Supplements are also a good option for people who suffer from arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases, so if you are, you don’t have to feel alone.1 in 5 adults in the United Stateshave arthritis, a disease that usually causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Although experts don’t know what causes all arthritis, there are many things you can do to support your joint health. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, being physically active, and getting some natural light can help.Supports joint healthWhile there is no supplement that will magically make your joint pain go away forever, there are some that can help.
Keep reading to find out the 5 best joint supplements to support joint mobility and comfort at any age.
Things to consider
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Joint supplements often contain several added ingredients, not all of which have research to back up their effectiveness. “Our team looks for supplements that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, collagen and fish oil,” says Dr.Sullivan“Again, these products work best when you’re also getting the right nutrients from food, like omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and salmon, and polyphenols from fruits like blueberries and cherries. Getting some natural vitamin D from sunlight also helps.
shape
Joint supplements come in many forms, including powder mixed with liquid, capsules, tablets, and even liquids. Tablets and capsules are convenient but can be difficult to swallow, while powders mix well with water and are easy to take. Also, consider whether you want a supplement that contains a lot of active ingredients to support your joints, or whether you want to take individual supplements to get just the nutrients you need.
Additive
Depending on your nutritional needs and preferences, consider other features and certifications included in your joint supplement. These may include gluten-free, nut-free, allergy-friendly, organic, no added sugar, vegan, dairy-free, or even sports certification if you are a competitive athlete.
Quality and Safety
The supplements we recommend are third-party tested and verified by USP, Informed Choice, or NSF. This is especially important for supplements because the FDA does not regulate supplements and many brands of different types of supplements have been found to be adulterated with unlisted ingredients or to contain nutrients in amounts that differ dramatically from what is stated on the label.
Always consult with a medical professional before taking any supplements to ensure that they are appropriate for your health needs and will not adversely interact with any medications you are taking.
Selection method
Our TeamWe are constantly testing new products and working with performance coaches, nutritionists and athletes to find the best on the market. Our long list For this list, we reviewed and researched over 10 popular joint supplements, including those recommended by experts, to find the best ones for agility and comfort at any age.
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Overall Best
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome – NSF Certified for Sport
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is the compound that gives turmeric its golden color. Curcumin may improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and slow the progression of the disease. Other studies have found that supplementing with curcumin may reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis, similar to the use of ibuprofen. The main problem is that curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body, but Thorne Curcumin Phytosome solves that problem. Just 450 mg of Meriva (the curcumin phytosome found in Thorne supplements) provides the same absorption rate as 4,000 mg of regular curcumin.
Thorne supplements are also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning they are free of banned substances and tested for purity and potency. They are also dairy, gluten and soy free, making them safe for those with many food allergies. The supplements are sold both NSF Certified for Sport and non-certified, so competitive athletes can be sure they are buying what they need.
| Serving Size and Shape | 1 to 2 capsules twice daily |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Curcumin Phytosome |
The best collagen
Vital Protein Vital Protein Collagen Peptide Powder
Cons
- Need to mix
- Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
- Prices are on the high side, at $1.74 per serving.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are widely available, mix well with any liquid, and support your joints in a variety of ways. “Collagen is rich in amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which can help reduce joint pain, improve joint function, and support cartilage repair,” says Lemke. If you want to take your collagen on the go, cans can be inconvenient to carry, but you can also buy it in individual sticks, which can create a little more waste but fit easily in your car or gym bag.
It contains 18 grams of protein, which will definitely help you reach your protein goals, but it’s missing some essential amino acids and isn’t a complete protein, so you shouldn’t use it as your main protein source. We like the unflavored collagen peptides because they mix unnoticed into any liquid, including water, juice, smoothies, and coffee. However, if you want variety, there are also several flavors to choose from, including lemon, chocolate, and matcha. However, not all of them are NSF Certified for Sport.
| Serving Size and Shape | 4 tablespoons (powder) |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Collagen Peptides |
| Other features | Gluten free, dairy free, soy free, no artificial colors or flavors |
Best Budget
Nature Made Nature Made Triple Flex Triple Strength Caplets (200)
Joint support supplements don’t have to cost a fortune. Nature Made supplements are affordable at about 25 cents per serving and are USP certified, so you can be sure they’ve been tested for purity and potency, making them a great value.
This supplement contains 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine, 800 milligrams of chondroitin, and 750 milligrams of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in a trio of ingredients that help with joint pain and stiffness, plus 250 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D3. The combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM helps improve joint function, pain, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. The addition of vitamin D as highly absorbable D3 can reduce the number of supplements needed. The latest NHANES survey found that only 34.5 percent of American adults have sufficient amounts of vitamin D.
| Serving Size and Shape | 2 capsules |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin D, MSM |
| Other features | No added sugar, no gluten, no gluten or dairy |
Perfect for athletes
Garden of Life Garden of Life Quercetin Post-Workout Recovery
Garden of Life Quercetin Recovery is an ideal supplement for athletes because it supports joint health and promotes post-exercise recovery. Certified Informed Choice, it’s what it claims to be and nothing you don’t. Quercetin helps athletes recover faster and reduces post-exercise soreness, but it also benefits those who exercise less and don’t put much strain on their joints.
Quercetin is found in small amounts in foods such as berries, tomatoes, apples, and leafy greens, but this antioxidant is much more effective at relieving joint pain when taken in higher doses, like the 500 milligrams found in Garden of Life Recovery. Quercetin, plus zinc, green tea, turmeric root, pomegranate, and probiotics, help support a healthy immune system and fight inflammation. Because quercetin can interact with many types of medications, consult with your doctor before adding this supplement to your diet regularly. Also, avoid taking large amounts of zinc for long periods of time.
| Serving Size and Shape | 1 tablet |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Zinc, Quercetin, Green Tea Leaf, Pomegranate, Turmeric Extract, Bacillus Subtilis |
| Other features | Other Features: Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Contains Probiotics |
Best Omega 3
Pure Alaska Omega Pure Alaska Omega 3 Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Pure Alaska Omega Wild Salmon Oil is USP verified for purity and potency and contains 600 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (including 220 milligrams of DHA and 180 milligrams of EPA) per two softgels. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help rheumatoid arthritis patients reduce the number of NSAIDs they use on a regular basis, likely related to their ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Each supplement also contains 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased incidence of joint pain in osteoarthritis patients.
While there is no standard amount of omega-3 fatty acids for joint support, a 2015 study found that taking a dose as low as 1,000 mg of fish oil containing 400 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA for eight weeks significantly improved knee function and satisfaction in people with osteoarthritis knee pain. While this supplement naturally contains fish, it is free of shellfish, eggs, gluten, lactose, milk, peanuts, sesame, soy, tree nuts and wheat, making it a great option for those who suffer from food allergies and sensitivities.
| Serving Size and Shape | 2 softgels |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil |
| Other features | Allergy Friendly |
Jordan Sullivan has a Bachelor’s in Exercise and Nutrition Science and a Master’s in Nutrition. Jordan is the founder of The Fight Dietitian, where he and his team work with world champion fighters, Olympians, and top CEOs. Over the years, Jordan has been responsible for the performance nutrition of numerous UFC champions, including Israel Adeanya, Alexander Volkanovski, and Leon Edwards.
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