The Best Joint Pain Supplements 2023, According to the Experts

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What Can I Do For My Joint Pain?

Young individuals enjoy great joint flexibility. Their joints are much more resilient to damage and if injured, typically recover more quickly as compared to joints in older adults.

As we age, muscle tone declines, joints lose lubrication, arthritis may develop, and pain, stiffness, and inflammation become daily issues and are all reasons for the loss in mobility.

Arthritis^[1] affects more than one-third of the U.S. population and is a primary cause of disability for adults. There are various types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common and there is no cure.

Joint pain supplements are meant to not only ease aches and pains associated with aging but potentially slow down the progression of joint degeneration.

Modern joint support supplements include active ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) that are meant to relieve pain and inflammation, enhance joint mobility, and potentially preserve joint cartilage.

Some supplement for joints and bones will additionally contain ingredients like collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, or natural extracts to further support joint health and function. Here’s a look at ingredients and what the existing research says about them.

Natural Ingredients, Herbs, Medications, Supplements, and Vitamins To Help With Joint Pain

There are tons of supplements for inflammation and joint pain that claim to treat joint pain, but which ones actually work? Here’s a look at 8 of the best supplements for joints, and what the existing research says about them.

1. Glucosamine

A natural substance found in cartilage and fluid between joints. Glucosamine is necessary for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan, which contributes to both the constitution and the actual repair of joint cartilage. It is commonly harvested from shellfish, but there are also artificial versions made in the laboratory.

There are a few different forms of glucosamine used in best joint pain relief supplements and there is conflicting research about the effectiveness of them in treating joint pain.

Is Glucosamine good for joint pain? According to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus, Glucosamine sulfate appears to show the most promise in reducing pain for those with osteoarthritis and may slow the deterioration of joints.

On the other hand, the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)^[2] found glucosamine HCl combined with chondroitin sulfate to significantly improve pain in those with moderate to severe joint pain.

2. Chondroitin

A substance naturally found in cartilage and in supplement form is from animal sources like cows, pigs, or sharks. This ingredient has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Chondroitin significantly reduced joint pain and the narrowing of joint space, as well as improved overall physical function in those with osteoarthritis, as discussed in this study^[3].

Some research shows taking this on a long-term basis (upwards of 2 years) may even be effective in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

3. MSM

A natural sulfur-based chemical found in the body and several types of plants necessary for the formation and repair of connective tissue.

This study^[4] discusses how MSM can reduce joint pain and inflammation, enhance joint mobility and range of motion, potentially preserve joint cartilage, and even improve post-exercise muscle soreness.

4. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)

SAMe is produced by the liver from an amino acid, methionine, and is commonly added to joint pain relief supplement to reduce pain, and inflammation, and improve overall physical function.

One study^[5] found this substance alone to be just as effective in managing osteoarthritis in the knee as Celebrex, a common anti-inflammatory drug.

SAMe may also help treat depression and some liver diseases, but it is not recommended for those who suffer from mental illness, especially bipolar disorder.

5. Turmeric

A popular spice in the Indian cuisine that is believed to have a multitude of beneficial properties. Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compound, curcumin.

This spice has been found to treat symptoms of arthritis just as well as ibuprofen and may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, colitis, and various cancers.

Turmeric is also commonly used in both Chinese and Indian medicine to modify the response of the immune system and prevent further joint inflammation caused by arthritis.

RELATED – Health Benefits of Turmeric

6. Boswellia

Also known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia is appreciated for its ancient anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties commonly used in Ayurveda medicine.

Several studies have found Boswellia to relieve pain in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

This study also mentions Boswellia’s potential in reducing the degradation of glycosaminoglycan, preventing further loss of cartilage.

7. Devil’s Claw (harpagophytum)

An herb commonly used in South Africa that is well known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects mainly due to its active compound, harpagoside. It may be effective in providing natural joint pain relief in those with osteoarthritis, minimally reducing the need for anti-inflammatory drugs.

