Osteoarthritis Supplements and Tests: A Practitioner Guide
Supplement considerations
Vitamin D3 & K2
Vitamin D3 & K2 is an essential vitamin for those with osteoarthritis. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium across the intestines and into the blood. The majority of the population do not have sufficient vitamin D blood levels.1
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium plays a role in muscle function and nerve signalling. It helps relax muscles around joints, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Magnesium also regulates inflammation, which is crucial for managing osteoarthritis.2
Vegan Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, reducing joint pain, stiffness, and cartilage degradation. Studies show that Omega 3s decrease inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins, both of which contribute to osteoarthritis progression.3
Curcumin & Turmeric
Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, has been shown to reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis by blocking inflammatory pathways. It works similarly to NSAIDs but without the gastrointestinal side effects.4
OsteoFriend®
A blend of 19 active ingredients to support bone and joint health.
Testing considerations
| Test | Marker | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| X-Ray & MRI | Joint space narrowing Cartilage loss Osteophyte formation |
Joint space narrowing, cartilage loss, osteophyte formation X-rays help diagnose osteoarthritis severity by identifying joint degeneration. MRI provides detailed images of cartilage health and soft tissue inflammation. |
| Inflammatory markers | C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ESR |
Elevated inflammatory markers, CRP and ESR, indicate systemic inflammation, which can contribute to osteoarthritis progression. |
| Vitamin D | 25-Hydroxyvitamin D | Ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels is crucial for reducing joint pain and supporting bone and cartilage health. |
| Collagen & cartilage degradation markers | C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) | Measures the rate of cartilage breakdown. Elevated levels suggest increased joint degeneration. |
| Blood Sugar & insulin resistance | Fasting glucose, HbA1c | High blood sugar contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress, worsening osteoarthritis symptoms. Managing blood sugar is important for slowing disease progression. |