Photo: Maria Orlova

What vitamin makes your joints stronger?

Vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for developing cartilage structure and sending calcium to your bones, both of which are vital for healthy joints. You can get vitamin K from leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and collard greens.

michaelshealth.com - 5 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Joint Health

Does coffee deplete zinc?

Phytates, an antioxidant in coffee, may inhibit absorption of zinc. Coffee has been found to affect the bio-availability of zinc, in lab tests, by...

Last updated Jan 14, 2018

What is the best time to stop eating at night to lose weight?

As a guide, stop eating two to three hours before bed to avoid weight gain. Finishing meals earlier than this may help boost weight loss. Losing...

Last updated May 12, 2022

Promotion

Joints are the connections between your bones that allow flexibility and movement of your skeleton. According to Medline Plus, joints are “complex structures of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments.” They also bear your weight as you move through life. Joint health is hugely important, especially with age. As humans get older, our flexibility decreases, stiffness increases, and joint cartilage thins out. Loss of muscle strength (which is common with age) can also put more pressure on your knees and other joints.

Thankfully, you can do things to support your joint health, including:

Staying active

Strength training

Keeping a healthy weight

Eating a balanced diet

Maintaining good posture

It also helps to incorporate the best vitamins for joint health. Healthy joints benefit from the following vitamins and supplements.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin and antioxidant studied for its effects on arthritis and joint health. In addition, your body uses vitamin D to maintain strong bones and protect you from injuries. A 2016 review published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology showed that vitamin D levels were lower in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory condition that includes painful joint swelling, than those without RA. While more research is needed on the connection between vitamin D and joint health, it’s undoubtedly one of the best vitamins for joint health and overall health.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for developing cartilage structure and sending calcium to your bones, both of which are vital for healthy joints. You can get vitamin K from leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and collard greens. Supplementing with vitamin K can be an issue for those on blood thinners, so talk to your medical practitioner about any concerns.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is found naturally in your body’s cartilage, the connective tissue that keeps your joints fluid and cushions your bones. It’s also one of the most well-studied (and widely known) supplements for addressing osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis or joint damage.

There are two main types of glucosamine in supplement form:

Glucosamine hydrochloride

Glucosamine sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is the most common form taken orally for joint concerns.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in foods like fish, shellfish, walnuts, and flaxseeds. The DHA and EPA forms of omega-3s contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for concerns like joint inflammation.

Curcumin

Lastly, curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a common spice for cooking. In your body, curcumin can help address inflammation and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. You can take curcumin as a supplement or cook with its powdered turmeric form. Either way, you’ll want to ingest curcumin with some fat, as that will help absorption.

The Bottom Line

We often forget about joint health until it’s too late — when we notice the pain, stiffness, and swelling. However, you can be proactive about your joint health by practicing healthy habits, knowing the best vitamins for joint health, and avoiding injuries caused by overuse. That’s a healthy way to move through life!

Does beta-sitosterol really work?

The beta-sitosterol eaten from plants competes with cholesterol for absorption in your intestines. Over time, this can reduce the risk of...

Last updated Nov 12, 2022

Which gender has more white matter?

Another study from some of the same scientists on Verma's team, led by Dr. Ruben Gur, found that compared with total brain size, women have more...

Last updated Jul 24, 2018

Promotion

Does alcohol affect PSA test?

A study on Alcohol Consumption and PSA-detected Prostate Cancer Risk by NIH researchers found that excessive drinking can depress PSA levels, thus...

Last updated Feb 24, 2022

At what age does beard grow fully?

Typically, full beard growth is possible starting at around age 18, but for many men, that time may not arrive until they're 30. So, if you're not...

Last updated Jul 14, 2021

Promotion

What are guys top three turn ons?

20 Top Turn-Ons for Men Being confident — He loves getting that energy from you. ... Squeezing his hand — Show him that you don't want to let go....

Last updated Sep 26, 2019

Promotion

What is the best drink for prostate health?

Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. Both types of tea contain potent antioxidants. Studies show that...

Last updated Jun 14, 2021