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Life is an adventure — but for those struggling with joint discomfort, every step can feel like an uphill battle. It's not all doom and gloom though, as thankfully there has been extensive research into many different therapeutic dietary supplements that can treat arthritis via different mechanisms that help relieve arthritis pain. This includes everything from your usual anti-inflammatory effects to actually providing your body with the components it needs to more efficiently keep joints lubricated.
Arthritis is a broad term encompassing multiple conditions characterized by joint inflammation. Aging, physical stress, sedentary lifestyle, and nutritional deficiencies are believed to be common culprits. These factors can lead to reduced joint mobility, stiffness, inflammation, and pain, the likes of which have been known to even contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
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This comprehensive guide will explore the best arthritis supplements formulated to potentially keep your joints happy and healthy.
Best Supplements for Arthritis Pain Shortlist
Best Arthritis Supplements — Elm and Rye
Best Combined Supplement For Arthritis — FlexAgain
Best Topical Cream For Arthritis — Penguin
Osteo Bi-Flex (Regular Strength) — Best Budget Combined Supplement
Nordic Naturals — Best Omega 3
Turmeric and Curcumin
Curcumin, an extract from turmeric, has significant supporting data showing its possible efficacy in relieving arthritis pain. It appears to work by blocking the activity of cytokines and enzymes that cause inflammation in the body, as well as having antioxidant effects. Some studies even suggest that curcumin might work as well as or better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, but always talk to your doctor when considering a medication or supplement.
randomly controlled trials provide scientific evidence that may support the use of turmeric extract in the treatment of arthritis. The active compound curcumin may be particularly effective to reduce inflammation. It may also be effective in osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.
Elm and Rye have a fantastic turmeric supplement that might work wonders, providing a high dosage in a simple and convenient pill form.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids have earned a reputation as a superstar in the realm of joint health supplements. These essential fats, particularly DHA and EPA, are believed to support joint health. Some studies suggest that about 1100mg of fish oil or algae oil supplements might be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication in managing osteoarthritis symptoms, though it should not be seen as an ideal replacement and should instead be used under the supervision of your doctor.
One study that gave omega-3 to patients with active rheumatoid arthritis reported that many patients that received omega-3 expressed satisfaction with their participation. The study authors also claimed that CRP levels, which are used to diagnose arthritis as well as determine the severity, saw a significant reduction in the omega-3 group.
This shows that Omega 3 fatty acids may be important to joint health, and supplementation as a preventative tool might be a good idea, possibly supporting both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients.
FlexAgain provides a full dose of omega-3 supplement.Â
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring substances in healthy joints. It is said that they're both produced in the body and provide the building blocks for growing, maintaining and repairing cartilage. Glucosamine has been long thought capable of lubricating joints by helping cartilage to retain water, preventing its breakdown. Some research suggests that chondroitin might enhance the effectiveness of glucosamine. These supplements are often recommended to help manage arthritis symptoms in many countries. The most significant potential benefits appear to be for those with mild to moderate knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
In 2016 researchers reported that glucosamine hydrochloride combined with Chondroitin sulfate appeared to be as effective at reducing arthritis symptoms, stiffness and swelling in Knee osteoarthritis as a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
However, they may not work for everyone or for severe symptoms and there has been some contradicting evidence for Chondroitin, so boasts of its effectiveness should be taken with a grain of salt until more evidence is provided. For example these researchers recommend that instead people should supplement Glucosamine Sulfate without chondroitin, stating it's inexpensive with side effects coming few and far betweenÂ
A great choice for this would be this list’s top budget option today Osteo Bi-flex, as they've dosed both of these correctly without it costing you much in the process.
Ginger Extract
Being a common remedy employed by grandmas and mothers alike, it's no surprise that ginger has been found to show potential in reducing inflammation and joint pain. It seems to have powerful anti inflammatory properties, with the main problem being actually fitting it into a pill. This is because some studies that show its effective dose is 2,000mg for Osteoarthritis patients and 4,000mg for Rheumatoid arthritis.
One study of the effects of ginger extract on knee osteoarthritis patients took 261 patients and randomly divided them into two groups, a control and one supplementing the ginger. They believed that standardized ginger extract has a statistically significant effect on reducing symptoms of OA in the knee.
There are standalone supplements for it out there that work well, but this is where FlexAgain shows a clever work around thanks to blue galangal. This works similarly to Eurovita Extract 77, another ginger and galangal extract, with the tests showing it may have the same active ingredients twelve times over, with just 255mg being equivalent to 3000mg of ginger.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, which you might intuitively believe means it's essential for maintaining joint health as well. It's a bit more complicated than that, although it may lower inflammation and possibly lower the risk of developing arthritis.
