Posted on March 4, 2009 in Latest News
According to a preliminary research study, mineral supplement derived from seaweed might relieve knee arthritis. Researchers found that regular dose of seaweed mineral supplement decreased the number of painkillers taken by people suffering from knee arthritis. The preliminary research study is published in online publication Nutrition Journal.
The research study was conducted on 22 adults suffering from severe to moderate knee arthritis. For 12 weeks some of the patients were give seaweed mineral supplement. And there was a decrease in the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) among people who took the supplement.
The research study was led by Dr. Joy L. Frestedt, of Frestedt Inc., in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The research study was funded by Marigot Ltd., an Ireland based firm which markets Aquamin. The seaweed supplement is sold with the name Aquamin.
Randomly patients were given Aquamin or an inactive placebo capsule and were asked to take it for 12 weeks. After 2 weeks all the patients were asked to reduce their NSAIDs by half for next 2 weeks. Then all of them were asked to stop NSAIDs completely for the rest of the weeks (remaining 8 weeks).
After 1 month of treatment, researchers found that patient given Aquamin performed better in knee joint range of motion and walking distance test. Researchers also found that once the patients completely stopped NSAIDs the benefit did not continue. Out of all, 6 patients dropped out the study due to worsening of the pain. Out of the 6, 5 patients belonged to placebo group.
Researchers concluded their initial study with the finding indicating that Aquamin or seaweed mineral supplement cannot replace the NSAIDs completely. It is still not clear why and how seaweed supplement helps in relieving knee arthritis symptoms. It is found that seaweed supplement contains a mixture of trace minerals and calcium and magnesium as the main ingredients.
Source: Seaweed Supplement May Aid Knee Arthritis
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October 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 pm
My husband has been using the “Dr. Max Powers Joint Support w/ Vitamin B12″ supplements for 4 years now for his arthritis. His Orthopedic Surgeon recommended the Dr. Max Powers brand only and told him to stay away from other similar products because they don’t work as efficiently. His hip needs to be replaced and with the Joint Support Supplements he has gotten so much relief that he has been able to put off the replacement for 10 years…and still counting.
It isn’t a quick fix though. It took about 4 months of using the product before he saw increased mobility and decreased pain. He swears by this product and never misses a dose.
When I spoke to my rheumatologist he thinks everyone over 50 ought to take this supplement — but only this particular brand. Despite recent reports that glucosamine/chondroitin generally may be ineffective, he continues to recommend it because the fed govt (NIH? not sure which agency) did a well-designed study of this actual brand and found it effective.
My understanding is that, while it may sometimes cause new cartilage growth, it is most useful for minimizing future cartilage loss, i.e., it’s primarily effective as a preventative supplement. They were a bit difficult to find in stores, but I was able to find them online at http://www.drmaxpowers.com