Glucosamine does not work, and has been shown to destroy pancreatic islet cells. It raises ones blood sugar by a different mechanism than glucose does, and there is anecdotal evidence the effect is permanent. Chondroitin adds nothing but the benefits of placebo effect. Long term cchronic NSAID use can cause joint deterioration, but for acute episodes of pain can be very effective if stomach bleeding and upset are not a problem.
Resveratrol can cause joint pain, but I've never seen evidence of actual joint damage. Resveratrol is a mild anti-aromatase inhibitor, like Tamoxifen. Vitamin D is often prescribed for joint pain that is concomitant with use of Tamoxifen. Personal experience, and that of others, shows the joint pain of resveratrol resolves with adequate vitamin D status, once one gets one's 25-D-hydroxy level above 30. I take Resveratrol because it is the most effective thing I've tried for osteoarthritis. It inhibits nf-Kappa beta, which is the main inflammatory agent in OA, and reduces swelling and pain. My symptoms including trigger-finger and
hallux rigidus (frozen painful big toe) have greatly ameliorated or disappeared. Symptoms recur if I cease resveratrol use at around 400 mg daily. NSAIDs eased the pain some, reduced the swelling a little, but did not stop progression, much less reverse it. Resveratrol cured my big toe:
Vitamin D has been the supplement of the decade, but is facing a medical back-lash. Some doctors think that like Fosamax, its use will lead to fractures. See
New York Times Article.
K2 as MK-4 or MK-7 is promising in the lab, as are so many things. High dietary intake of suck K2 rich foods as fermented soy (natto) or stinky cheeses correlates with decreased fracture risk and favorable bone calcium status and reduced calcium plaque in arteries. Whether K2 supplements, or which K2 supplement, might have thttp://www.imminst.org/forum/public/style_images/master/rte_icons/link.pnghis effect is unknown. Correlation does not mean causation. We tend to confound them when evaluating supplements.
I think that running cannot help but be hard on one's knees. Cycling often helps, as the repetitive fluid motion is good for the joint. Cycling will not help prevent osteoporosis. Sometimes ditching fancy running shoes anhttp://www.imminst.org/forum/public/style_images/master/rte_icons/picture.pngd using a plane flat old fashion sneaker or tennis shoe, or even running barefoot, is helpful for runners with knee problems.
Resveratrol cured my toe
Edited by maxwatt, 30 November 2010 - 12:45 PM.
Thumbnails
