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Joint pain and strain is a problem that everyone who regularly plays sports has struggled with at least once. Although the discomfort associated with joint dysfunctions can happen to anyone regardless of their level of activity (lack of exercise is also very harmful to them), athletes are most at risk of joint injuries. It is therefore worth considering whether joint supplements work and what joint supplements for athletes can and should be used.
Joints – why are they so important?
Without joints, there is no movement. There are dozens of joints in the entire human body, which allow the skeletal and muscular system to move all parts of the body, even the little toes. The human body has both simple and complex joints. Simple joints are those where only two bones meet (e.g. hip joint), complex joints connect more bones (e.g. elbow joint, knee joint).
Most joints consist of a joint surface, a capsule, and a cavity. In addition, they may contain ligaments, bursae, or menisci, among other things. As you can see, these are quite complex elements of the human body that play a key role in the musculoskeletal system. In the case of athletes and people who exercise intensively, taking care of their health is especially important, as it allows you to avoid injuries and degenerations that are associated with pain and limited mobility.
Dietary supplements for joints for athletes
There are many products available on the market that support the musculoskeletal system. If you are wondering which joint supplement for athletes to choose, it is worth starting by familiarizing yourself with the basic active ingredients that are found in these products:
- Collagen - the basic protein of connective tissue, which is the building block of joints, tendons and ligaments. It provides the right elasticity and stiffness of joints. It is also a very important element that allows you to maintain a youthful appearance of the skin, as it is responsible for its elasticity. Collagen supplementation aims to increase the ability to synthesize endogenous collagen in our body [1] . Collagen-containing preparations for athletes are used to support the proper functioning of joints, the regeneration of joint cartilage, and as an element of prevention and therapy for diseases such as joint degeneration.
- chondroitin sulfate – a chemical compound that is an important component of cartilage tissue. Its task is to alleviate friction that occurs between the moving elements of the joint, and thus also to reduce pain [2] . Long-term low concentration of chondroitin in the fluid surrounding the joint may lead to the development of rheumatic disease.
- glucosamine – a glucose derivative that affects the reconstruction of joint cartilage, may contribute to reducing joint pain by restoring their proper functioning.
- Vitamin C – supports the body in the proper production and synthesis of collagen to ensure adequate joint flexibility and proper bone functioning.
So what joint supplements should athletes choose?
When choosing a dietary supplement for joints for athletes and deciding on the regularity and duration of use of the preparations, the type of activity performed, the risk of overloading individual joint groups and the occurrence of joint injuries and traumas in the past should be taken into account.
The most common joint injuries include ankle, knee, shoulder, hip and elbow injuries. Individual sports disciplines carry a higher or lower risk of overloading muscle groups and joints. Taking care of healthy bones and joints is not only about getting rid of pain, but above all, ensuring the body's fitness for years.
If you want to take care of your joints, you should reach for supplements containing proven ingredients, such as collagen, chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine. Collagen in the form of hydrolysate is particularly recommended, which is characterized by high absorption.
As with other dietary supplements, you should always choose proven and certified manufacturers and preparations that work comprehensively.
[1] Czajka A, Kania EM, Genovese L, Corbo A, Merone G, Luci C, Sibilla S. Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general well-being. Nutr Res. 2018 Sep;57:97-108. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.06.001. Epub 2018 Jun 9. PMID: 30122200.
[2] Henrotin Y, Marty M, Mobasheri A. What is the current status of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis? Maturitas. 2014 Jul;78(3):184-7. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.04.015. Epub 2014 May 1. Erratum in: Maturitas. 2014 Dec;79(4):487. PMID: 24861964.
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