Joint pain can have a big impact on quality of life, which is why the best supplements for joints can be an effort-free way to support your health. Joint supplements are usually designed to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis or other similar conditions. Here, we’ve round-up of our top picks, from easy-to-swallow capsules to liquid supplements.
But before you get into shopping, it’s good to get an idea of which of the best supplements for joints will have the most benefit for you. There are lots of causes of joint pain, which is why you want to choose a supplement that’s suitable. Some contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D for strong bones, and vitamin C for collagen support, whilst others may contain anti-inflammatory herbs and spices such as turmeric and Boswellia.
Many of the supplements in this guide also contain glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine is a natural chemical compound in your body that helps to maintain your cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. As you get older, your levels of this compound start to reduce. Unfortunately, you can’t get glucosamine from food, which is why some people take it in the form of a supplement.
A study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that glucosamine sulfate reduced the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Although you should always consult a medical professional first if you feel you meet the symptoms of arthritis, it can be helpful to add supplements like these into your routine to support your joints as you age. You can also improve posture and flexibility with this joint-friendly standing Pilates workout.
To find the right supplement for you, keep reading to find our full selection of all of the standout options, including our guide on how to choose.
The best supplements for joints you can buy right now
(Image credit: Seven Seas)
1. Seven Seas JointCare Supplex
The best supplement for joints for most people
Specifications
Dosage: CapsulesDosage: Two dailySuitable for vegans: No
Reasons to buy
+Covers the basic bases+Provides important vitamins
Reasons to avoid
-If you’re vegetarian or vegan-Low dose of omega-3
From this popular brand comes a joint-protecting supplement that ticks off many of the key elements – anti-inflammatory omega-3 fish oils, vitamin D, antioxidant vitamin C, which supports the production of connective tissue, and vitamin E, to help healthy immune system function. Another draw is that the capsules are relatively tasteless.
The supplement also contains glucosamine, which some evidence (opens in new tab) suggests may help to support protective cartilage, particularly useful in osteoarthritis. Although evidence on glucosamine is conflicting, with another study in the BMJ (opens in new tab) finding that neither glucosamine, chondroitin, nor the two in combination relieved joint pain compared with a placebo.
What the users say:
One user wrote, “Amazing product which made my joints feel less stiff and ridged”, while another commented, “Only used these for a week now and already my knees sound less squeaky walking upstairs’. Negative reviews are hard to come by, but some users say they had to take the supplements for quite a while to see an effect.
If you’re looking for a good all-rounder in one product, this is for you – although be aware it contains only a moderate dose of omega-3 fish oils (356mg). Research published in Archives of Medical Research (opens in new tab) suggests that a much higher amount (2.7g/day) is needed to lower inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, you may want to make sure you regularly include omega-3 foods such as oily fish in your diet, or take one of the best fish oil supplements.
(Image credit: Solgar)
2. Solgar 7 Joint Support
The best premium supplement for joints
Specifications
Dosage: CapsulesForm: One dailySuitable for vegans: No
Reasons to buy
+Includes a good range of nutrients+Designed to support an active lifestyle
Reasons to avoid
-Only preliminary evidence for some ingredients-On the pricey side
This trusted brand has come up with a slightly different sort of joint supplement. Solgar 7 Joint Support contains ingredients designed to target a range of joint issues, and is aimed at people who want to keep up an active lifestyle, through improving flexibility and range of motion.
It includes vitamin C, which is an antioxidant vitamin and can help your body to build collagen, a component of the cartilage that protects joints. The supplement also contains ingredients to help fight inflammation, such as Boswellia – also known as Indian frankincense. Boswellia is considered potentially helpful for arthritis, with a review of studies published in BMC complementary medicine and therapies (opens in new tab) concluding that it could be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis. The researchers also said that 100-250mg for a minimum of four weeks appeared to be an ideal dose. Solgar’s 7 Joint Support contains 100mg.
Other ingredients include turmeric root, ginger root and pepper spice complex – so if you prefer herbal-based supplements, or are taking a multivitamin that already contains vitamins and minerals, this could be good for you.
What the users say:
The product scores an impressive 4.6 stars out of five on iherb. One user said, “I started using it and it works faster and better than other products I used for the same issue.” A couple of users did report stomach upset, however.
