Boosting Bone and Joint Health: The Power of Supplements

It seems like the only time children worry about bone health is when they break one playing too hard. That’s because strong bones begin in childhood and as we get older, with good habits and medical attention when needed, we can have strong bones throughout our lives. Sadly, some people are more prone to having weak bones because of genetics, or because of lack of proper nutrition. 

If you are one of those people who have weak bones, you are at higher risk for fractures. The good news is that bone health can improve with the proper vitamins and supplements, along with regular physical activity.

So, who should consider taking supplements?

Individuals  with dietary restrictions, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, older adults, athletes, and people with specific health conditions or nutrient deficiencies. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen to address individual needs and prevent potential adverse effects. Vitamins and supplements play a crucial role in maintaining and improving bone health, their adequate intake may help prevent various conditions.

Some of these include: 

• Anemia: caused by iron deficiency, this condition can be prevented by ensuring sufficient iron intake through food or supplements.
• Rickets: a lack of vitamin D can cause this bone-weakening disease. Adequate exposure to sunlight and consuming foods rich in vitamin D helps prevent it.
• Osteoporosis: ensuring proper calcium and vitamin D intake is essential for preventing this condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
• Scurvy: resulting from vitamin C deficiency, scurvy can be prevented through the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
• Beriberi: a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) causes beriberi, which affects the nervous system. Consuming thiamine-rich foods, such as whole grains, nuts, and legumes, can help prevent this condition.
• Pellagra: caused by a lack of niacin (vitamin B3), pellagra affects the skin, digestive system, and nerves. Consuming niacin-rich foods like meat, fish, poultry, and fortified cereals helps prevent this condition.
• Night blindness: vitamin A deficiency may lead to night blindness; consuming foods rich in vitamin A or taking supplements may prevent it.
• Goiter: iodine deficiency causes goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). Ensuring an adequate dietary supply of iodine, often from iodized salt or seafood, helps prevent this condition.

Not all Supplements are Created Equal

 When considering which supplements to take, it is important to ensure these supplements contain digestive enzymes in their formula.

Digestive enzymes are hydrolytic enzymes that break down macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller molecules that the body can absorb. Various organs produce them in the body, including the pancreas and small intestine. These organic catalysts are involved in a multitude of vital processes that help maintain homeostasis and facilitate a wide range of chemical reactions, from digesting food to repairing muscle tissues after working out. Without enzymes, the body would be unable to function properly. Enzymes work by lowering the "activation energy" of chemical reactions and weakening chemical bonds allowing the reactions to occur much faster, sometimes 100 times faster than if the reactions occurred without the enzymes.

Professional Botanicals has been incorporating digestive enzymes into every formulation for over 40 years, demonstrating our commitment to overall digestive health and staying ahead of the industry trends. Proper capsule breakdown is critical for optimal nutrient absorption when taking supplements, and digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down the capsule and releasing the nutrients for absorption. 

Not any old supplement will do to tackle bone health, so when considering vitamins or minerals for bone health, it is important to find supplements with the following:

1. Calcium: As the primary mineral found in bones, calcium is essential for bone development and strength. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to weaker bones and an increased risk of fractures.
2.  Vitamin D: This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium from the foods you eat. Without adequate vitamin D levels, your body cannot absorb enough calcium, leading to weak bones and potential diseases like osteoporosis.
3. Vitamin K: Important for bone metabolism, vitamin K plays a role in the formation of osteocalcin – a protein that binds calcium to bones. Low levels of vitamin K can negatively impact bone density.
4.  Magnesium: Crucial for bone formation, magnesium helps convert vitamin D into its active form, promoting calcium absorption and regulating bone growth.
5. Zinc: Present in small amounts in bones, zinc increases the formation of bone-building cells called osteoblasts while inhibiting the activity of cells that break down bone.
6. Boron: This trace mineral aids in reducing the excretion of calcium, helping to maintain strong bones.

It's important to note that vitamins and supplements should not replace a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients for optimal bone health. Consulting with your doctor or a nutritionist before making any dietary changes or adding supplements is always recommended. Here are some of our favorite products to improve bone health.

	Joint Complex: Supports the maintenance of healthy joints, tendons, elasticity and cartilage. Serving size 2 capsules.
	Cal/Mg + Boron: Provides the body with a powerful source of Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, and Vitamin D3. It also supports Skin, Nails & Teeth. Serving size 2 capsules.
	Ultimate Vita-Min:  Has over 60 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and herbs. It supports healthy body functions for active lifestyles, and supports maximum assimilation for body, metabolism and digestion regulation. Serving size 1 capsule.