Vitamins for Joints and Bones

The Joints That Are Most Commonly Affected and Their Causes

Joints that take a lot of weight, such as the knees, hips, and ankles, are among the most commonly affected by various forms of arthritis. Also, the lower back, hands, and neck are prone to developing arthritis as one ages.

Several common joint issues cause acute or chronic pain for millions worldwide. They include the following conditions.  

8 Top Vitamins For Bones and Joints

These seven vitamin supplements can do more than revitalize your joints and bones. They also have additional properties so that no matter what type of lifestyle you live, there will be one that fits your needs.

Do Vitamins For Joints Really Work?

It is a well known scientific fact that vitamins are vital to bone and joint health. There are many studies from all over the world about various vitamin supplements and how they interact with joints, bone, and cartilage. Some have mixed results, while others have too few participants to make any concrete discoveries. Every supplement provided in the sections below have data backing up their efficacy.

While the field can always benefit from more research, we do have a pretty big body to work with already. Below are several studies that have proven the positive benefits of specific vitamins on joint health. 

A 2015 study conducted in China showed conclusive proof that both glucosamine and chondroitin successfully treated knee joint pain.

A 2001 study by the University of Miami confirmed that ginger root extract had a mild positive effect on individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.

A 2016 meta-analysis out of South Korea confirmed that turmeric helps decrease joint pain experienced by people with arthritis.

Those are several of a large body of scientific work that positively connects vitamin supplements with healthier bones and joints. 

FAQs

For anyone new to taking supplements and vitamins, it might be a bit confusing trying to figure out exactly which ones you need or how to determine what could potentially be the cause of your joint discomfort. Below are common questions. You can find out more about specific supplements by checking out their page in our online catalog.

Does B12 deficiency cause joint pain?

The short answer is yes. Vitamin B12 is responsible for metabolism within the body's cells, and it keeps blood cells and nerves working properly. A deficiency can lead to nerve damage and anemia. Some of the most common side effects of not having enough B12 in your diet include the following.

• Tingling sensations in arms and legs
• Decreased count of red blood cells
• Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Issues with vision
• Problems with balance or locomotion
• Joint pain

How does a Vitamin D deficiency affect joint pain?

A 2017 Swedish study was able to link Vitamin D supplements with overall pain management. It is also known that a Vitamin D deficiency can cause joint pain, so making sure that you have enough in your diet or included in your supplements can help.

Who should not take glucosamine?

There are certain individuals who will want to avoid taking glucosamine or supplements that feature it as a compound. Anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid supplements with glucosamine sulfate because it is often sourced from shellfish. There are forms that are made in a laboratory that would not affect an allergy sufferer. It is best to speak with a health professional before taking glucosamine if you have the following conditions which may be affected by it.

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Any bleeding-related disorders
• Problems with balance or locomotion
• Heart disease

If you are on blood thinners, then you will want to avoid both chondroitin and glucosamine. It is known to have an effect on glucose levels and certain cholesterols. It should not be taken by people who eat a diet that is abnormally high in fatty food as it might increase the risk of high cholesterol and related disorders.

Are bananas bad for arthritis?

They are actually perfect for various forms of arthritis and treating joint issues. Bananas have significant levels of potassium and magnesium. They both are excellent nutrients for increasing bone density. Magnesium is known to alleviate joint pain caused by arthritis. Bananas are known to help stop inflammation, strengthen the immune system of cells, and they are excellent antioxidants. 

Can glucosamine cause liver damage?

In 2018 the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ran a study to determine if glucosamine causes liver damage. They found no evidence that regular use of glucosamine causes liver damage. They determined that it would be under exceptionally rare circumstances if it took place, which might be due to the quality of glucosamine or other conditions. 

The study went on to note that even in cases where it appeared that taking a glucosamine supplement caused liver problems, there was no way to determine if it was, instead, due to some contaminant that may have been mixed into a low-quality supplement. They had no reason to believe that an amino sugar would cause mild or severe liver damage based on the known data. 

Does glucosamine make you gain weight?

The diet that you eat is going to determine whether glucosamine will support weight loss or weight gain. As was mentioned in an earlier question, glucosamine is an amino sugar, and it does sometimes cause a rise in blood sugar, which might lead to very slight weight gain. However, a 2015 Korean study showed that glucosamine could contribute to weight loss when combined with a high-fat diet. For diets with high amounts of carbs and low-fat foods, it can cause weight gain.

In either case, the difference is minimal, and faster weight loss is more likely to occur when combined with regular exercise.