8. Fish oil

The supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the structure of cells, provide useful energy, and are popularly known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

DHA and EPA can treat different types of arthritis, but have been found to significantly reduce joint stiffness and tenderness specifically in those with rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

There are several omega-3 fatty acids, but the most researched are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are highest in salmon.

Tips for Choosing the Best Joint Supplement For You

Choosing supplements for joint pain and stiffness can be a difficult task, especially since there are several brands with various ingredient combinations and dosages.

The first thing to do before starting any supplement is to discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure the supplement will not interfere with any pre-existing health conditions or any medications you are taking.

Start by looking into common supplement brands and reviewing the labels. Check to see if the supplement contains important joint-protective active ingredients.

It is also important to look at the additional ingredients – typically, the longer the “additional” ingredient list is, the more additives and fillers there are.

It would be great if natural supplements for arthritis could be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the FDA “does not have the authority to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.”

Each company is responsible for ensuring their joint pain pills are safe before selling them. Several companies will have their supplements tested by a third-party laboratory for purity and accurate dosages for safety and reputability. Companies will mention additional testing on their website and/or on their supplement bottles.

It is also beneficial to look into the company itself, see if they are rated by the Better Business Bureau, and read up on as many consumer reviews as possible. Reviews can offer valuable information such as specific pros/cons of taking the supplement, potential side effects, and various timeframes for noticeable benefits.

Lastly, do not get stuck on price. Strive to purchase a supplement from a reputable company. Higher-quality supplements that help joint pain will generally be more expensive, but not always. You are usually paying a higher price for the purity of active ingredients and a shortlist of additional filler ingredients.

How We Chose the Following Supplements for Joint Pain?

In deciding on the best joint pain supplements on the market, we analyzed the formula of each supplement, specifically the active ingredients and doses, as well as verifying whether each supplement is supported by clinical studies or not. We want to ensure the ingredients are helpful in promoting joint health and relieving arthritis-related symptoms.

We have eliminated any joint pain supplements that contain potentially harmful ingredients such as preservatives, artificial colors, fillers, binders, or additives. Such ingredients pose questions about safety and purity and can lead to discomforting side effects or adverse reactions.

Our selection of supplements for knee pain is sound, as we have looked at quality first and foremost and it is essential to us that each supplement below has the potential to truly support joint health.

The Best Joint Pain Supplements of 2023

In this comprehensive review of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia supplements to help joint pain, you’ll learn the pros and cons for the best joint supplements mentioned below:

ProJoint Plus

Recommended Dosage: Take 3 capsules per day, the website does not provide further recommendations on when to take them. You can speak with your pharmacist or doctor about when and how to take it.

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Relief Factor

Recommended Dosage: Each dose is individually packed and contains 2 capsules and 2 soft gels, should be taken three times daily until the discomfort moderates, and after that, the packets should be taken twice daily.

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Heal N Soothe

Recommended Dosage: Three capsules every day on an empty stomach; 30-60 minutes before a meal. (Begin with 1-2 capsules a day and progress to more if needed)

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Turmeric Curcumin Plus

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 capsules once daily 20-30 minutes before meals. Alternatively, you can speak to a doctor or pharmacist on dosing.

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Joint N-11

Recommended Dosage: 2 capsules a day with breakfast.

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1MD MoveMD

Recommended Dosage: One capsule per day or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner– with a glass of water and with or without a meal.

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Red Algae Calcium

Recommended Dosage: Take three capsules after a meal, preferably breakfast.

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1MD KrillMD

Recommended Dosage: Two soft gel capsules with plenty of water every day or as per the healthcare professional’s advice.

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CurcuminMD

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice a day with a full glass of water on an empty stomach or as instructed by a physician. If you are concerned about sensitivity, you can take it with a small meal.

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Physio Flex Pro

Recommended Dosage: Two capsules everyday at any hour. It is recommended not to consume more that the maximum daily dosage for any reason.

