Those suffering from osteoarthritis may want to consider using supplements containing a branded mineral complex.

In a small 14-day trial, a placebo or 108 mg of the calcium fructoborate (FruiteX-B, from FutureCeuticals, Inc. of Momence, IL) were given to 20 patients diagnosed with minor knee osteoarthritis. Their joint pain stiffness and mobility were assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Blood work (to check for markers of arthritis) also was taken.

Testing indicated that those taking calcium fructoborate had improvements in joint pain and mobility. Stated the researchers, “On Day 14, WOMAC and McGill indexes were reduced by an average 29% and 14% respectively over Day 1 pre-ingestion values.” In addition, C-reactive proteins declined by up to 37% and 1,25(OH) Vitamin D increased more than 19% on average.

These data are published in American Journal of Biomedical Sciences.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, April 2012