Issue Gelatin Generates Joint Relief David Pearson, of Ball State's Human Performance Laboratory, studies the effects of a gelatin supplement that rebuilds cartilage to alleviate anterior knee pain. D uring World War II it saved lives as a blood plasma substitute.
People use it to strengthen hair and nails.
The substance encapsulates vitamins and medication. It is even an ingredient in soups, stews, and desserts. For David Pearson of the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State, gelatin is an ingredient found in the dietary supplement NutraJoint, providing relief to Ball State athletes who experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Initially marketed toward senior citizens suffering from osteoarthritis, the supplement has traditionally been used to ease pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by the degenerative joint disease. The special formulation of granulated gelatin is combined with Vitamin C and calcium in a tasteless mixture produced by Knox, a division of Nabisco Food Groups.