to support the treatment of osteoarthritis. In addition, Glucosamine is also indicated for the treatment of joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Glucosamine – a companion of bones and joints (Source: Internet)

Above are some nutrients that are good for the musculoskeletal system and contribute to reducing osteoarthritis. In order for these nutrients to become “golden nutrients” in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal problems, the elderly should supplement nutrients through a balanced and effective diet such as:

Maintain a scientific diet by combining many types of nutrient-rich foods instead of focusing on just a few dishes because of their high nutritional content, avoid consuming one type of food for a long time. Regularly change the menu, while balancing nutrients from both animals and plants.

In addition to daily food sources, the elderly can supplement nutrients through specialized nutritional solutions such as the Nutricare Bone nutritional product.

Nutricare Bone was researched and developed by the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI-USA), supplementing more than 50 nutrients that enables strengthened bones and flexible joints. Glucosamine in Nutricare Bone is imported from the US and plays a role in increasing the production of synovial fluid and cartilage cells to help lubricate cartilage, increase the flexibility and elasticity of joints. In particular, Nutricare Bone has an outstandingly high calcium content of 1800 mg to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption in the intestines and Vitamin K2 helps transport and increase the density of calcium attached to the skeleton, maximizing the body’s calcium utilization efficiency, allowing to strengthen bones. Nutricare Bone is the perfect choice for people in need of bone and joint function enhancement.

Taking care of bone and joint health is a comprehensive process that starts with the daily diet, so hopefully the information shared above provides plenty of useful information about supplementing nutrients that are good for bones and joints. From which, allows everyone, especially the elderly, know how to care for and improve the strength and flexibility of bones and joints, prevent and support the treatment of “old-age diseases” of bones and joints.