According to The Arthritis Society, 1 in 6 Canadians aged 15 years and older are living with a form of arthritis—a number that is expected to increase to 1 in 5 adults by 2036. Although Osteoarthritis—caused by the attrition of joint use—tends to affect those who are 40 years and older, this joint condition continues to be the leading cause of disability in Canada with a wide-ranging impact. As a result, retailers and physicians have the opportunity to appeal to several markets given that symptoms can appear at an early age, and become increasingly worse with age.
While there is no cure for the disease, there are products that work to reduce symptoms and prevent future degeneration, such as Pycnogenol®—a standardized maritime pine bark extract that provides a plethora of health benefits. To combat joint pain, Pycnogenol® contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of procyanidin, an antioxidant and neuroprotective compound that reduces inflammation, supports heart health, longevity, and increases glutathione levels for detox.
Pycnogenol® also contains substances that improve blood flow, strengthen the immune system, and delay the ageing process which has the potential to appeal to both recreational and serious athletes. As such, this ingredient is ideal for the sports medicine market as much as it can benefit the senior market.
Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation and the inability to repair joint tissue causing stiffness, pain, and overall joint discomfort due to excessive use. Athletes and individuals who exercise often are at risk of developing osteoarthrosis because of constant joint use. When marketing this product, be sure to showcase how Pycnogenol® can boost athletic performance, reduce oxidative stress, and improve the conditions of an active lifestyle.
According to a clinical trial published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness in 2013, Pycnogenol® has the ability to strengthen muscles and joints when implemented into an individual’s daily routine.
“The daily supplementation of Pycnogenol® offers a natural approach to help reduce post-workout muscular pain, increase levels of physical performance and get you training again sooner,” explains Dr. Gianni Belcaro, a lead researcher of the study. “Pycnogenol®, along with good training and proper nutrition, may help to significantly improve physical fitness and reduce oxidative stress and muscular pain in both in those who exercise recreationally and triathletes.” When everyday wear and tear on joints is what’s causing a patient to slow down and exercise less, Pycnogenol® is an ingredient that assists with endurance, strength, and mobility by reducing the amount of aggressive immune cells that infiltrate the joints through its anti-inflammatory properties. When age becomes a hindering factor of physical mobility, be sure to highlight Pycnogenol® as a means to reduce the discomfort of Osteoarthritis in order to improve one’s everyday life. In either case, the versatility of Pycnogenol® is its selling point—enabling a much less painful lifestyle for all.
