Hi, I'm Celeste and I'm arthritic. I'm also 27.
One month after I turned 25, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). My reaction oscillated from shock and fear, but one thought dominated my reaction: I'm too young. Too young for chronic pain, too young for aching joints, too young to need help opening a jar.
Soon I was popping pills seemingly by the handful. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and the occasional steroid round out my regimen. As an active, health-minded young adult, I wasn't thrilled about my growing pill collection.
And while I was young, I wasn't the only one.
The peak age of onset for RA is the mid-50s, but women in their 20s have a 1 in 714 risk for developing the autoimmune condition, according to new statistical research in Arthritis and Rheumatism. More than 50 million Americans have a form of arthritis, and half of them are under 65, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
Joint health issuesand their preventionare clearly not just for old timers. Is the supplement industry ready to tackle a more youthful demographic? Let me give you a hint: Yes, it is.
Market data point to a growing consumer demand for joint health supplements that complement a preventive approach. In fact, a whopping 41 percent of Millennials are interested in treating joint pain or stiffness, according to The Hartman Group's 2013 Culture of Wellness study. And the number climbs as the generations age, ending with 66 percent of the "Silent Generation" reporting interest.
As a result, Global Industry Analysts predicted the international joint health market will reach $9 billion by 2017. Check out INSIDER's Joint Health Digital Issue for the latest market specifics, including best-selling ingredients and regulatory considerations.
While old timers may make up the bulk of joint health consumers, manufacturers simply can't afford to ignore the under-60 crowd. It's filled with people like me, athletes looking to soothe their sore knees and forward-thinking buyers hoping to prevent the inevitable.
Don't miss out.