How do you know if you are getting all the vitamin D your supplement claims on its label? Unless the product has been analyzed by an impartial laboratory for purity and quality and it comes with a certificate of analysis guarantee, you don’t.

Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor any other state or federal agency routinely evaluates vitamin D or any other nutritional or herbal supplements to ensure their quality. “Quality” means:

• the product contains the amount of the nutrient claimed on the label

• the product is not contaminated with substances such as lead, and

• that supplements in the form of tablets or capsules disintegrate properly in the body

No one likes to get cheated, but when it comes to buying nutritional supplements, consumers are being cheated all the time. Here we focus solely on vitamin D, partly in reaction to a preliminary report from Johns Hopkins University (June 14, 2010), in which a research team from University reported what they found when they evaluated ten over-the-counter vitamin D supplements. Read more »»

We are big believers in Vitamin D at JoMo.  That’s why the next batch of JoMo will now include 2000IU’s in every dose, the highest dose of vitamin in any liquid joint supplement.  While we love vitamin D for its bone health, arthritis support and anti-cancer properties as well as its benefits for rheumatoid arthritis, a new study also shows that during pregnancy, women should take ten times the amount of the current RDA of 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D. Read more »»

Mr. JoMo just got back from Tahiti where over lunch of Poisson Cru one day we started debating the relative value of good genes versus lifestyle and what matters most in terms of living a long and healthy life.

Of course the debate started when I questioned the amount of French fries that were arriving at the table as well as the butter that was being spread on some great French baguettes (we were, after all, in France technically). Read more »»

As reported in the LA Times this morning, a recent study found that flip-flops and flat shoes relieved arthritic knees whereas clogs and stability shoes actually put more stress on knees.

In a study that evaluated the force or “load” on arthritic knees while wearing clogs, athletic shoes with stability features, flat walking shoes, flip-flops, and going barefoot, the flat and flexible shoes won out, says study lead author Najia Shakoor, MD, an associate professor of internal medicine at Rush Medical College and an attending physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Read more »»

Omega 3 fats are known for their ability to decrease inflammation in the body. It is this action that makes omega 3 fats and fish oils helpful for suppressing the joint inflammation and destruction that is common in arthritis. When joints are creaky and painful, omega 3 fats can be likened to a lubricant that helps them move more freely. In addition, omega 3 fats may aid in weight loss which helps to relieve added pressure from joints.

Fish Oil for Joint Health

Diets rich in EPA and DHA, the types of omega 3 fats found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements, have been associated with a reduction in the production of cytokines and eicosanoids. Since these compounds contribute to the joint inflammation present in rheumatoid arthritis, researchers believe that incorporating EPA & DHA into the diet could promote arthritis improvement. Read more »»

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The Basics

What are they?

Omega 3 fats are a type of essential fatty acid (efa) that the body needs for optimal health. Since our bodies can not make omega 3’s they must be obtained from the diet through foods or supplements (i.e. fish oil supplements). There are three different types of omega 3 fats – EPA, DHA, and ALA.

Why do I need them?

As an essential fatty acid omega 3s are crucial for a variety of body processes. In particular, they play an important role in thinning the blood which aids in preventing heart disease. Omega 3 fats are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents that may help relieve joint pain, aid in prostate cancer prevention, improve brain function and mood, and much more. Read more »»

In the health-care bill that President Barack Obama signed last Tuesday there was a provision that wasn’t heavily publicized.

Chain restaurants will be required to add the calorie count of offerings on menus, menu boards and drive-through displays, as well as vending machines.

The rules will apply to chains with 20 or more outlets with small businesses being exempt. Read more »»

I spent the best part of last week at the ExpoWest Natural Products Expo at Anaheim here in California and learned a few things:

• The natural foods business is booming despite the recession
• Most people in the natural products business do not look like they lead a natural lifestyle (read: gone are the days when products are mostly developed by small cottage industries and people who are passionate about the industry.  They have been replaced by big industry, corporate executives and big budgets (it costs minimum 10-15k to exhibit all in just for a small company))
• Soy can come in many forms and it isn’t always what you think!
• Acai, Acai, Acai!!  Can’t get enough! (I am being cynical)
  
• Labeling continues to be fuzzy at best.  Hey, Its Acai!  But read the fine print and who knows what else
• 5 Hour Energy is going the way of 6 Minute Abs.  100 different knock offs.  Note: have you ever read the label on that product?
  

But my main concern is over protein powders and supplements.  Recently I was also at the LA Fitness and Health Convention when all sorts of people claiming to be “fit” were pedaling all sorts of protein powders with the active ingredients being long chain molecules that Harvard professors wouldn’t understand.  I had been concerned for a while but it has really been driven home to be lately as I turn 46 and become more focused on men’s health issues and as I walk around “Health” Expo’s where people are selling products with no knowledge of the potential health effects. Read more »»

This is the first posting on what I hope will be a great resource for nutrition, diet, alternate therapies and exercise, and basically all things related to living a healthy, full life.

Arthritis and joint pain are now the leading cause of disability in the USA with over 46 million Americans affected.  Its an epidemic and the drug companies are generally not interested in preventative wellness and education.  That is what we are going to try and achieve with this blog.

From time to time we will also have guest posts on joint pain and arthritis by members of the JoMo Advisory and Nutritional Board with anything from nutritional advice and exercise programs to details on latest clinical studies.

And we will also have many postings on other areas that we are passionate about that we think will also be of interest.  From the best green tea sources and recipes for joint health to exercises and therapies for staying strong and active in later life.

So enjoy and check back often!

Mr JoMo