The product is available in 30, 60 and 90 day supplies, which is ideal for those who would prefer to trial the capsules for a month first, before committing to a larger pot. They are also certified gluten-free, non-GMO and dairy free. It’s worth noting that they contain white willow (plant aspirin), however, so if you are on blood thinning medication you should consult your doctor first.
(Image credit: Amazon)
3. Swanson Joint Care
The best budget supplement for joints
Specifications
Form: SoftgelsDosage: One, three times per dayServings per container: 40
Reasons to buy
+Wallet-friendly+Combines multiple nutrients in one
Reasons to avoid
-Doesn’t contain vitamin D-Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
The idea behind Swanson’s Joint Care supplement is to provide all the nutrients you need to support joint pain in one product. One softgel capsule contains three primary ingredients: 333mg glucosamine sulfate, 250mg MSM and 66.67mg chondroitin sulfate. It also contains 20mg of vitamin C, 3.33IU vitamin E and 0.33mg manganese. What it doesn’t contain is omega-3s or vitamin D, but these could easily be supplemented alongside this prtoduct.
To us, these concentrations seemed on the low side, considering the serving size reads as one softgel. However, the recommended use is actually one softgel, three times per day with water, so you will be getting sufficient amounts of nutrients. Based on this, one container will last you 40 days. For around $14 per pot, this makes Swanson Joint Care a good wallet-friendly option.
What the users say:
Swanson’s Joint Care scores 4.5 out of five stars on Amazon, with many users citing that they’ve felt a difference in their joint pain. One user commented, “Both my husband and I tried this and we both felt we could tell a difference the first 30 days.”
Another draw is that softgels can be much easier to swallow than tablets, with lots of users noting that they don’t irritate their throat like other brands.
(Image credit: Amazon)
4. Vital proteins marine collagen
The best powered supplement for joints
Specifications
Form: PowderDosage: 2 scoop (12g) dailyServings per container: 18
Reasons to buy
+Pescatarian friendly +Good for those who don’t like swallowing tablets
Reasons to avoid
-No omega-3s or other nutrients -Conflicting evidence on collagen benefits
Collagen is a protein in our body that gives strength, structure and elasticity to our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels. There are about 16 different types of collagen, with type II being found in your cartilage. Collagen is made up of amino acids (the building blocks of protein), so some people take collagen supplements with the idea that they can help to protect and rebuild joint cartilage.
A review of two randomized controlled trials published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (opens in new tab) found that both studies demonstrated how a daily intake of 5g of bioactive collagen peptides could reduce pain in people suffering from inactivity related or functional joint discomfort. However, evidence is mixed.
What the users say:
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen scores an impressive 4.8 out of five stars on iherb. Positive reviews report an improvement in skin appearance and elasticity. One user notes: “The joints on my knees and elbows gave me pain throughout the day, now the pain on my knees has gone and just a little pain on my finger joints.” Some users do note that it’s not as ‘unflavored’ as claimed, and prefer to mix it with coffee or juice, rather than just water.
Collagen supplements can be made from animal or fish materials. This supplement, from Vital Proteins, is made from collagen peptides from fish, and provides 11g of protein per serving (and only 45 calories). Since it’s unflavoured, it can be consumed with hot or cold drinks; either stirred into water or your morning coffee. A lot of collagen comes from animal products, but this product is made from marine materials, making it suitable for pescatarians.
(Image credit: Amazon)
5. Nature’s Way Joint Movement Glucosamine Extra Strength
The best liquid supplement for joints
Specifications
Form: LiquidDosage: 2 tablespoons (30ml)Servings per container: 16
Reasons to buy
+No need for tablets+Fast-absorbing
Reasons to avoid
-‘Tastes like cough syrup’ according to some users-Small bottle size
From Nature’s Way comes Joint Movement Glucosamine, a liquid joint care supplement that’s ideal for those who don’t like taking or can’t swallow tablets. Because it’s a liquid, you can control the dose a lot more closely too.
One serving (30ml) contains 2,000mg of glucosamine, 1,200mg of chondroitin and 500mg of MSM. It also contains 400IU of vitamin D, which supports healthy immune function and mood. The liquid is berry flavored, although many users note that the supplement tastes a lot like cough medicine, and is better diluted with water or juice.
