There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The most common of these is osteoarthritis (OA). Usually appearing after the age of 40, it often results from repeated strain on certain joints wearing away the cartilage and causing pain when bones rub directly against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which can appear at any age, is the second most common type of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder (a malfunction of the immune system) which causes painful swelling and inflammation around the joints. Osteoporosis, which means porous bones, is also a form of arthritis. It occurs when the bones suffer from a lack of the whole mineral matrix that comprises bone. This differs from osteomalacia, or softening of the bones, which occurs because of calcium deficiency alone. In fact, a full range of minerals contributes to bone and joint health, yet any mineral taken at high doses can impede absorption of the others. A balanced multi-mineral supplement supports muscle, cartilage, and bone development and repair; regulates hormones and enzymes associated with inflammation; and supports immune function to fight development of autoimmune disorders that affect bones and joints.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Our bones and teeth contain more than 99 percent of the body?s total calcium and it is well known that adequate calcium is essential to strong bones. However, calcium in the blood is also essential. When blood calcium becomes low, calcium is released from the bone into the blood. This can contribute to osteomalacia or osteoporosis.

Magnesium

Second only to potassium in its concentration in the body?s cells, 60 percent of the magnesium in the body is in the bones. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of calcium. Magnesium is also important in controlling the production of a pro-inflammatory substance called Interleukin 6 (IL-6). Abnormal production of IL-6 is a factor in inflammation-based autoimmune disorders such as osteoporosis and RA.

Selenium

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and provides vital support to the immune system. As many bone and joint disorders are triggered by autoimmune malfunction, a strong immune system is vital to bone and joint health. This appears to be supported by the fact that selenium levels tend to be low in people with RA and other inflammatory disorders.

Zinc

Zinc is in every body cell, is a component of over 200 enzymes, and is necessary for the proper action of many hormones. There is a high concentration of zinc in bone, suggesting its importance to bone health. It is also important to proper function of the immune system, suggesting that it may play a role in preventing the development of autoimmune disorders such as RA.

Copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in several key enzymatic reactions in the body. It is necessary for the function of an enzyme that is important in developing collagen, a substance that contributes to the strength of bone and cartilage. Copper deficiency leads to weak collagen, which can manifest as osteoporosis and other bone and joint abnormalities. Silicon Silicon is the second most abundant element on earth, after oxygen. It is required for strong development of skin, ligaments, tendons, and bone. It is also necessary to the proper function of an enzyme that plays a role in the formation of collagen, and is therefore vital to bone and joint health.

Recommended Use: Take 2 capsules twice daily with food.

Ingredients: Each gelatin capsule contains:Calcium (citrate)...50 mg, Magnesium (citrate/oxide)...25 mg, Selenium (HVP* chelate)...30 mcg, Zinc (citrate)...2.5 mg, Copper (citrate)...0.5 mg, Potassium (citrate)...50 mg, Molybdenum (citrate)...8 mcg, Silicon (dioxide)...1 mg, Iodine (potassium iodide)...0.1 mg, Vanadium (citrate)...12 mcg, Manganese (citrate)...5 mcg, Chromium (citrate)...50 mcg, (*Hydrolized Vegetable Protein)

Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable).