Supplementing with vitamin D is likely a wise step for those with osteoarthritis (OA) in their knees. Before we get into that argument, it should be noted that some studies have demonstrated that this vitamin is actually unhelpful in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms. Tufts University chief rheumatologist Timothy McAlindon, MD, MPH, comments that different researchers come to different conclusions on taking vitamin D for knee osteoarthritis; partially because their studies are not objective. “At this point there is no compelling reason to supplement your diet with Vitamin D solely for possible slowing of your OA or reduction of OA symptoms,” Dr. McAlindon suggests. However, he notes that it is important to get sufficient vitamin D through sunlight and diet, to aid general health. Since the science is unclear on the importance of taking vitamin D to improve osteoarthritis symptoms, the above advice is understandable. However, let’s look at why many medical professionals still recommend it.
Those who take oral corticosteroids often exhibit depleted levels of vitamin D. In fact, a Yeshiva University research team determined that vitamin D deficiency is 100% likelier to occur among those who take a steroid prescription. Steroids are sometimes prescribed to treat osteoarthritis. Which is why it makes sense that many patients should increase their intake of vitamin D for knee osteoarthritis. As a basic rule, anyone wants to make sure to get plenty of vitamin D because it’s a cornerstone of good health – as indicated by McAlindon. National Association of Nutrition Professionals spokeswoman Karen Langston agrees, pointing out that it is an immune system regulator. Plus, she explains, “Vitamin D maintains blood calcium levels and it regulates calcium and phosphorus, which keep bones and teeth hard.” One specific reason to use vitamin D for knee osteoarthritis is that it may serve a preventive function. Indeed, there is 30% lower likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis development among women who have strong measurements of the nutrient.
Vitamin D isn’t just effective in preventing arthritis. It may also help safeguard you from other health maladies, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, broken bones, and depression. • Build up vitamin D by getting out in the sun for a few minutes, without sunscreen. • Eat a small amount of fatty fish, such as mackerel, tuna, and salmon (limited to reduce mercury exposure). • Take 800 to 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Note that the D3 version is best because it stays in the body longer. • Get a blood test to check your levels. At Flexogenix, we provide nonsurgical solutions for chronic knee pain that can allow you to live an active & pain-free lifestyle. Qualify for a free consultation.The group of B vitamins includes eight vitamins that work together to help your body digest food, strengthen your eyes, hair and skin and improve liver and nervous system function. B vitamins also help your body produce sex and stress hormones.
If you take B vitamins in supplement form, they can effect your energy levels, and possibly make you feel overexcited or hyperactive. They also pose potentially serious side effects, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using them. If you take B vitamin supplements, you may get excessive amounts of some B vitamins. The amount and type of B vitamins in B-complex formulas varies widely -- from 6,000 percent or more of the recommended daily allowance of some vitamins to little or none of others. Six of the B vitamins may boost your energy levels or treat problems such as anemia and depression that could make you fatigued. The B vitamins help your body produce hormones that involve stress and physiological arousal. If you obtain adequate B vitamins from your diet, taking B complex may effect your energy levels and, possibly, make you feel hyper. If you take vitamin B complex and feel hyper, check the product label for the amount of these B vitamins: B-1, thiamine; B-9, folate, and B-12, cobalamin.
A side effect of taking excess vitamin B-3 includes irregular heartbeats, according to Medline Plus, a service of the United States National Institutes of Health. Unless you take vitamin B supplements to treat a deficiency or specific medical condition, you can simply stop taking them if their use made you hyperactive. Definitely stop taking them and contact your doctor if your symptoms include accelerated heart rate or high blood pressure. Pregnant women and women who take birth control pills may need to take extra vitamin B6. Adults older than 50, stomach surgery patients and persons with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may need to take vitamin B12 supplements. If you drink alcohol to excess, you may become deficient in several B vitamins. Your doctor can order a blood test to spot deficiencies. Science also supports several medical uses for B vitamins, but your doctor should prescribe and monitor your dose. Niacin improves cholesterol levels, while niacinamide – another form of vitamin B3 – may help delay the progression of Type 1 diabetes and relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Vitamin B2 – riboflavin – can help prevent migraine headaches but does not decrease the duration or intensity of attacks. Some people take B vitamins to increase their energy levels or relieve stress. But there's no evidence to suggest which combination or amount of B vitamins might provide an energy boost without causing hyperactivity . If you take B vitamin supplements, it’s safer to take ones that stick close to the recommended daily allowances. Side effects of taking more than the RDA of vitamin B include diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, sleepiness, insomnia, changes in the color of your urine and rashes. If you take megadoses of B vitamins, potentially serious side effects include rapid and irregular heartbeats, changes in your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, vision loss, gout, stomach ulcers and damage to your liver, nervous system and brain. Can B-12 Make You Feel Jittery? Side Effects of NADH Supplement The Differences Between Vitamin B12 & B1 The Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin B12