What the users say:
Nature’s Way Joint Movement Glucosamine scores an impressive 4.7 stars on iherb. Unsurprisingly, a lot of older users like this because they have difficulty swallowing tablets. One user notes, “After taking it for a few days, I can feel significant improvements in reduction of my knee pain and finger joint stiffness”. Another said, “I’ve been using this for about a month now and I think I’m already starting to notice a difference in my stamina in walking.”
A lot of joint care supplements that contain glucosamine are made from shellfish, making them unsuitable for those with allergies or who can’t eat fish. A big draw for Nature’s Way is that it’s shellfish free, making it suitable for vegetarians. It’s also free from gluten. It does contain natural flavors and stevia leaf extract as a sweetener, however.
How to choose the best supplements for joints
Most supplements for joint pain are clearly labeled. But unlike a straightforward vitamin pill, there are a lot of choices out there. So what should you look out for when you’re shopping around?
Ingredients
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two key ingredients found in many of the best supplements for joints. Your body produces these substances to cushion and protect the cartilage around your joints, but as you age, the cartilage can wear down. In some instances, this can cause your bones to rub together, a condition known as osteoarthritis.
There is some evidence, like this study published in The Lancet (opens in new tab), to suggest that supplements containing these two substances can help to ease the pain this rubbing causes.
However, as research is still ongoing, it’s best to check with your doctor before you start taking any joint pain supplement.
Since most glucosamine comes from shellfish or animals, many supplements aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans. You can find some that are made from vegetarian sources, however, such as Nature’s Way Joint Movement Glucosamine.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients
“There’s actually an inflammatory component involved in both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – we now know OA isn’t just about wear and tear,” says rheumatologist Dr. Rod Hughes (opens in new tab).
Since anti-inflammatory nutrients could be key for joint issues, supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids are among the top choices. You can get this nutrient from your diet by eating one or two portions of oily fish each week. If you’re not a fan of fish, then look out for a supplement with higher levels of omega-3. Although bear in mind many of these won’t be suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as the omega-3 is likely to come from fish oils.
As a bonus, omega-3 also keeps your heart healthy and can protect your mind and overall wellbeing.
You can also find products containing other anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Boswellia, rosehip, and turmeric – although there’s currently less research behind these.
Vitamins
The best way to get all of the nutrients our body needs is through eating a balanced diet, but this isn’t always possible – especially as we get older.
In particular, vitamin D is essential for muscle and bone health, with a study in Autoimmunity Reviews (opens in new tab) finding that low levels of vitamin D could speed up the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. One of the best sources of vitamin D is from sunlight, but keeping our levels topped up during the winter months can be tricky. Choosing a supplement for joints that contains vitamin D is one way to ensure you’re getting enough of this bone-supporting nutrient.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can fight molecules that trigger joint inflammation. Vitamin C also serves a role in collagen synthesis, which is the main protein in joint tissue and bone. One study published in Medical Archives (opens in new tab) found that vitamin C may help to reduce pain associated with arthritis of the knee.
Other nutrients you might find in joint care supplements include calcium, manganese and vitamin E, although more studies are needed on the impact of these on joint pain.
Form
The best supplements for joints can come in many different forms, including tablets, liquid and soft gel capsules. Liquid is better for those who have trouble swallowing non-chewable tablets, and it is easier to control your dose in liquid form. Liquid is also more quickly absorbed. However, tablets have a longer shelf life, and for a lot of people, are a more practical option.
Reputation
One way to ensure the quality of the supplements you buy is to purchase a brand that carries a seal of approval from either of the following third-party organizations:
- The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
- ConsumerLab.com
- NSF International
These organizations perform quality tests to ensure that the ingredients listed on the label are in the bottle, and that the products do not contain harmful levels of contaminants.
It’s also safer to avoid questionable looking websites, and buy the best joint care supplements from reputable retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walgreens, iherb or The Vitamin Shoppe.
Talk to your doctor
Before you start taking a new supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe and appropriate, especially if you have been diagnosed with arthritis or are taking any other medication.