One meta analysis looking into the relationship between magnesium and knee osteoarthritis theorized that magnesium intake did not decrease symptoms, but did decrease risk of fracture significantly.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM appears to be a precursor for the body's production of collagen and glucosamine, the building blocks of healthy joints. It's theorized then that supplementation would help the body's joints to stay healthy, but it's not always so simple as the body won't necessarily use it for this function.
MSM supplementation may be useful for joint health however, as one study seems to show. This study took a group of men and women with knee osteoarthritis and separated them into a group that received MSM and another group receiving a placebo. Using an Osteoarthritis questionnaire used by healthcare professionals to evaluate the condition of arthritis patients with osteoarthritis, the researchers claimed they saw a significant difference between the two groups in physical function.
Though it has a clinically controversial past, it seems some evidence favors MSM, leading it to be included in many modern joint health supplements such as this article’s best all in one supplement FlexAgain.
Vitamin D
This essential vitamin is something our bodies can cleverly synthesize from sun rays, but with modern living taking place primarily indoors, deficiencies are incredibly common, and a vitamin D deficiency might cause joint pain. In certain countries across the world it's often recommended to take a vitamin D supplement all year round, regardless of arthritis pain, particularly for older populations. In the USA some studies show high deficiency rates in the over 60 population.
It's not a terribly complicated inclusion, and you'll find it in any decent joint health supplement but the best standalone would be Elm & Rye Vitamin D3, said to be the most bioavailable type of vitamin D. This may have numerous other positive benefits such as mood regulation and might even boost testosterone production in men. Whilst it's not going to treat arthritis pain, not having enough vitamin d might by itself cause joint pain, meaning that having a deficiency might worsen arthritis symptoms.Â
Boswellia
The Boswellia tree, or specifically Boswellic Acid, is said to improve joint inflammation, and due to its efficacy as an anti-inflammatory, it also might help with other inflammation-based conditions. This is because they appear to work by blocking an enzyme that breaks down polyunsaturated fatty acids into inflammatory molecules called leukotrines that are believed to attack joints and other tissues.
In certain studies, Boswellia was considered to have demonstrated benefits for pain reduction.
This is sold somewhat universally in herbal shops, and is included in many top tier joint health supplements for arthritis, such as this article’s top pick today FlexAgain.
Bromelain
You have heard before something along the lines of "when you eat pineapple, it eats you back." Though this isn't strictly true Pineapple does contain an enzyme that could make your tongue feel a bit funny, and that enzyme is Bromelain, which has also been potential to treat joint pain, according to some clinical trials. Some research shows it might be as effective at reducing arthritis pain as common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory treatments, though you should talk to your doctor about what this means for you. It may also have other benefits, from improving digestion to promoting gum health.
One study of bromelain showed ] reduced arthritis pain, leading the researchers to conclude that Bromelain may be effective at ameliorating physical symptoms.
FlexAgain is a good source of Bromelain, or it's generally sold in a number of herbal shops in store and online as a standalone.
Calcium
Depending on your subtype of arthritis pain, calcium supplements might be a good option. In a similar vein to Vitamin D, Calcium is highly present in bones and as such, low calcium might worsen joint stiffness and increase the chances of getting joint conditions.
It's sometimes recommended that you supplement this alongside Vitamin D, which appears to increase your body’s ability to absorb calcium properly. It's simple to find in most herbal shops and even some pharmacies.
Resveratrol
You've probably heard at one point in your life someone attesting to the health benefits of drinking red wine, and this is because of Resveratrol. This polyphenol might slow disease progression in various forms of arthritis, protecting joints by decreasing the body's production of inflammatory and joint-damaging enzymes, slowing joint degeneration.
This has been reported clinically as well. One review concluded that the evidence supports resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, with it showing possible joint protective effects and relief of arthritis symptoms.
Resveratrol is a joint supplement that is often found in only the very best supplements for arthritis pain, and with FlexAgain being the best of the best it's a great dose of resveratrol.
SAMe
SAMe is a natural compound found in the body that may stimulate the production of cartilage.There's some evidence to suggest that SAMe might improve joint stiffness and arthritis pain, though there's a reasonable amount of trials that contradict this so it's worth taking the praise with a pinch of salt.Â
Researchers in one study reported that SAMe’s effects can be slow but it may help knee osteoarthritis.
SAMe is purchasable stand alone at many supplement and health shops, as well as many online vendors.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is another essential vitamin that supports joint and bone health, with the deficiency potentially leading to reduced bone mineralization and osteoporosis.
A deficiency is likely to go unnoticed as symptoms may only arise from severe cases, but there are studies out there that show getting enough vitamin K might slow the progression of Osteoarthritis.
Vitamin K is commonly found in most multivitamins, but it is also found with FlexAgain who recognize its potential is more preventative but state "a relatively small ingredient to include to ensure your ongoing health."
