Vitamins D and K are essential for maintaining strong bones, and vitamin K is involved in the structure of cartilage. Taking supplements of these two nutrients can be beneficial if you are deficient in them. When taken as directed and under the supervision of a doctor, they are generally safe. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
Unless you eat fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel two or more days a week, it can be difficult to get a therapeutic amount of omega-3s through food. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements may also be beneficial for osteoarthritis. If you take any supplement for two to six months and don't notice any relief from arthritis symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor for other options. Side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate should also be taken into consideration.
This website is intended for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information is produced and reviewed by more than 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing reliable and unique information for people with painful health problems. Veritas Health, LLC, 520 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350, Deerfield, IL, 60015. All the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, as well as vitamins D and K, have been studied to determine their impact on arthritis. While eating a diet rich in these nutrients is generally healthy, there is no evidence that taking antioxidant vitamins improves arthritis symptoms.
Vitamins D and K are essential for bone health, and vitamin K plays a role in cartilage formation. If you are deficient in both of these nutrients, taking supplements may help. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials revealed that vitamins K1 and K2 helped prevent bone loss, but that vitamin K2 was more effective in preventing hip fractures, vertebrae fractures and other fractures. It also helps prevent osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and fractures, which pose a greater risk in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and those who take corticosteroids.
