Joints
Cartilage + ligament integrity, inflammation
Joints sit at the intersection of collagen synthesis and inflammation. Vitamin C is the rate-limiting cofactor for collagen hydroxylation; without enough, collagen is structurally weak. Copper and manganese run the cross-linking enzymes. Omega-3s reduce the inflammatory cascade that drives osteoarthritis pain. Vitamin D and magnesium support the bone surface beneath the cartilage. Joint pain that doesn't respond to NSAIDs often responds to fixing these inputs.
How your supplements + diet cover this system right now â the nutrients feeding it, where the gaps are, and your own lab readouts.
The load-bearing nutrients â if these are deficient, this system shows symptoms first. Click any to see daily targets, top food sources, and supplements that supply it.
Systems that share a load-bearing nutrient with this one.