Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Rheumathoid Arthritis - NZ Green Lipped Mussel

New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) may be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It significantly improved RA symptoms in 68% of participants in a double-blind trial. Since this trial was published, other studies have been carried out, some of which confirmed these findings.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Rheumathoid Arthritis - Omega 3 fish oil

Many double-blind trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids in Fish oil, called EPA and DHA, help relieve symptoms of RA. The effect results from the anti-inflammatory activity of Fish oil. Many doctors recommend 3 grams per day of EPA and DHA; this amount is commonly found in 10 grams of Fish oil. Positive results can take three months to become evident.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Rhuemathoid Arthritis: Vitamin E

Nutritional supplements and other natural therapies that may be helpful: The concentration of vitamin E has been found to be low in the joint fluid of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

This reduction in vitamin E levels is believed to be caused by utilization of the vitamin during the inflammatory process. In a double-blind study, approximately 1,800 IU per day of vitamin E was found to have a beneficial effect in people with RA. Two other double-blind studies using similar high levels of vitamin E reported that vitamin E appeared to have approximately the same effectiveness as anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat RA.

The two doctors in the family

In my family there are 2 doctors, myself and Siew Won who lives in Perth. We met up in Hong Kong recently.

EcoFirst Products EOM (May 23, 2008)

Myself at the reception (had to shorten my New Zealand trip and cancel my plans of going to Melbourne from Auckland just to be back for this).


Celebrity Chef Jafaar Onn entertaining the crowd with his joget dancing and singing.


The lucky draw winners.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Osteoarthritis - NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil

For more than twenty years freeze-dried concentrated mussel powder has been used as a natural food supplement for the prevention of pain normally associated with older individuals’ experiencing joint discomfort.

Following many years of international scientific research by independent scientists, the goal of identifying the principal components responsible for the extract's high potency was achieved. What resulted was New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil.

Green Lipped Mussel Oil is:
- 250 times more potent than the original Green Mussel Extract.
- 350 more potent than Evening primrose Oil.
- 400 times more potent than flax oil.


NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil has been clinically trialed in a number of countries around the world. It has been available to the public for 3 years and the only reported side effect from the clinical studies was one case of nausea. When taken at the recommended dose rates NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil appears to be remarkably free of side effects.

What are the advantages of NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil over mussel powder?

- Mussel powders contain proteins, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Since NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil is oil all the proteins have been removed

- Mussel powders contain sea salt, which can be a problem for people needing to stay on a low salt diet. NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil contains no sea salts

- Because NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil is a potent concentrate, the dose rate is far lower and the capsules are easier to take.

- The unpleasant odours associated with encapsulated mussel powders have been removed.


LANDMARK STUDY ON NZ GREEN LIPPED MUSSEL OIL

The first double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil in patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) confirms its effectiveness in the treatment of pain and in increased mobility in patients suffering from OA and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Professor C.S. Lau, co-chief; Division of Rheumatology, the Dept. of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, facilitated the study.

The clinical trial was conducted from 2001-2003 at the Queen Mary Hospital of the University of Hong Kong . Eighty patients with knee OA were randomized to receive either NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil or placebo for six months. All were allowed paracetamol/acetaminophen rescue treatment during the study and were reviewed at week 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 for arthritis assessment and safety evaluation. Assessment of the patients' arthritis included the use of a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, patient's and physician's global assessment of arthritis, a validated Chinese version of the Oxford Knee Score (COKS), a validated Chine version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2-short form (CAIMS2-SF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Clinical Trial Results

There was a greater improvement in the perception of pain as measured by the VAS. Patients' global assessment of arthritis in those who took NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil when compared with controls from week four following adjustment for the change in the amount of paracetamol/acetaminophen used between study visits. Patients who took NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil but not placebo also had improved scores in the CAIMS2-SF physical function and psychological status domains from week four.

When used over six months, NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil was safe and well tolerated with no serious side effects reported.

How NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil Works?

The process of inflammation is highly complex and is defined as the body's reaction to physical, chemical or biological injury which, in a normal healthy individual, results in the localization of the problem and regeneration or repair of the damaged tissue. Unfortunately, inflammatory response is not always beneficial to the individual.

A prime example is that of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory disease which can effect all the bone joints of the human body but primarily affects the "wear and tear" joints of the feet, knees, hands, hips, shoulders, elbows and back which have usually had the effects of many years of work and sometimes injury.

