Best Joint Supplement 2022 - Top Choices, Ingredients and More

Active Ingredient

How Does It Help Alleviate Joint Issues?

What Does The Scientific Research Say About It?

Turmeric Extracts

(250 mg)

Turmeric is a popular bright yellow spice that is used to give foods flavor and color. The joint health-promoting properties of turmeric are attributed to curcumin, which:

ü  Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

ü  Relieves joint pain.

ü  Relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthritic conditions.

Ø  An analysis of several research studies found that turmeric extracts significantly reduce joint pain in arthritis patients ⁽¹⁾.

Ø  A study compared the safety and efficiency of curcumin (turmeric extract) to that of an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac. This research trial gave 139 patients with knee osteoarthritis either curcumin 3-times daily or diclofenac 2-times daily for 28 days. The study concluded that both groups experienced similar pain relief. The study also stated that diclofenac and curcumin possess similar efficiency but diclofenac had better tolerance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, in patients with knee osteoarthritis who are intolerant to the side effects of over-the-counter pain medication, curcumin can be a natural alternative ⁽²⁾.

Ø  In another study, 50 participants over age 40, with knee osteoarthritis were given 180 mg/day of curcumin for 8 weeks. The study concluded that compared to placebo, knee pain was significantly lower in patients who consumed curcumin ⁽³⁾.

Glucosamine HCL

(500 mg)

Glucosamine is naturally found in your body and plays a significant role in making compounds that are the building blocks of many parts of joints including, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid.

Taking it orally may:

ü  Help prevent cartilage breakdown that happens with arthritis.

ü  Decline the progression of osteoarthritis by halting the narrowing of joint space.

ü  Lowers inflammation when used alongside chondroitin supplements.

Ø  An 8 weeks-research trial investigated the efficiency of glucosamine on pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study concluded that it significantly helps reduce pain ⁽⁴⁾.

Ø  Some other research studies also suggest that oral use of glucosamine HCL help alleviate arthritis pain ^{(5) (6)}.

Ø  Research studies have found that consuming glucosamine supplements may reduce collagen breakdown ^{(7) (8)}.

Ø  One study in 51 adults with rheumatoid arthritis suggests that consuming glucosamine hydrochloride for three months produced noticeable improvements in their symptoms ⁽⁹⁾.

Chondroitin Sulfate (100 mg)

Chondroitin is also the building block of cartilage, giving it elasticity by retaining water in it. It may also:

ü  Prevents cartilage breakdown by lowering the activity of enzymes that break down collagen in joints and also stimulates the cartilage repair mechanism.

ü  Reduces joint pain and stiffness.

ü  Prevents the tightening of the joint space.

Ø  A review study demonstrated that individuals who take chondroitin have a 20 percent or greater improvement in joint pain relief ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Ø  A review study of 26 research studies suggested that compared to placebo, patients who consumed chondroitin supplements may improve their symptoms and joint function ⁽¹¹⁾.

Ø  A study that investigated the effects of chondroitin on cartilage metabolism found that it enhances the production of various cartilage components while also preventing cartilage breakdown. These two mechanisms help reduce pain and enhance mobility of the affected joint ⁽¹²⁾.

Ginger Extract

(250 mg)

Ginger is commonly used as a spice. It contains many anti-inflammatory compounds such as gingerol (the main bioactive compound in ginger) that function in the same way as over-the-counter pain medications.

Ginger helps:

ü  Reduce joint inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds.

ü  Ease pain & discomfort as ginger extract contains salicylates which our body converts into a compound called salicylic acid (SA). SA prevents the production of certain prostaglandins that are responsible for inflammation and chronic pain.

ü  Improve the symptoms of arthritis.

Ø  In a study, ginger extract has been proven as effective as ibuprofen in reducing osteoarthritis pain ⁽¹³⁾.

Ø  Another study investigated the effects of ginger in 247 individuals who experienced moderate-to-severe knee pain. The study found that consuming ginger extract helped to ease knee pain upon standing and after walking ⁽¹⁴⁾.

Ø  The results of another study suggest that ginger supplementation can effectively reduce inflammation and chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis patients ⁽¹⁵⁾.

Ø  According to a review study, ginger is modestly effective and reasonably safe for people with osteoarthritis. This review study analyzed the data of 593 people who consumed ginger. The review concluded that compared to placebo, individuals who consumed ginger had a 30% greater reduction in pain ⁽¹⁶⁾.

Ø  Another latest review study suggests that the pain-lowering effect of ginger is safe and promising ⁽¹⁷⁾.

Methylsulfonylmethane (100 mg)

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound that is found naturally in humans and fresh raw foods including milk, vegetables, fruits, and meat. It is a popular dietary supplement that is known to:

ü  Inhibits the breakdown of cartilage (protect the cartilage)

ü  Help reduce inflammation

ü  Decrease pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints

ü  Reduce exercise-related damage.

Ø  A research study on 100 older participants found that methylsulfonylmethane treatment improved their quality of life and decreased pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The participants also reported less difficulty in walking and getting out of bed ⁽¹⁸⁾.

Ø  Another study investigated the effects of MSM in 100 older individuals who had knee or hip osteoarthritis. The study concluded that those who took MSM supplementation reported better performance in daily activities and improvements in their arthritis symptoms ⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Ø  Another study in 32 individuals with lower back pain suggested that consuming glucosamine supplements containing methylsulfonylmethane significantly improved their quality of life. The participants reported reduced lumbar stiffness and pain upon movement ⁽²⁰⁾.

Ø  In a study, 22 healthy women consumed MSM each day for three weeks leading up to a half marathon. The study reported less muscle soreness and joint pain in the MSM group compared to the placebo ⁽²¹⁾.

Bromelain

(300 mg)

Bromelain is a pineapple-derived protein-digesting enzyme mixture.

It’s mainly derived from the fruit, stem, and juice of the pineapple plant. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bromelain is generally recognized as a safe dietary supplement ⁽²²⁾.

It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it an effective treatment for:

ü  Joint pain, stiffness, and soft tissue swelling associated with osteoarthritis.

It also reduces soreness in aching muscles.

Ø  A review of several research studies found that bromelain is significantly effective in treating arthritis of the knee and shoulder. The study also stated that bromelain may provide an alternative treatment to pain medication for patients with osteoarthritis ⁽²³⁾.

Ø  In a research study, 77 individuals with mild acute knee pain (without arthritis) consumed bromelain supplementation for a month. The study concluded that one month of treatment with bromelain significantly relieved their symptoms and improved physical activity ⁽²⁴⁾.

Selenium

(200 mcg)

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that must be obtained through your diet.

ü  It acts as a powerful anti-oxidant by fighting oxidative stress and therefore, is encouraged for the treatment of arthritis.

ü  It’s necessary for healthy bone mass ⁽²⁶⁾.

Ø  A study found that selenium may help manage the symptoms of arthritis and reduce its progression ⁽²⁵⁾.

Ø  In some studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis have a low level of selenium in their blood ⁽²⁷⁾. Therefore, it’s thought that insufficient selenium levels may enhance the risk of osteoarthritis progression

Bioperine

(10 mg)

Bioperine is a patented extract of piperine (obtained from black pepper, a popular spice) that:

ü  Has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects.

ü  Boost absorption of other ingredients.

Ø  In an arthritis animal model, Bioperine has been shown to significantly reduce the inflammatory area in the ankle joints ⁽²⁸⁾.

Ø  Studies have shown that Bioperine boosts the absorption of several essential nutrients and beneficial plant compounds such as selenium and turmeric ^{(29) (30)}.