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LCR Active Stem

Recommended Dosage: Mix one scoop in 16 ounces of water, either with food or on an empty stomach.

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Primal Harvest Primal Flex

Recommended Dosage: Two capsules per day, either in the morning with breakfast or with the afternoon meal.

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Icelandic Red Algae Calcium

Recommended Dosage: Three capsules with a meal, everyday.

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Performance Lab Flex

Recommended Dosage: Two capsules everyday immediately after physical activity.

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Instaflex Advanced

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 capsule daily, with or without food or as directed by your physician.

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Jocko Joint Warfare

Recommended Dosage: Three capsules one time daily for regular maintenance. For extreme support and recovery use three capsules twice daily.

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Life Extension Fast-Acting Joint Formula

Recommended Dosage: One capsule daily (Two capsules can be taken if needed until desired effect is obtained, then take one capsule daily thereafter).

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Live Conscious MoveWell

Recommended Dosage: Four capsules daily.

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SRS Omega Pro

Recommended Dosage: One capsule everyday, at any hour.

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Elm & Rye Fish Oil

Recommended Dosage: One capsule per serving.

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Omega XL

Recommended Dosage: Take 4 gel capsules daily, preferably with a meal, for the first 8 weeks. All 4 may be taken at once, or two in the morning and two at night — whatever works best for you (according to the official website). Also, a third-party source of information says, the daily recommended dosage is at least 3 capsules.

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Osteo Bi-Flex

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 tablets per day, preferably with food.

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Aleve

Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet every 8 to 12 hours for as long as your symptoms last and that within the first hour, it is ok to take two.

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NOW MSM Powder

Recommended Dosage: Take 1/2 teaspoon 1 to 2 times daily in juice or other liquid. If intestinal gas occurs, reduce dosage.

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VeraFlex

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 capsule per day in the morning when you start your day – the website does not provide further instruction on whether to take it with or without a meal.

CAUTION: “Do not take more than the suggested dosage under any circumstances.”

Best Joint Pain Supplements – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Are The Side Effects Of Joint Pain Supplements?

A: The potential side effects of supplements for joint pain are determined by the ingredients they contain and dosages used. Many people experience temporary gastric discomfort as they become accustomed to the intake of the new supplement.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Heartburn and abdominal pain may also occur. It is important to read the label of the joint pain supplement before taking it.

As mentioned before, discuss the supplement with your healthcare provider to ensure it will not interfere with any pre-existing health conditions or any medications you are taking.

Always follow instructions to the letter. If concerning side effects appear, discontinue the supplement and see your doctor.

Q: What Is The Recommended Dosage?

A: These are some of the recommended dosages for ingredients contained in natural supplements for joint pain:

• Glucosamine sulfate – 1500 mg per day
• Chondroitin sulfate – between 800 and 1200 mg per day
• MSM – 1500 mg per day
• Same – between 600 and 1200 mg per day
• Boswellia – between 900 and 1200 mg per day
• Fish oil – 1000 mg per day

Note: your doctor or pharmacist may recommend specific dosages for joint pain. Do not exceed those recommended dosages.

Q: Do Joint Pain Supplements Work?

A: The answer is yes, BUT they may not work well for everyone. Although joint pain relief products contain active ingredients that reduce joint pain and support overall joint health, not all joint-related issues or diseases can be managed by supplements alone. Patience and consistency are also key. Most supplements for joint pain relief will take time to work and will only work if taken on a regular basis.

Q: Who should buy the supplements for arthritis and joint health supplements?

A: Supplements for joint pain are generally recommended for those who have had joint/ligament types of surgeries, those beginning to exhibit the first signs of arthritis, and overall for the older population due to normal wear and tear on joints with age.

Joint supplements may also be taken for preventative measures to support the already healthy functioning of joints and potentially delay the aging process and painful symptoms related to joint degeneration.