In certain circumstances, the process itself can cause damage and injury. The auto-immune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, where the body attacks itself, and the hypersensitive states leading to asthma and anaphylactic shock, are examples of uncontrolled inflammatory responses.

Initiation and control of the inflammatory process is complex and governed by an array of biomolecular mechanisms. One important pro-inflammatory mechanism is closely associated with cell-membrane bound arachidonic acid, which becomes converted into other compounds in the body which are potent inflammation-supporting substances.

This occurs by two major pathways in our metabolism:

The 5-lipoxygenase pathway leading to the formation of leukotrienes, and
The cyclo-oxygenase pathway which leads to the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes

Many of the products of these pathways have potent inflammation-supporting properties. For instance, LTB 4 is a potent chemotactic agent capable of attracting large numbers of leucocytes (white blood cells), to the site of the injury. LTC 4, LTD 4, and LTE 4, which are metabolites of LTB 4, are potent bronchoconstricting agents and were formerly identified as SRS-A's (slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis), a key factor in anaphylactic shock.

Currently used anti-inflammatory drugs function mainly by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase pathway. In view of the important functions of the inflammatory process ascribed to the lipoxygenase pathway, there has been considerable scientific effort to develop a 5-lipoxygenase pathway inhibitor over the past decade. NZ Green Lipped Mussel Oil is a 5-lipoxygenase pathway inhibitor which is both effective and safe.

New Zealand working trip

Will be in New Zealand this week for a working trip.

We have new products to roll out and that includes MenaQ7 which is an extract from natto and is as good as drugs like Evista and Fosamax in preventing osteoporosis.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Osteoarthritis - NZ Green Lipped Mussel

The effects of New Zealand green-lipped mussel supplements have been studied in people with OA. In a preliminary trial, either a lipid extract (210 mg per day) or a freeze-dried powder (1,150 mg per day) of green-lipped mussel reduced joint tenderness and morning stiffness, as well as improving overall function in most participants. In a double-blind trial, 45% of people with OA who took a green-lipped mussel extract (350 mg three times per day for three months) reportedly had improvements in pain and stiffness. Another double-blind trial reported excellent results from green-lipped mussel extract (2,100 mg per day for six months) for pain associated with arthritis of the knee.

Side effects, such as stomach upset, gout, skin rashes, and one case of hepatitis have been reported in people taking certain New Zealand green-lipped mussel extracts.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Osteoarthritis - Omega-3 Fish Oil

The omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil, EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory effects and have been studied primarily for rheumatoid arthritis, which involves significant inflammation. However, OA also includes some inflammation. In a 24-week controlled but preliminary trial studying people with OA, people taking EPA had “strikingly lower” pain scores than people who took placebo. However, in a double-blind trial by the same research group, supplementation with 10 ml of cod liver oil per day was no more effective than a placebo.

Overall, it appears that omega-3 fish oil does not seem beneficial for osteoarthritis.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Supplements:Osteoarthritis - Antioxidants

People who have OA and eat large amounts of antioxidants in food have been reported to exhibit a much slower rate of joint deterioration, particularly in the knees, compared with people eating foods containing lower amounts of antioxidants. Of the individual antioxidants, only vitamin E has been studied as a supplement in controlled trials. Vitamin E supplementation has reduced symptoms of OA in both single-blind and double-blind research. In these trials, 400 to 1,600 IU of vitamin E per day was used. Clinical effects were obtained within several weeks.

Surgical Meeting

I attended the award ceremony as my brother-in-law was conferred a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The College of Surgeons Hong Kong too conferred their awards at the same conjoint event.

This was held in conjunction with the Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress in Hong Kong May12-16, 2008.


Below is a picture of Donald Tsang (Chief Executive, Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China) giving the keynote address.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joint? Supplements:Osteoarthritis - Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a major component of the lining of joints. The structure of CS includes molecules related to glucosamine sulfate. CS levels have been reported to be reduced in joint cartilage affected by OA. Possibly as a result, CS supplementation may help restore joint function in people with OA.

Strong clinical evidence now supports the use of oral CS supplements for OA. Many double-blind trials have shown that CS supplementation consistently reduces pain, increases joint mobility, and/or shows evidence (including X-ray changes) of healing within joints of people with OA. Most trials have used 400 mg of CS taken two to three times per day. One trial found that taking the full daily amount (1,200 mg) at one time was as effective as taking 400 mg three times per day. Reduction in symptoms typically occurs within several months.

Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Center - May 10, 2008

Are You Eating Right For Your Joints? - Supplements- Osteoarthritis (Glucosamine)

Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from seashells, is a building block needed for the synthesis and repair of joint cartilage. GS supplementation has significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis in many clinical trials.

While most research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day, results of a three-year, double-blind trial indicate that 1,500 mg taken once per day produces significant reduction of symptoms and halts degenerative changes seen by x-ray examination.

GS does not cure people with osteoarthritis, and they may need to take the supplement for the rest of their lives in order to maintain benefits. Fortunately, GS appears to be virtually free of side effects, even after three or more years of supplementation. Benefits from GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of treatment.

There are some other studies reporting the clinical benefits of glucosamine hydrochloride (GH), another form of glucosamine. Despite the reported beneficial effects of GH, some investigators believe that the sulfate component of GS itself helps relieve OA, and that GS would therefore be more effective than GH.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joints? -Eating Right-Rheumathoid Arthritis

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The role of dietary fats in rheumatoid arthritis is complex, but potentially important. Feeding a high-fat diet to experimental animals that are susceptible to autoimmune disease increases the severity of the disease.

There is evidence that people with RA eat more fat, particularly animal fat, than those without RA. In short-term studies, diets completely free of fat reportedly helped people with RA; however, since at least some dietary fat is essential for humans, the significance of this finding is not clear. Preliminary evidence suggests that consumption of olive oil, rich in oleic acid, may decrease the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. One study, in which people with rheumatoid arthritis received either Fish oil or olive oil, found that olive oil capsules providing 6.8 g of oleic acid per day for 24 weeks produced modest clinical improvement and beneficial changes in immune function. However, as there was no placebo group in that study, the possibility of a placebo effect cannot be ruled out.

Strict vegetarian diets that were very low in fat have also been found to be helpful9,10. In the 1950s through the 1970s, Max Warmbrand, a naturopathic doctor, used a very low-fat diet for individuals with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. He recommended a diet free of meat, dairy, chemicals, sugar, eggs, and processed foods. Dr. Warmbrand claimed that his diet took at least six months to achieve noticeable results; a short-term (ten weeks) study with a similar approach failed to produce beneficial effects. In one trial, 14 weeks of a gluten-free (no wheat, rye, or barley), pure vegetarian diet, gradually changed to a lactovegetarian diet (permitting dairy), led to significant improvement in symptoms and objective laboratory measures of disease.

Fasting has been shown to improve the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis, but most people relapsed after the reintroduction of an omnivorous diet. However, when fasting was followed by a 12-month vegetarian diet, the benefits of fasting appeared to persist.

Rheumatoid arthritis may be linked to food allergies and sensitivities18. In many people, RA is made worse when they eat foods to which they are allergic or sensitive, and made better by avoiding these foods.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: Although exercise may increase pain initially, gentle exercises help people with RA. Many doctors recommend swimming, stretching, or walking.

Are You Eating Right For Your Joints? -Eating Right-Osteoarthritis

Staying at your ideal weight will also help relieve pressure on your hips and knees. It will also help to control the uric acid levels.

Antioxidants are also useful in controlling the free radical damage to the joints in inflammatory joint diseases.

Osteoarthritis
Unlike other forms of forms of arthritis, your risk of developing osteoarthritis is largely related to lifestyle factors like diet, weight, exercise, and previous injury. In fact, dietary and lifestyle changes can have a huge affect on the prevention and management of osteoarthritis. But where do you begin? There exists only preliminary research on the effects of nutrition on osteoarthritis, but these results are promising. At the same time, there are many claims about dietary supplements, foods, and other substances that have no research to back them up. This article will help you separate the facts from the fiction when it comes to fighting osteoarthritis with dietary changes. Keep in mind that nutrition is just one of the many factors affecting osteoarthritis, and you should always create a prevention or treatment plan along with your doctor's recommendations.

Fighting Osteoarthritis with the Right Food Choices

According to preliminary nutrition research, the following nutrients and substances in foods may benefit osteoarthritis.

