Baby Boomers and Retirees Using Joint Support Products to Lead More Active Lifestyles

Joint pain is the leading cause of disability across the United States. It is estimated that 48 million people suffer from debilitating joint pain due to a form of arthritis. This figure is projected to reach 67 million by the year 2030 (CDC). Retired people, people with old sports injuries and America’s rising overweight population contribute to these statistics leading to an increasing demand for joint health supplements. But by far, the chief factor that is expected to give further boost to the joint supplement industry is the aging of the baby boomers.

Every 7 seconds a baby boomer turns 55. This aging population is looking for health products that will offer them a way to delay or manage age-related diseases. Baby boomers account for 15% of the sale of special category dietary supplements. Nutritional supplement manufacturers would do well to consider gearing their products for this generation which has added double digit growth sales to the nutritional supplement industry.

Consider these convincing facts and statistics for manufacturing Joint Support product.

• Joint health products containing glucosamine and chondroitin are among the top ten dietary supplements in the United States. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, annual sales in 2007, was $831 million.
• The total dietary supplement industry is estimated at $23.7 billion which means that revenue from supplements containing glucosamine or chondroitin accounted for about four percent of the sales.

The reasons for this could be three-fold:

• More baby boomers are approaching middle age and find themselves prone to joint health disorders.
• Preventive health measures and self-treatment provided by the use of nutritional supplements are gaining popularity, as indicated by growing statistics.
• More scientific research supports the use of dietary supplements.

More Baby Boomers Are Turning to Joint Support Products

In 1995, it was evaluated that people, 50 and older, could have avoided hip fractures simply by taking a daily dose of calcium supplements. This would have saved them $2.6 billion in direct medical expenses (Adrienne Bendich et al in Clinical Therapeutics, 1999).

Joint health affects the economy as well. Loss of productivity at work due to debilitating joint pain and its related medical costs work out to an approximate $85 million loss. These statistics are on the rise and the Center for Chronic Disease (CDC) estimates that in 20 years, one-third of all arthritis patients will be in the category of 45 to 64 years. Joint pain could hinder such people from their normal daily activities unless preventive, proactive measures are taken today.

Ever since the GAIT testing in 2006 (Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) which showed two ingredients, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, help reduce mild to severe joint pain due to osteoarthritis as against placebos, the sale of glucosamine and chondroitin has risen by 3.5 percent. In fact bone/joint health has become the second largest segment by volume, after multi-vitamins. This will grow as more baby boomers age.

Awareness of joint health issues has led baby boomers and the aged to realize that joint pain can be treated and progression of joint disease can be delayed by dietary supplements such as glucosamine sulfate, and other well-researched herbs and natural ingredients.

Joint Support Product Manufacturers

Growing consumer demand has given a big boost to the joint supplement industry. If you are thinking of manufacturing joint health supplement, take time to consider the right formula with ingredients that have been researched well.

Other factors to consider in this consumer-driven industry are ease of use or convenience of product. Consumers are more likely to choose products that are easy to take and fit in to their busy schedules. You may want to consult a quality contract manufacturer for formulation of your joint support product. Choose one who holds a high premium for integrity and quality as much as you do.