Best Standalone Supplements for arthritis — Elm & Rye
Elm & Rye is a renowned supplement brand that has gained popularity for its commitment to using pure, sustainably sourced ingredients. With a focus on quality and effectiveness, the company conducts third-party testing on each supplement to help ensure purity and potency.
Elm & Rye offers a diverse range of supplements tailored to meet individual wellness needs. Whether you're looking to improve your brain function, support gut health, or achieve weight loss goals, Elm & Rye has a product to suit your specific requirements. With their commitment to using high-quality ingredients, Elm & Rye supplements are designed to deliver optimal results.Â
Best All In One Supplement For Joint Function — FlexAgain
FlexAgain is a relatively recent addition to the US marketplace, expanding outwards after reportedly being crowned the UK's number 1 Rated Joint Supplement. They've shaken things up a bit over here thanks to its no nonsense marketing, deciding to avoid the common tropes of the industry that involves plastering buzzwords all over their bottles alongside eccentric logos.
This slick design seems counter intuitive at first, until you look at the back of the label and it all suddenly makes sense — for FlexAgain, it's all about the formula. If you think about it, that's how it should be really, as at the end of the day you're buying these supplements in hopes that they'll help alleviate your symptoms, and no matter how catchy your tag line is, it's not going to help anyone.
This formula is packed with 11 natural ingredients with most of those mentioned above. FlexAgain delivers your entire daily recommended intake of Omega-3, which shows they fully understand how powerful its anti inflammatory properties are. It pairs that with everything from Bromelain, resveratrol and a clever combination of Ginger extracts to provide a clinically tested, well dosed joint support supplement.
They've also redefined what it means to be transparent, not only showing their ingredients list and dosages accurately, but going so far as to declare a commitment to the science, saying that they'll be keeping a close eye on anything that might change and will adjust their formula accordingly, such that it remains the best supplement out there.
Though it's relatively new over here customer feedback included lots of praise, with complaints coming mainly from the stocking issues they had at the beginning, that they've since sorted, offering free bottles to anyone that may have had to wait longer than usual.
Penguin Topical Cream For ArthritisÂ
At the moment the best arthritis cream that the reviewers have come across is from Penguin, both affordably priced, well dosed and containing other effective cooling ingredients with pain relieving properties, it really is a good all around product.Â
The reviewers generally recommend Penguin when it comes to oil based products, this is due to the company’s overall quality matching up with the most expensive options on the market when 3rd party tested, but coming in at about half the price of the more "premium brands."Â
The legal status of CBD and CBD with trace THC varies by state. The reader is responsible for complying with local laws.
Best Fish Oil — Nordic Naturals
This is ultimately a cheap and cheerful supplement, and the thing is, that's all fish oil capsules need to be. If the source of the omega oil is from either fish or algae oil it should be a high enough EPA and DHA to possibly be effective, regardless of what some supplement sellers may use in their marketing. Fish oil has shown promise for potentially reducing arthritis pain in multiple studies, making it a great option.Â
Best Budget Combined Supplement — Osteo Bi Flex
Osteo Bi Flex is largely a glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplement, it's dosed correctly and often they'll add a 3rd ingredient, either boswellia or vitamin d. These are reasonable additions and considering you can often pick it up for around $20 for a month’s supply they're fairly priced for what they are. They're not going to cover all the bases and they certainly don't present as much overall value as a supplement like FlexAgain when you look at what you get for your dollar. But if you're working on a tight budget and you already get enough omega 3 from fatty fish, then there's definitely worse options for arthritis pain management.
Arthritis Supplement FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about arthritis supplements.
1. Do arthritis supplements work?
Arthritis supplements might provide significant relief from symptoms for certain people. Ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and glucosamine sulfate have shown promising results in reducing joint inflammation, improving mobility, and relieving pain.
2. What is the best arthritis supplement on the market?
The best arthritis supplement would contain a mix of effective ingredients in clinically proven doses. It would also be manufactured in FDA registered facilities, undergo third-party testing, and come with a satisfaction guarantee.
3. Can supplements cause joint pain?
Certain supplements might potentially cause joint pain. For example, consuming too much iron might lead to joint discomfort. It's crucial to avoid exceeding the recommended dosage of any vitamin or mineral when taking supplements.
4. Do arthritis supplements help with knee pain?
Arthritis supplements might help reduce knee pain. Specifically, glucosamine sulfate supplements, omega, and curcumin have all shown to be particularly promising.
5. How long does it take for arthritis supplements to work?
The timeframe varies depending on the ingredients and individual response. Some ingredients like omega, curcumin, and ginger might show effects within a few days, while others like glucosamine sulfate may take longer to build up in the body.
Conclusion
While arthritis can be a challenging condition to manage, the right supplements can make a substantial difference. By understanding the science behind these supplements and choosing the right ones for your needs, you can take steps toward minimizing discomfort and improving your joint health. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to understand potential risks and side effects. Remember — every small step towards joint health is a giant leap towards a more pain-free life.