Vitamin C may help reduce the progression of osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of both collagen and proteoglycans (two major components of cartilage, which cushions the joints). Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to counteract the effects of free radicals in the body, which can damage cartilage.

* Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, kiwi, cantaloupe, green-leafy vegetables, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, and pineapple.
* While most adults need between 75 mg (women) and 90 mg (men) of vitamin C each day, osteoarthritis experts suggest consuming 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Use the following chart as a reference guide to meet your needs.

Vitamin C Sources mg
Acerola cherries, 1 cup 820
Red bell pepper, 1 cup 280
Guava, 1 medium 165
Broccoli, 1 cup 120
Orange, 1 medium 120
Green bell pepper, 1 cup 120
Cauliflower (cooked), 1 cup 100
Papaya, 1 medium 95
Strawberries, 1 cup 90
Kale (cooked), 1 cup 85
Cabbage greens (boiled), 1 cup 80
Orange juice, 3/4 cup 75
Cantaloupe, 1 cup 70
Kiwi, 1 medium 60
Grapefruit juice, 3/4 cup 60

Beta-carotene is another antioxidant that also seems to help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis progression.

* Beta-carotene is found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables (pumpkin, cantaloupe, peppers, carrots) and many dark-green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, Romaine lettuce).
* While most adults need about 2,330 International Units (IU) of beta-carotene each day, osteoarthritis experts recommend 9,000 IU of beta-carotene daily. Use the following chart as a reference guide to meet your needs. (Please note that while some foods have high levels of beta-carotene, it is non-toxic. Your body will only utilize what it needs.)

Beta Carotene Sources IU
Sweet potato (baked), 1 medium 28,058
Carrots (cooked), 1 cup 26,835
Spinach (boiled), 1 cup 22,916
Kale (boiled), 1 cup 19,116
Pumpkin pie, 1 slice 12,431
Carrot (raw), 1 medium 8,666
Butternut Squash (boiled), 1 cup 8,014
Spinach (raw), 1 cup 2,813
Mango, 1 cup sliced 1,262
Oatmeal, 1 pack instant 947
Tomato juice, 6 oz 819
Peach, 1 medium 319
Red pepper, 3" ring 313

Vitamin D is necessary for proper calcium absorption and bone structure, which are crucial in proper joint functioning. A low intake of vitamin D appears to increase cartilage loss.

* Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because your body can make it when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight—all you need is 15 minutes of exposure (face, arms and legs), without wearing SPF (it blocks your ability to make this conversion), three to four times a week. However, it may be difficult for some to meet the suggested 400 IU of vitamin D daily, including people who do not get outdoors much, people who are bundled up during the winter months with little sun exposure, and for older people whose skin is less efficient at this conversion.
* Fortified milk and cereals, eggs, tuna, and fish-liver oils all help the body obtain vitamin D. Supplements are another option, but always discuss that with your health care provider first.
* Recommended vitamin D intake ranges from 200 IU (for adults up to age 50) to 600 IU (for adults over age 70), but osteoarthritis experts suggest at least 400 International Units (IU) daily. Use the following chart as a reference guide to meet your needs.

Vitamin D Sources IU
Cod liver oil, 1 Tbsp 1,360
Salmon, 3.5 oz 360
Mackerel, 3.5 oz 345
Tuna (canned), 3 oz 200
Sardines (canned), 1.75 oz 250
Milk, D-fortified, 1 cup 100
Cereals, D-fortified, 1 cup 40
Egg (or egg yolk), 1 medium 20
Vitamin D supplement 200-400

Omega-3 fatty acids suppress inflammation and are used to form the outer membranes of joint cells. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, promote inflammation which can contribute to the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Most people consume approximately 10 times more of the inflammation-promoting omega-6's than they do the anti-inflammatory omega-3's.

* Decrease your intake of omega-6 fatty acids by cutting back on corn, safflower and cottonseed oil. Limit your intake, as much as possible, of saturated fats and trans-fatty acids.
* Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish (such as salmon, halibut, tuna and sardines), pecans, walnuts, soy foods (tofu, soybean oil), olive and canola oils, flaxseeds, and flaxseed oil.
* Nutrition and health experts recognize that omega-3's are healthy and should be a part of your diet, but have not yet established a recommended daily intake. Osteoarthritis experts suggest three grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily (with 0.7 grams coming from fish sources). Use the following chart as a reference guide to meet your needs.