The musculoskeletal system is composed of a network of hard and soft tissues including bone, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Together, these tissues form an overall framework, thus giving the body its characteristic shape and providing structural support. Additionally, the musculoskeletal system protects internal organs and facilitates movement by providing attachment sites for muscles. Other functions of the skeletal system include a storage facility for minerals such as calcium, formation of blood cells, and an energy reserve of lipids.Read more
Nutrition has long been the missing ingredient in the treatment of the various musculoskeletal conditions seen daily by the health professionals. The often-stated reason for giving nutrition short shrift is the lack of evidence.
However, there is extensive evidence supporting a biological rationale including animal studies, clinical trials, ongoing research initiatives, and epidemiological findings for the use of nutritional intervention in musculoskeletal health. Macronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and even water can be manipulated by dose and frequency to help achieve optimal muscle, bone and fat metabolism. The correct choice of food substrates and concentrates can create an environment to build muscle, metabolise fat, strengthen bone and repair cartilage.
The use of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, antioxidants, magnesium, vitamin D, water and other elements can modify physical performance and the health of the musculoskeletal system. The incidence of symptoms linked to the musculoskeletal system and the cost to society and the individual concerned means that many people seek support in this area. Whilst there is inevitable controversy, the results are there for the individual to see and feel, the careful application of lifestyle changes, weight management and specific nutritional support make for attractive and safe interventions.
OSTEOARTHRITIS is the most common form of arthritis. Symptomatic disease in the knee occurs in approximately 6% of US adults 30 years and older, and results of community-based surveys have shown that the general incidence and prevalence increases 2- to 10-fold from age 30 to 65 years, with further increases thereafter. Overall, osteoarthritis of the knee is particularly common, and radiographic osteoarthritic changes of the tibiofemoral compartment occur in 5% to 15% of people aged 35 to 74 years in the Western world. The impact on disability attributable to knee osteoarthritis is similar to that due to cardiovascular disease and greater than that caused by any other medical condition in the elderly. Karel Pavelká, Et Al; Glucosamine Sulfate Use and Delay of Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis A 3-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-blind Study Arch Intern Med. 2002;162:2113-2123. View Abstract
Scientists have also discovered that by controlling our DNA, nuclear factor-kappa Beta (NFkB) plays a central role in determining our health and longevity. By integrating signals of inflammation, NFkB appears to be the common link between such diverse conditions as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Agents that control NFkB’s influence within the human body—such as omega-3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens, curcumin, garlic, licorice, ginger, Vitamin D, rosemary, and pomegranate — hold great promise in fighting many diverse diseases and in promoting long and healthy lives.
- Rennie MJ. Body maintenance and repair: how food and exercise keep the musculoskeletal system in good shape. Exp Physiol. 2005 Jul;90(4):427-36. Epub 2005 Apr 15. View Abstract
- Hamerman D. Aging and the musculoskeletal system. Ann Rheum Dis. 1997 Oct;56(10):578-85. View Abstract
- Grant,L; McBean,DE; Fyfe,L; Warnock,AM A review of the biological and potential therapeutic actions of Harpagophytum procumbens Phytother-Res. 2007 Mar; 21(3): 199-209 View Abstract
- JM Hoag. The musculoskeletal system: a major factor in maintaining homeostasis J Am Osteopath Assoc, Apr 1979; 78: 562. No Abstract
- Ruane R, Griffiths P. Glucosamine therapy compared to ibuprofen for joint pain. Br J Community Nurs. 2002 Mar;7(3):148-52. View Abstract
- Lopes Vaz A. Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoarthrosis of the knee in out-patients. Curr Med Res Opin. 1982;8(3):145-9. View Abstract
- Lippiello L. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: biological response modifiers of chondrocytes under simulated conditions of joint stress. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003 May;11(5):335-42. View Abstract
- Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, Lee RL, Lejeune E, Bruyere O, Giacovelli G,Henrotin Y, Dacre JE, Gossett C. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):251-6. View Abstract
- Sakai K, et al. Chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1 plays a critical role in chondroitin sulfate synthesis in cartilage. J Biol Chem. 2007 Feb 9;282(6):4152-61. Epub 2006 Dec 4. View Abstract
- Kim CS, Kawada T, Kim BS, et al. Capsaicin exhibits anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting IkB-a degradation in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Cell Signal. 2003 Mar;15(3):299-306. View Abstract