Precautions for arthritis patients taking trace elements and minerals

  Studies on humans and animals have found that elemental boron can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and also relieve osteoporosis and promote bone health. The recommended intake is 1 mg daily, and a daily dosage of more than 3 mg can increase estrogen levels in the body. Foods with high levels include fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried beans, white wine, beer, and cider.  In Europe, some studies have found injections or IV copper complexes to be helpful in osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Wright’s syndrome, and gout. It is usually 1-3 mg daily, taken orally. Copper supplementation is contraindicated in patients with Wilson’s disease.  In fact, copper deficiency is rare, and copper supplementation is not required with a reasonable diet. In a randomized controlled trial, many patients wore copper bracelets and felt less pain, while the control group wore simulated copper bracelets and experienced little pain relief. The observers further found that the weight of the copper bracelets worn was reduced, suggesting that the copper was absorbed through the skin. Although the concept of copper absorption through the skin is controversial, it may be worthwhile to try this treatment.  Calcium protects bones and joints, prevents osteoarthritis and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and is essential for dental health, blood clotting, and muscle contraction. Calcium supplementation has been universally introduced for all postmenopausal women, especially those with osteoarthritis. Calcium is usually supplemented with 500-1500 mg of component calcium daily. calcium is used in conjunction with vitamin D and estrogen to increase calcium absorption, and calcium supplementation is contraindicated in patients with renal bone disease. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, salmon, sardines, green leafy vegetables and soybeans.  Magnesium can reduce pain, inflammation and chronic fatigue symptoms. Studies have reported that chronic fatigue symptoms are usually associated with low magnesium, magnesium supplementation can effectively improve such symptoms, magnesium and malic acid complex can reduce the pain of patients with fibromyalgia, improve the energy to live. Magnesium has a cathartic effect, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and gastritis, and even aggravate the kidney damage. One study found that manganese is effective in osteoporosis when used together with copper, calcium and zinc, and that glucosamine sulfate-chondroitin sulfate-manganese complex can reduce osteoarthritis pain. In patients with osteoporosis, manganese is usually supplemented with 5mg daily and combined with calcium, zinc, copper and glucosamine sulfate.  A study on rheumatoid arthritis found that selenium was at a low level during the active phase of rheumatoid arthritis, and after 6 months of selenium and fish oil supplementation rheumatoid arthritis patients had reduced morning stiffness and swelling of joints and increased joint mobility. However, the organism only needs trace amount of selenium, and excessive selenium supplementation will cause nausea, vomiting, nail changes and fatigue. Foods with high selenium content include crab, liver, fish, wheat and poultry.  Some studies have shown that zinc sulfate can improve the pain, stiffness and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and also reduce psoriasis, while FDA approved as a treatment for Wilson’s disease. Daily zinc dosage below 50mg is safe, but zinc ions may interfere with the efficacy of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, and can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Coffee consumption can reduce the absorption of zinc by 50%. Foods with high zinc content include meat, saltwater foods, egg yolks, dairy products soy and wheat products.