Vitamins for Arthritis

A deficiency of vitamins can lead to several conditions, including arthritis. Vitamins can also provide relief for arthritis symptoms. Certain vitamins show potential for being particularly beneficial. These include some of the B vitamins, and vitamins C, D, E and K. Taking a daily multivitamin and some added supplements provide a good foundation for relieving arthritis pain and swelling.

Significance

Vitamin K is generating much scientific interest and university studies continue researching its benefits to people with osteoarthritis in particular. This vitamin occurs in cabbage, spinach and other leafy green vegetables. It assists with mineral deposits into the bones, prevents bone degeneration and enables blood to form clots. People do not need mega-doses of vitamin K, but many people are deficient in this vitamin. Arthritis sufferers may want to try taking a supplement in doses of 5 to 15 milligrams daily. Plant-based K-1 and K-2 have no toxicity, and K-3 is synthetic and should be avoided.

Benefits

A B-complex vitamin is a great all-around health boost, and you can find a wide range of choices. The B vitamins are good for reducing swelling, particularly B-5 (pantothenic acid). A B-5 supplement should bring relief within two weeks, and if no results are seen after three weeks, the supplement can be dropped. Vitamin B-3 (niacin) dilates small arteries, which increases blood flow. Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) deficiencies are fairly common in older people, as noted by the Connecticut Center for Health. B-6 deficiency causes stiffness and pain in the hands. Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) helps with nerve protection, myelin production, and cell formation. When combined with vitamin B-1 (thiamin), it can enhance the effectiveness of pain-killing drugs. Effects should be seen within one week and can help people reduce the dosage of pain relievers. People should not take more than 3000 mg of niacin or over 500 mg of pyridoxine a day, to avoid possible toxicity reactions.

Function

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an immune system booster, an antioxidant protecting the body from free radicals, and an anti-inflammatory agent. In the mid-1700s, it was discovered that consuming fruit could prevent and cure scurvy, a disease that causes severe joint problems. Since then, large amounts of vitamin C have been shown to reduce all sorts of inflammation, including joint inflammation like that seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C also helps form collagen, essential in connective tissue for healthy joints. Nutrition-oriented doctors and natural health care practitioners often prescribe vitamin C for conditions which involve inflammation. A study published in a 2004 issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases indicated that eating foods high in vitamin C protects against rheumatoid arthritis. However, a study published in the June 2004 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism has indicated that vitamin C may actually worsen osteoarthritis of the knee.

Theories/Speculation

The Arthritis Institute of Michigan supports the theory that Vitamin D can cure arthritis along with providing a multitude of other health benefits. People can make sure they are not deficient in Vitamin D simply by spending 10 or 15 minutes in the sunshine twice a week. Certain types of fish also are good sources of Vitamin D, including mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna. Milk is also a good source of Vitamin D.

Considerations

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and increases joint flexibility, and some natural health practitioners find that it fights joint inflammation. Studies on this vitamin, however, have produced contradictory findings and it is inconclusive whether it has any benefit for arthritis sufferers. In a study published by the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in October 2001, researchers found that vitamin E was no better than a placebo at relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Additionally, a 10-year study of over 39,000 women published in Arthritis Care and Research in 2008 showed that vitamin E supplementation does not significantly lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. In contrast, while the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center states that no clinical trials have shown convincing evidence of vitamin E benefits, this vitamin is one of the most commonly-observed deficiencies in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The Center advises that increased use could decrease free-radical damage to joint linings, thus decreasing swelling and pain.