Women’s Health: Supplements to Support Bone and Joint Health
As women progress through life’s various stages, their bodies undergo significant changes, like the strength of their bones and the flexibility of their joints. Recognizing and adapting to these transformations is crucial for fostering an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
It is estimated that osteoporosis affects over 200 million women worldwide(1). This condition is characterized by low bone mineral density, making them more susceptible to fractures. Women, especially post-menopausal women, are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to hormonal changes that affect bone density(2).
Yet, maintaining robust bones and joints is imperative for women of all ages. Strong bones offer essential support for daily activities, while healthy joints aid movement and flexibility. Discover with us the effectiveness of incorporating nutrients and supplements into your routine as we explore ways to prevent osteoporosis, alleviate joint discomfort, and overall, ensure healthy bones and joints.
Nutrients for Bone and Joint Health
Let’s explore some of the nutrients that play a crucial role in supporting bone and joint health.
Calcium and Vitamin D and Vitamin K2:
Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. Calcium contributes to the formation of healthy bone structure(3), while Vitamin D plays a role for calcium absorption, and for the synthesis of vitamin K dependent proteins(4). Vitamin K2 activates these proteins like osteocalcin, so it can bind calcium(5). Elevate your calcium intake with dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese(6). Additionally, incorporate Vitamin D-rich options like fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), and make sure to catch some natural sunshine(7).
Magnesium:
Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and facilitates the absorption of calcium, making it an important contributor to bone health. Furthermore, it contributes to normal muscle function, a key element in supporting a physically active lifestyle(8). Sources of magnesium include leafy greens like spinach and kale, nuts such as almonds and cashews, and whole grains like brown rice.
Supplements to Support Bone and Joint Health
When it comes to maintaining healthy bones and joints, integrating the right supplements into your routine can be beneficial. Two key supplements known for their support in bone and joint health are OptiMSM® and K2VITAL®.
OptiMSM® is a source of sulfur, a key component of the building blocks of joints and connective tissue, which rely on sulfur for proper structure and function. Several pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown OptiMSM®’s potential to support joint health and its ability to aid in the production of the crucial antioxidant glutathion(9), helping to manage oxidative stress and building healthy joints and repairing them post-exercise and activity. Supplementation with OptiMSM® has also been shown in a recent clinical trial to improve markers of joint and physical function in healthy participants who experienced mild pain in the knee joint(10).
A valuable supplement for maintaining bone health is K2VITAL®. Vitamin K2 is a form of the essential nutrient Vitamin K – which plays a key role in activating Vitamin K dependent proteins . This activation assists in directing calcium to its necessary destinations, contributing to the building and maintenance of bones, making it an important contributor to your health (11,12,13).
Contact us Today!
Take the first step towards achieving your nutritional goals and fostering your health by contacting us today. Explore the array of options we offer designed to support and nourish women’s bones and joints. Together, let’s prioritize your well-being and embark on a path to a healthier, more vibrant you.
References
1) Osteoporosis in Females – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
2) Primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women – PMC (nih.gov)
3) Vannucci L, Fossi C, Quattrini S, et al. Calcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters. Nutrients. 2018;10(12):1930. Published 2018 Dec 5. doi:10.3390/nu10121930
4) van Ballegooijen AJ, Pilz S, Tomaschitz A, Grübler MR, Verheyen N. The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review. Int J Endocrinol. 2017;2017:7454376. doi:10.1155/2017/7454376
5) Wen L, Chen J, Duan L, Li S. Vitamin K‑dependent proteins involved in bone and cardiovascular health (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2018;18(1):3-15. doi:10.3892/mmr.2018.8940
6) Calcium – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
7) Vitamin D – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
8) Magnesium – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
9) DiSilvestro RA, DiSilvestro DJ, DiSilvestro DJ.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) intake in mice produces elevated liver glutathione and partially protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. FASEB J. 2008;22:445.8.
10) Toguchi A, Noguchi N, Kanno T, Yamada A. Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023;15(13):299
11) Theuwissen E. Br J Nutr 2012 Vol. 108 Issue 9 Pages 1652-7
12) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
13) Mandatori D et al. Nutrients 2021 Vol. 13 Issue 4