Joints are one of the most sensitive parts of the body which can cause enormous pain and discomfort, when not functioning properly. Joint pain is quite common among adults especially among elderly people and can prove debilitating over a period of time. A well balanced diet taken on regular basis can help in maintaining joint health.
Various joint related problems like arthritis, gout, bursitis, lupus, tendinitis, infection of the bone, osteoporosis, etc. can lead to joint pain hence we will keep our list of important vitamins for joints a common one, addressing nutritional needs of any of the above mentioned problems.
Vitamins For Healthy Joints
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for the joints. The reason being, vitamin C plays a very important role in synthesis of collagen. Collagen is an important ingredient of ligaments, cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues which support joints. Researches have also suggested that eating inadequate amount of vitamin C rich foods can lead to some kind of arthritis pain.
Some studies have also shown that eating adequate amount of vitamin C rich foods can actually help in slowing down the debilitation caused by osteoarthritis. Include vitamin C rich foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, guavas, capsicum, kidney beans, etc. in your daily diet. Overdose of vitamin C supplements can worsen osteoarthritis so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Vitamin D
This sunshine vitamin is well known for its supportive role in the body as it helps calcium absorption. Now, experts have begun to emphasize the role played by this vitamin in maintaining joint health and keeping them free from ailments in old age.
Researches have shown that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. It is also believed that adequate intake of this vitamin can slow down the damage inflicted by arthritis.
Vitamin B 12
This water soluble vitamin is also known as Cobalamin and is a part of Vitamin B family. Researches have shown that vitamin B12 plays a very important role in bone health, including joint health. Studies have proved that the deficiency of this vitamin can lead to osteoporosis. It happens so because the deficiency of vitamin B 12 leads to demineralization of bones and demineralization leads to low bone density, aggravating joint pain and inflammation. Studies have also shown that this vitamin also helps in preventing joint inflammation and related problems.
Rich dietary sources come from animal foods like beef, turkey, liver, crabs, clams, etc. because this vitamin is produced in the gut of animals where as in plants this remains stuck to the roots and gets completely washed in the process of cleaning and chopping vegetables. Hence vegetarians should take supplements under medical supervision.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is also a very important vitamin for joint health as it helps in slowing down the damage caused by aging process. A powerful antioxidant, it helps in cartilage formation and growth and protects joints for the bad effects caused by free radicals. Food sources include nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
