Nutraceutical has an important impact in osteoarticular prevention

The tendency, especially in young people and/or as long as the problem arises, is to underestimate the importance of preventive work in safeguarding our osteoarticular health.

We ask so much to ourselves and we hardly stop at the first signs, such small annoyances and daily pains. The consequences come with the passage of time, for sedentary subjects as well as for sports and competitive ones.

When we talk about athletes and athletes of all ages, we mean a large group of subjectives who go to continuously solicit the osteoarticular apparatus.

Inevitably, these subjects will always be exposed to a greater risk of joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis or meniscopatie, which is why it is essential to support the production of collagen and the maintenance of healthy cartilage as long-term prevention.

The bone is a very dynamic tissue, with "bricklayers" builders (the "osteoblasts") and other destroyers (the "osteoclasts"). You lose bone when the destroying elements work harder than the builders. Therefore the bone can be defined as a mixture of mineral crystals contained in an organic matrix of collagen, which without its role of "scaffolding" or "glue", would be extremely fragile and prone to break.

Nutraceuticals now play a key role in the prevention

We can find valid support for the health of our bones and joints, in several natural remedies that are part of Nutraceutical.

These powerful active ingredients, in fact, hinder the action of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, an active agent responsible for the production of substances that facilitate inflammatory processes. In addition, they are able to inhibit elastases, highly destructive enzymes, which attack and deteriorate the elastic part of the tissues in which an inflammatory process is underway.

Among the most effective natural remedies for osteoarticular health, we find the following.

Hydrolysed collagen

Hydrolysed collagen has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of the extracellular matrix useful in slowing the degeneration of cartilage. It occupies a very important role among the structural proteins of our body. It contributes to the health and elasticity of tendons, skin, muscles, vascular tissues and pure bones, is an essential element for maintaining their physiological flexibility and elasticity.

The Glucosamine

Used in the synthesis of the keratan sulfate, the precursor of the matrix, is able to protect and constitute connective tissues and cartilage.

Glucosamine, as a constituent of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans present in synovial fluid and cartilage matrix, is used for the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, the synovial fluid and proteoglycans of the fundamental substance of the articular cartilage, a species subject to constant wear and tear during sport. A deficiency of glucosamine or of its metabolism can reduce the degree of production of these important macromolecules leading to a weakness of the specific tissues, and also in case of trauma the cartilage metabolism may undergo changes;  in this situation, the dietary integration of glucosamine compensates for the endogenous deficiencies of the substance, stimulates the basis of biosynthesis, stimulates the biosynthesis of proteoglycans, plays a trophic action against articular cartilage, by encouraging the fixation of sulphur in the synthesis of glucosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.

Boswellia

Boswellia is an Ayurvedic herb (resin), also classified as a phytopharmaceutical with proven anti-inflammatory properties, useful against osteoarthritis. Through its active boswellic acids it is able to inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzymes involved in osteoarthritis. For these reasons, Boswellia is optimal in the sports and/or traumatological field of action. From boswellia is extracted a rubber rich in boswellic acids, tetracyclic acids and polysaccharides able to play a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic action on different diseases of the osteoarticular system.

This action is manifested through a reduction of pain and swelling, and the improvement of joint motility, even in the stages of post-trauma recovery or various injuries.

The MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane, simply known as MSM, replaces the sulfur loss of connective tissue in the arthrosis process.

Turmeric

Turmeric curcumin, a substance with numerous anti-inflammatory properties that can improve and prevent joint pain.

Among the substances with synergic action for the health of cartilage remember that in addition to the mentioned, you can not fail to mention vitamin D, vitamin K2, vitamin C and manganese, the latter often neglected but imported cofactor of enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans.

For the prevention of our osteoarticular health is extremely important also a good diet, with food choices on fresh products, probiotic and prebiotic sources, foods full of micronutrients essential for our well-being.

Mobility and flexibility also play an important role.

Starting to work daily on mobility sessions, will improve the ability to optimally exploit the movement of the joints, reflecting accordingly in a better economy of gesture and in a lower risk of causing trauma of various types to the joint system.

Bibliography

 Adam M., Spacek P., Hulejova H., Galianova A., Blahos J. "Postmenopausalosteoporosis. Treatment with calcitonine and a diet rich in cartilage proteins". CasLèkces. 1996, 135: 74-8.

 Adam M., Eggersglüss B., Bräumer K. and Schrieber R. "Use of tasteless, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Agent containing the same". United States Patent no 5,948,766 (7.09.1999).


 Hooshmand, S. et al. "Evidence for Bone Reversal Properties of a Calcium- Collagen Chelate, a Novel Dietary Supplement" J Food NutrDisor 2013, 2:1.

 https://www.healthline.com/health/joint-pain#symptoms
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17752-joint-pain/possible-causes
https://www.lasonil.it/patologie-e-disturbi/dolori-articolari/