John Arts                   Abundant Living                   www.johnarts.co.nz

They say death and taxes are the only certainties – but osteoarthritis must be close to this list.

The sales of worldwide joint and bone supplements are worth a staggering US$11.7 billion and expected to grow by another 50 per cent during the next five years.

The majority use joint supplements to treat joint problems, most for osteoarthritis, with about 40 per cent of developing knee osteoarthritis alone. Pain is a great motivator and people turn to joint supplements for relief.

But do they help?

There has been significant research into compounds found in joint supplements, especially glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric. It comes as no surprise that studies come to differing conclusions ranging from poor to excellent results.

While studies and research can be helpful, my criteria for assessing osteoarthritis supplements is simple. I assess the effectiveness of my supplements solely by whether they help. An important part of my discipline of nutritional medicine is regularly reviewing progress. When someone commences my joint supplements, I contact them after six weeks, then again at three months to see how they are doing.

The measure of assessment is again simple; isit working?

When someone purchases my joint products, I offer a joint health assessment which the majority adopt. I ask questions about the problem including its diagnosis and treatment including symptoms and a description of limitations in mobility.

At the six-weekly review we then compare progress to the initial assessment and modify the programme as needed.

One thing I can say for certain, if people do not get a tangible benefit, they will stop taking them. Results are my sole measure whether a supplement is helping.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz Join his newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz