The role of therapeutic nutrition and dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis at the initial stages of the disease in military personnel

Factors predisposing to the development of osteoarthritis in military personnel are analyzed. The physical stress inherent in military labor, for example, in the airborne troops, creates a high load on the joints and can cause the early dismissal of military personnel from the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Based on the pharmacodynamics of chondroprotectors (stimulation of chondrocyte function, cartilage tissue regeneration processes, inhibition of the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, etc.), it can be argued that they have a significant effect on the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of osteoarthritis, i.e. the mechanism of action of chondrocytes is reduced to the suppression of catabolic and stimulation of anabolic processes in the joints. The main principles of therapeutic nutrition for osteoarthritis are, a decrease in calorie intake, limiting the amount of carbohydrates, animal fats and salt consumed. A balanced diet, including sufficient macro- and micronutrients, has a therapeutic effect in patients with complaints of joint pain, helping to restore the damaged structure of the elements of the musculoskeletal system. The inclusion of dietary supplements in the diets of patients with complaints of joint diseases ensures the intake of nutrients necessary for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. These factors accelerate the rehabilitation of patients after extreme physical exertion and injuries of the musculoskeletal system inherent in military labor. An analysis of the materials of a clinical study - a comparative study of the effectiveness of the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint at the initial stage of the disease with the help of a representative of the group of chondroprotectors - Arthra containing chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is carried out. The introduction of chondroprotectors as a means of preventing osteoarthritis in the diets of military personnel experiencing extreme joint loads will strengthen the ligamentous-articular apparatus by normalizing cartilage moisture saturation, inhibiting the action of proteolytic enzymes and stimulating the synthesis of glucuronic acid, which improves the elasticity of connective tissue.