Best Supplements For Joint Health (& Pain Management)

Disclaimer:  No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, a qualified clinician or other qualified health care professional.

List of Best Joint Health Supplements

Fatty Acids

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

GlucosamineHydrochloride

Boswellia

Turmeric

Chamomile

Amino Acid

MSM

Cat's Claw

Collagen

Fatty acids, also know as omega 3 fats or n-3 PUFAs, have been found to be beneficial in providing joint pain relief. Studies such as this one show omega 3s to be beneficial in helping osteoarthritis.

The two fatty acids specifically found in omega 3 supplements are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). These elements are effective in reducing inflammation. These fat-soluble vitamins have benefits on overall health as well. The fish oil supplements above are high-quality in regards to efficacy and non-pollutants.

Another beneficial joint supplement is glucosamine sulfate. It is a natural sugar found in joint tissue and joint fluid. Some treatment programs such as this have recommended using this supplement as treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

This is because glucosamine sulfate has been shown to help with joint and knee pain. It also is shown to delay structural changes in the joint when taken early enough.

These are substantial findings and a significant reason for Europe to be using glucosamine sulfate as a leading supplement in the treatment for joint pain for over 50 years. 

A supplement often used in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate is chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin supplements have had substantial clinical research perfomed regarding its effects when it comes to use and safety.

Chondroitin sulfate is found in the connective tissues of the body such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments as well as the bones making it an important supplement also in bone health. 

Since chondroitin sulfate is one of the building blocks of cartilage, it is helpful with arthritis symptoms and helping when it fomes to maintaining cartilage formation.

This joint supplement is shown to be safe. The formulation of the chondroitin supplement may be important, however, due to its formulation impacting its effectiveness. 

Glucosamine Hydrochloride shows promising effects regarding rheumatoid arthritis. This is because it helps with arthritis pain due to the reduction of inflammation.

Although this supplement activates anti-inflammatory properties and the production of catabolic enzymes, studies have mostly shown its effectiveness when used in conjunction with glucosamine supplements. 

Related Post:  7 Ways to Help Joint Pain

Another supplement found helpful in aiding joint discomfort and pain is the herb Boswellia Serrata. Boswellia is a plant used traditionally in Indian medicine. Studies shows its positive effects in joint health.

This study specifically shows the reduction of swelling in the knee joint which led to increased joint comfort, increased walking and less joint pain. Boswellia is a natural treatment which is important in maintaining the overall health of the body.

This is among one of the best natural joint help supplements. It has been found safe to use and its anti-inflammatory benefits help alleviate joint stiffness and reduce joint pain.

Turmeric also is one of the best options when it comes to joint health. There has been some evidence showing turmeric to balance T-cells, which both cause and prevent inflammation. A healthy balance lessens inflammatory problems.

Curcumin is the compound in turmeric shown to offer the anti-inflammatory benefits. Taking a turmeric supplement with at least 95% curcumin is recommended in order to get the most thorough effects from the supplement.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, supplements that include the use of black pepper, meriva, or antioxidants are better for absorption purposes. Therefore, it is important to look for a supplement with these added ingredients. 

Some of these pharmaceutical grade brands include Thorne and Pure Encapsulations or the brand linked above. We have taken both of these brands ourselves, and I highly recommend them as well.

Herbs contribute to many positive effects on the health of individuals. Chamomile has this positive effect on the inflammation of joints. This has been shown in clinical trials regarding cell studies.

Chamomile was given to 44 patients having rheumatoid arthritis conditions according to standards set by the American College of Rheumatology. All patients were on a strict protocol to make sure chamomile was the reason for success or fail of the study.

The study showed that chamomile was effective in reducing the pain in these patients when given 2 tea bags a day to drink for 42 days. This study verified the same type of results found in other studies.

Related Post:  Chamomile Tea For Sleep

Amino acids also have been shown to have positive results with joint pain. Collagen, a supplement discussed later, contains amino acids in itself. However, some amino acids are also available to take separately.

SAMe has been shown to help with joint pain, however, this supplement may not be right for everyone so you should consult a professional very familiar with this supplement and how it reacts in the body to see it it is right for you.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) contains sulfur. Sulfur is necessary in the production of collagen. Sulfur is also important in the making of glucosamine. Both collagen and glucosamine have been shown to help with healthy joint functioning.

Addtiionally, MSM is important in the formation of cartilage and tendons. Studies such as this one show this supplement to increase antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and lessen joint pain.

Cat's Claw is an herb that comes in supplement form as well. A small study of 45 participants showed positive outcomes regarding Cat's Claw and osteoarthritis. The herb has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which lessens pain associated with the joints.

Collagen is another supplement that has been studied for its effects regarding many aspects of body health including bones, skin, hair, and joints. Studies are not conclusive as to the extent collagen actually helps the joints, but helpful effects have been examined.

Native type II Collagen is the type of collagen best for the joints. Although type II collagen is found in cartilage, (and makes up approximately the 90% of the collagen in that part of the body), there is not solid evidence that collagen can help repair cartilage.

However, studies have shown collagen to relieve joint pain and help ease joint movement. Additionally, collagen has been shown beneficial when it comes to slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and arthritis. The linked collagen above comes in powder form and easily dissolves in drinks.

Thorne is a high-quality supplement brand that combines the most effective ingredients for joint health together in one formula. These ingredients include MSM, glucosomine, Boswellia Seratta , Curcumin, Potassium, and Bromelain. If you are looking for an all in one best supplement for joint health, then Thorne is a great option.

Another brand that contains high standard ingredients is the company Elm and Rye. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in their turmeric supplements. They have been noted by big company's due to their practices and supplement production.

Lastly, Pure Encapsulation's Joint Complex formula is made up of ingredients that provide optimal joint comfort and pain relief. They include the pure ingredients of the highest quality. Reviews show significant evidence that these supplements help with joint movement and soreness. Ingredients include Boswellia, Turmeric, MSM, and hydralauric acid.