| Arthritis is a complex disorder that comprises more | | | | calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Although, food |
| than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at | | | | is always the preferred source for vitamins and |
| any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are | | | | minerals, it may be essential to use supplementation to |
| osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These two | | | | assist in counterbalancing the outlined deficiencies and |
| forms have very different causes, risk factors, and | | | | improving nutritional status for patients with RA. |
| effects on the body. The most common symptom in | | | | Increased intake of antioxidants such as selenium and |
| both is persistent joint pain. The joint pain of arthritis | | | | vitamin E may decrease free-radical damage to joint |
| can appear as hip pain, knee pain, hand pain, or wrist | | | | linings, which diminish swelling and pain. |
| pain, as well as joint pain in other areas of the body. | | | | Both Vitamin D and Calcium are vital nutrients for |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | | | | strong bones and teeth, Calcium plays an essential role |
| This is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and | | | | in nerve and muscle formation as well as blood clotting |
| most experts believe it could be a result of | | | | and regulation of the heartbeat. Absorption of calcium |
| inflammation which leads to the complications because | | | | in the body can be inefficient and as Vitamin D |
| the bones of the spine grow together. | | | | promotes absorption, these two nutrients are best |
| Juvenile arthritis | | | | taken together. |
| This is nothing more then a general term for all types | | | | Vitamin C and other antioxidants – Vitamin C is |
| of arthritis that occur in children. Children may develop | | | | utilized in the formation of collagen in cartilage and it |
| juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms of lupus, | | | | serves as an antioxidant that is effective in preventing |
| ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis. | | | | inflammation. Studies have suggested improvements in |
| Vitamins and Calcium for Arthritis Pain | | | | OA patients who consumed an average of 152 mg of |
| No matter what kind of arthritis you may have, a | | | | Vitamin C per day. Other excellent sources of |
| balanced diet is essential for good health. Some | | | | antioxidants include colorful fruits and vegetables and |
| preliminary studies suggest that two nutrients in | | | | dark chocolate. |
| particular -- vitamin C and vitamin D -- may show | | | | Foods high in calcium include dairy products such as |
| promise for easing osteoarthritis. (Vitamin D helps your | | | | milk, cheese, and yogurt; calcium-fortified orange juice; |
| body absorb calcium, builds bone mass, and prevents | | | | and broccoli. Vitamin D is found in dairy products. Being |
| bone loss; vitamin C helps your body repair tissue.) | | | | out in sunlight for at least 15 minutes each day without |
| Make sure you get enough calcium, which will | | | | sunscreen will also help with vitamin D intake; your |
| strengthen your bones and help prevent osteoporosis. | | | | body makes vitamin D when it's exposed to sunlight. |
| Consult your doctor to see if a vitamin supplement is | | | | Food-based sources of vitamins and minerals are |
| right for you. | | | | better than dietary supplements, which are not as fully |
| The most commonly observed vitamin and mineral | | | | absorbed by the body. If your child has little appetite |
| deficiencies in patients with RA, are folic acid, vitamin | | | | for food, however, your doctor may recommend |
| C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folic acid, | | | | dietary supplements. |