From pills to unflavoured collagen – we test products that keep your bones healthy

MORE than half of adults suffer from joint pain which can be caused by osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis or injury.

Arthritis and osteoporosis are long-term conditions that affect your bones.

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Arthritis causes swelling and inflammation.

Osteoporosis develops as a result of decreased bone mass and density, and can lead to fractures.

Jane Atkinson looks at ways to keep your bones and joints healthy.

EXERCISE

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REGULAR, low-impact exercise can help in the battle against joint pain.

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Nuffield Health has launched a free joint pain programme to help sufferers lead a more independent life – and you don’t even need to be a paying member of the gym to join up.

As well as exercises, it offers lifestyle tips and uses relaxation techniques to try to help with pain so those affected can sleep.

The programme, which lasts six months, has proven results.

Of those who completed it, 69 per cent say they have improvements in mobility, pain, general fitness levels and overall quality of life.

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Among participants who were in such pain they couldn’t work, 30 per cent were able to return after week 12.

See .

PILLS

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WORKING out what supplements you need and how much you need is not always easy.

Osteo Complete is a bone health complex that includes calcium, c, vitamin D3, zinc, boron and copper.

These elements work together to help maintain your musculoskeletal system, which supports the body and its movements.

Vitamin D3 is crucial for the absorption of calcium. The minerals magnesium and zinc contribute to normal protein synthesis, while copper helps maintain connective tissues.

These very tasty vanilla-flavoured tablets are a good alternative for people who do not like swallowing pills as you can chew them.

240 chewable tablets, £18.95, .

COLLAGEN

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THE world has gone mad for collagen.

There are different types, but for bone health the best is Type I. It provides structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.

The change is not instant. Take it regularly and it could take a year to achieve the full results, but if you are persistent it does work.

I like Correxiko Marine Collagen Type I. It comes from the skin of deep-sea fish, caught off the coast of Canada.

It is an unflavoured powder that you bung in water or a coffee.

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Lisa Snowdon says her menopausal and age-related aches and pains have gone since she started using it.

£39.95 for a 42-day supply, .