Q: Can Vitamin Supplements Cause Joint Pain?

A: Generally speaking, some vitamins for joints will help ease joint pain and improve general health. There’s no evidence to show that they actually cause joint symptoms. However, there is a possibility that an overdose of multivitamins can lead to bone or muscle pain, or muscle weakness.

Q: What Are The Best Supplements For Joint Pain That Can Be taken?

A: This article has suggested joint health supplements you can consider for treating your joint pain. Read the descriptions carefully and make sure you’ve selected the right product for you. Look at the ingredients, side effects, manufacturer, and price, and read the reviews on the products you like best. In addition, consider other products such as MoveMD , Joint N-11, Nucific Move 360 and do a joint pain relief supplement comparison like Instaflex Joint Support vs. MoveMD and GNC TriFlex vs. Heal-n-Soothe, or turmeric vs glucosamine supplements.

Q: Can You Buy Joint Pain Supplements At Local or Online Stores?

A: Yes, there are many of these products available at online stores, like joint pain supplements on Amazon and joint pain supplements GNC. There are also a number of brands which are sold in offline stores like Walmart joint pain supplements or joint pain supplements Costco.

Q: Should You Give Glucosamine and Chondroitin Gummies a Try?

A: Glucosamine and chondroitin are substances which exist naturally in the connective tissue, and they are very effective at healing joint tissue and helping to lessen arthritis symptoms. This is especially true if they occur together.

If you are considering taking a supplement, there are some health warnings you have to note. For example, glucosamine comes from seafood, so if you have an allergy you should avoid joint pain supplements. Glucosamine for joint pain is not suitable for people with diabetes, asthma, glaucoma, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Chondroitin is not suitable for people with asthma, blood clotting disorders, or prostate cancer.

Alternative Therapies – What Other Options Keep the Joints Healthy

Now that you’re aware of some of the best joint pain supplements on the market, here are some alternative therapies for arthritis that you could also consider.

Topical Creams and Gels – These creams are meant to be massaged into your skin. They contain ingredients like capsaicin which stimulate nerve endings, helping to block pain receptors. Australian Dream, Biofreeze, Aspercreme, and Penetrex Cream are the few brands to consider for joint pain relief.

Physical Therapy – A physical therapist can help you with body movement and correct positioning, which can ease your symptoms. They can also provide you with equipment to help you like braces and splints.

Electrical Stimulation – This involves placing electrodes on the part of your body that’s in pain and delivering electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture – These small needles placed in your body at various points can improve your blood flow and stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This can stimulate natural painkillers in the body.

Massage – Massage is a good solution, but not when you are actively in terrible pain. Otherwise, the manipulation of your muscles may lessen the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

When to See a Doctor

The rule of thumb is that if your joint pain and swelling last more than 2 weeks, you should go see a doctor. Of course, if the pain is really bad you may want to make an appointment before that. There’s a good chance that your physician will refer you to a specialist like a rheumatologist. This is a doctor who focuses specifically on arthritis and other joint conditions.

Best Joint Pain Supplements – Final Verdict

Natural supplements for joint pain are meant to help improve the health of joints, reduce pain, and enhance mobility to continue living an active lifestyle.

All of the joint pain supplements mentioned above contain active ingredients beneficial for typical aches and pains with the potential to preserve cartilage and slow down the progression of joint degeneration.

Do not hesitate to try a variety of joint pain supplements that work and which are best for you. Everyone’s body is different and has different needs, which is why there are so many joint relief products available.

When trying a new and one of the best joint supplements for knees, it may be a good idea to keep a diary of how you feel each day and any differences you notice in order to eliminate supplements that either do not work for you or cause negative side effects.

Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition and drastically affects the overall quality of life. With the help of joint pain supplements online, you may find some relief from your symptoms. Choose the best and most natural supplement for joints Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Boswellia, and MSM for Joint Health.

*The views and opinions expressed on this page are strictly those of the Editor. Results may vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.