People with chronic bone and joint problems, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, often experience pain and aches especially when they try to move the affected joints. Here are two natural ingredients that may provide some much-needed relief.

Stronger cartilage with collagen peptides

Collagen peptides is a modified form of collagen, a naturally occurring protein found in many parts of our body, including the tissues connecting the bones at the joint.

Potential benefits

Some research suggests that collagen peptides, when consumed, would be converted to collagen by our body and accumulate in the cartilage.

• Research found that collagen hydrolysate can be rapidly and readily absorbed into the joints.
• A 2003 research found that this substance helps to stimulate the cells in the joint (called chondrocytes) to produce collagen for joint repair.
• A 2000 review of research and clinical trials found that “its high level of safety makes it attractive as an agent for long-term use” in treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
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Therefore, it is possible that supplements or beverages fortified with collagen hydrolysate can help support our efforts to manage osteoarthritis.

Spice up with turmeric

For many Malaysians, turmeric or kunyit is a yellow powder, used as a delicious spice for curries, rice dishes and deep-fried meat. However, turmeric may have benefits that go beyond adding flavours to our beloved dishes. It has long been used for medicinal purposes among the Chinese and Indian communities.

Research suggests that curcumin helps to block substances that cause joint inflammation:

• In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging, it was said that extracts from turmeric are “as effective as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis”.
• A 2010 clinical trial of a supplement containing curcumin found that it provides long-term benefits in pain reduction and improved function in 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Therefore, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, it may be worth discussing the possible benefits of turmeric with your doctor or pharmacist.

Be careful! Avoid taking turmeric or curcumin supplements if you are already on medications that thin the blood (such as warfarin), about to undergo surgery, are pregnant or suffer from gallbladder disease.

References:

Arthritis Foundation. Available at www.arthritis.org.

Belcaro, G., et al. (2010). Altern Med Rev; 15(4): 337-344.

Kuptniratsaikul, V., et al. (2014). Clin Interv Aging; 9: 451-458.

Seifert, J. (2003). Satellite Symposium at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI): The absorption and distribution of collagen hydrolysate after oral application. Berlin: Germany.

Oesser, S. (2003). Satellite Symposium at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI): Impact of collagen fragments on the extracellular matrix metabolism. Berlin: Germany.

Moskowitz, R. W. (2000). Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum.; 30(2): 87-99.

Bello A. E., Oesser S. (2006). Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Curr Med Res Opin.; 22(11): 2221-2232.

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