Dietary Supplements for Joints and Stronger Bones

Joints and bones are like pillars to our body. When bones are not strong enough to carry body weight, a person may face mild to severe fractures, deviation of bones in pelvic (hip) region and joints damage.

Why Bones get weak?

Minerals deposited inside the bone structure like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium determine the strength of bones. Except these minerals, our body requires vitamin D to enhance the absorption of these minerals. So, when bone mineral density is not up to the mark, the bones get weaker; a condition known as osteoporosis. A lifestyle comprising of the following unhealthy habits can lead to weak bones and damaged joints:

•    Excessive consumption of carbonated beverages

•    Less consumption of nutrient dense foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.)

•    Lactose intolerance; a condition in which a person is unable to digest sugar, naturally present in milk

•    Severely restricted diet or long-term starvation

•    Inability of our body to absorb nutrients; like post-operative conditions or intestinal issues

•    Less exposure to sunlight

How Joints get affected due to Osteoporosis?

Movement of our body depends on two things; strong bones and flexible joints. Although, our joints are directly attached with our muscles, but for smooth movement they need a strong support in the form of mineral dense bones. When bones are not strong enough to provide the required support, the joints may get ruptured and inflamed.

Our body joints contain a lubricant for smooth and flexible movement, known as synovial fluid. When the joints get damaged, the fluid leaks out and this causes resistance in joint mobility. This can lead to joints inflammation and damage.

Dietary approaches for making Bones and Joints Strong

As discussed earlier, unhealthy diet can lead to weak bones and inflamed joints. Therefore, a diet rich in essential minerals can help in improving the overall health of joints and bones. For example, intake of;

•    Low fat dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)

•    Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli)

•    Seeds (sesame seeds and flaxseeds)

•    Soy products

•    Green colored vegetables (spinach, okra) can help in improving bone mineral density

Along with all these dietary modifications, a proper exposure to sunlight is also very important, as sunlight is the natural source of vitamin D to our skin. It can also be obtained from foods; fish, egg yolk, but in trace amounts. Though the natural and most beneficial source of vitamin D is Sun.

And when the diet is not enough to fulfill the nutritional requirements, supplements come into the play. According to the National Nutrition Survey conducted in 2018, 62.7% of Pakistan’s population is vitamin D deficient, out of which the prevalence in females is slightly higher. 

Supplements for Strong Bones:

Nutrifactor has formulated several supplements which can help to make bones and joints stronger.

1.    Bonex-D (Tablets)

This dietary supplement contains sufficient amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for enhanced Calcium absorption which ultimately helps in making bones stronger.

2.    Nucal-Z (Tablets)

Nucal-Z contains Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Gluconate and Zinc Gluconate. All these nutrients, not only provide a good support to the bones but help to support heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and to support immune system too.

3.    Nucal-M (Tablets)

It contains active form of Vitamin D, and bioavailable salts of Calcium and Magnesium. All these nutrients play role in improving bone mineral density and to support muscle and nerve functioning.

Supplements to promote Joints Health:

1.    Nuflex (Tablets)

Nuflex is a dietary supplement, which contains nutrients like Vitamin D3, Selenium, Chondroitin Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate and a couple of other nutrients which are helpful in making joints healthy and flexible. Chondroitin Sulfate helps in preventing cartilage from getting damage.

2.    Jointin-D (Tablets)

Jointin-D contains functional components which support mobility, flexibility and repairing of joints. Composition of this dietary supplement is beneficial in improving overall health of joints. MSM present in this supplement, is involved in the development of connective tissues.

3.    Turmeric (Capsules)

Turmeric contains a lipid dissolving component, Curcumin, which has several roles in our body, including reducing inflammation. Therefore, this natural ingredient can be used for relieving joint pain and other inflammatory issues.

Though, dietary supplements can help in improving the overall health of bones and joints, but nutrient rich diet and proper exercise, are still the constant factors for improving overall health.

References:

•    https://www.webmd.com/diet/magnesium-and-your-health#1

•    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8642450/

•    https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-vitamin-d

•    https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-744/chondroitin-sulfate

•    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150191/

•    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/methylsulfonylmethane