blood glutathione measurement Changes in levels of the antioxidant in brain and across the age span of healthy adults: A systematic review Assay for quantitative determination of

Taken together, the evidence supporting the efficacy of these compounds under in vivo conditions, particularly in humans, is limited

69,70,71 During life, organisms commonly face various sources of stress from the external environment and internal cellular factors

1992;22:687) For some patients, a semi-vegetarian diet (in- because nutrient absorption is impaired (due cluding fish, but no meat, milk, or eggs) can to the autoimmune reaction in the intestine), significantly reduce inflammation and halt nutrient deficiencies particularly of the B progression of RA.8 In advanced cases of RA, vitamins and trace minerals are common.9 Micronutrients RA Nutrient Suggested daily dose Comments Omega-3 fatty acids 23 g EPA (as fish-oil capsules) Reduces inflammation and may lessen Vitamin E 400800 mg stiffness and pain.7,10 Supports healing of damaged synovium Omega-6 fatty acids 12 g GLA as evening primrose oil Protects against oxidative damage, re- duces inflammation, and may provide ef- L-histidine 0.51.5 g fective pain relief11 Multimineral formula High-dose formula with 26 mg May reduce inflammation, pain, and swell- copper, 1530 mg zinc, 100200 g ing12 selenium May help reduce joint pain and stiffness13 Copper stimulates the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) that can reduce oxida- tive damage, stiffness, and pain.14 Zinc15,16 and selenium may reduce in- flammation and help relieve symptoms17 In severe RA treated with methotrexate, sup- plemental folic acid may be beneficial (meth- otrexate interferes with folate metabolism).18 Musculoskeletal Disorders 191 Osteoporosis PlaceboIncidence per 10.000 person-years 18 Aging bones tend to lose minerals and den- sity, gradually becoming thinner and more 16 Vitamin E fragile

When the body encounters an irritant, the immune system triggers eczema inflammation