Nutritional supplements for joint pain
In joints such as knees and elbows that allow movement, the ends of each bone are covered in a dense layer of thick, springy tissue called cartilage. This cartilage helps to protect and cushion your bones, keeping them from grinding against each other, and letting you move smoothly and comfortably.


However, like nearly every other tissue in our bodies, our cartilage tissue is constantly breaking down over time. This can then lead to joint stiffness and discomfort that’s especially noticeable during cold, wet weather.

Options to support healthy joints
Luckily, there are a range of ingredients that contain compounds which help your body to “restock” its internal stores of cartilage building blocks. And by doing so, these options may assist your body in carrying out its natural cartilage repair and rebuilding processes.

Glucosamine is one of the most extensively researched of these ingredients. Many studies have shown that it can help to maintain healthy joint cartilage, and support easy, comfortable joint mobility. Many people find that they need to take Glucosamine for 6-8 weeks – sometimes up to 12 – before they notice any effects. 

Other supplements for joint care:

MSM: This is a naturally-occurring form of sulphur. An essential building block for strong connective tissue and cartilage, improving blood circulation and providing anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce pain and swelling in joints.

Turmeric: This herb used traditionally in Indian Ayurvedic medicine contains a number of active plant molecules one of which is the well-known ‘Curcumin’, responsible for Turmeric’s bright yellow colour and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity which together help to improve joint comfort and relieve stiffness.

Artemisia: The active ingredient in Arthrem is now only available on Prescription. It has been clinically studied in New Zealand and shown to help support the maintenance of normal healthy function in stiff and worn joints. Consult your pharmacist of GP to check for side effects and safety information.

Fish Oil: Made up of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids including EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). These are essential for the body as we cannot produce them ourselves. They help maintain the health of our joints through an anti-inflammatory action that supports joint mobility and flexibility, as well as supporting our brain, heart, circulation and skin

https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/medicines/g/glucosamine/
https://www.nutralife.co.nz/demystifying-joint-supplements/