Arthritis Vitamins

The inflammatory process that takes place when a person is suffering from arthritis changes the lining of the intestines thus reducing the absorption of some nutrients while increasing the need for daily nutrient requirements. Nutrition is further used up if a person has been on long term medication therapy.  When an arthritis patient is malnourished, joint pain and stiffness increases.  The condition improves with dietary intake of calcium, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.  Selenium and zinc’s antioxidant nutrients might also be effective because of their ability to stop free radical damage to joint linings that causes the accumulation of fluids, swelling and pain.

The following vitamins are especially known to be beneficial to arthritis sufferers:

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 is a water soluble B complex vitamin, also known as pantothenic acid.  Pantothenic acid is more or less found everywhere, from plants and animals to humans.  Natural sources of B5 include eggs, meats, whole grains, and nuts.  Vitamin B5 is used by our body to release energy and also plays a role in tissue generation, creation of antibodies and the healing process.  This arthritis vitamin is good for swelling.

Vitamin B3

This arthritis vitamin helps in reducing tissue swelling and dilates small arteries increasing blood flow.  However Vitamin B3 is not advised for persons with high blood pressure.

Vitamin B6

Is another arthritis vitamin that reduces tissue swelling.

Vitamin B12

This vitamin aids in multiple functions, generally helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production and nerve protection.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage protecting the heart.  This vitamin is also needed to make collagen to strengthen muscles and blood vessels and plays a vital role in wound healing and fighting viruses. This arthritis vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can relieve pain, and rids the body of free radicals.

Vitamin D

Is a fat soluble vitamin that is used by the body in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. This arthritis vitamin in studies has shown that sufferers of the disease who took beta-carotene daily exhibited a decreased progression of this disease.  People suffering from arthritic knees who added vitamin D to their diets were less prone to suffer from arthritis in the future.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes, LDL cholesterol and other fat-soluble parts of the body. This arthritis vitamin with its strong antioxidants protects the joints from free radicals while increasing joint flexibility.

Vitamin K

This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone surroundings.

COD Liver Oil (2500iu Vitamin/270iu Vitamin D)

Cod liver oil contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that are both omega-3 oils.  These special omega-3 oils, keep blood triglycerides in check, keeping blood from clotting too quickly. This arthritis vitamin is very good for various inflammatory diseases, including chronic kidney disease.

For arthritis patients, these arthritic vitamins can help your diet and aid in improving your condition; however, it should never be used as a substitute for proper medication prescribed by your doctor, it’s always best that you consult your doctor about your condition and follow proper treatment.