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Our 10 Best Joint Supplements for Safe and Effective Relief
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- Best Joint Supplement Overall: Hi-Health Joint XI Formula
- Best Long-Lasting Joint Supplement: Juvenon Reprieve
- Best Collagen for Joint Health: NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides Powder
- Best Joint Support Supplement With Glucosamine: Windmill Joint Lube Glucosamine
- Best Fast Relief Joint Health Supplement: Elixinol Life Joints Rejoice
- Most Well-Rounded: Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW D3
- Best Omegas for Joint Health: NOW Super Omega 3-6-9
- Best Turmeric for Joint Health: Hi-Health Turmeric W/ Bioabsorb Curcuwin
- Best Fish Oil (Joint Health or Otherwise): Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
- Best Joint Supplement for Athletes: Nature’s Way Calcium Magnesium and Vitamin D Complex
- Joint Health Supplements FAQs
We all get the concept, but even the simpler joints in the body are a lot more complex than they seem once you zoom in a bit—just check these things out.
All this complexity calls for a multi-faceted approach to maintaining the many tissues and processes that support joint health—whether you’re addressing joint pain or looking to prevent it.
With this holistic approach in mind, we’ve officially settled on our list of the 8 best joint supplements on the market today, making sure to include glucosamine, turmeric, collagen, and several other key players in your joints’ nutritional support staff.
First, we have to give it up to Hi-Health Joint XI Formula for bringing the best of these ingredients together into a powerful, well-formulated supplement.
| Best Overall | Best Long-Lasting | Best Collagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Hi-Health | Juvenon | NeoCell |
| Price | $45.99 ($0.77/serving) Shop Now | $39.95 ($1.33/serving) Shop Now | $18.69 ($0.62/serving) Shop Now |
Best for: People looking for a clean and comprehensive joint support supplement that targets connective tissue, bone health, skin, hair, and more.
It may not give your water a fun neon pink hue or taste like candy from your childhood, but where Hi-Health Joint XI Formula lacks in showmanship, it more than makes up for in powerful ingredients, like the following:
Collagen: A vital structural component of skin, hair, and other connective tissue types (learn more here), collagen is a no-brainer when it comes to joint health.
Glucosamine: A blend of glucosamine HCL and glucosamine sulfate potassium totaling 500 milligrams per serving helps to address joint stiffness and pain, and may be effective for people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, making it one of the best joint supplements for knee osteoarthritis, hip pain, and issues affecting other large joints.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): It may sound like some crazy toxic chemical, but MSM actually occurs naturally in the body. Supplementing with MSM is thought to both decrease muscle soreness via potent anti-inflammatory properties and “contributing sulfur” to connective tissue, as this academic article put it.
Simply put, Hi-Health Joint XI Formula is a lot like the “high test” version of many more specialized joint support supplements out there, offering a potent blend of several of the most effective joint health ingredients supported by science.
Best for: Anyone looking for longer-lasting joint relief with high-quality ingredients.
While many joint supplements or anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications stop joint pain for a short time, Juvenon Reprieve is designed for long-lasting relief.
Juvenon Reprieve contains five key ingredients that help with joint mobility, flexibility, and comfort:
- Silymarin: A powerful compound from the milk thistle plant that halts the inflammation feedback loop, which causes chronic joint pain. Instead, Silymarin soothes inflammation to stop the pain cycle and relieve joint discomfort for longer than just one day.
- Boron: Boron is a mineral that many people are deficient in, and, according to the brand, supplementing with it once a day relieves pain by 70% in 90 days.
- ApresFlex (a form of Boswellia Serrata): Soothes inflammation, reduces stiffness, and improves mobility by clearing out an accumulation of toxic joint fluid that destroys healthy cartilage.
- Corydalis root: Eases inflammation and joint pain.
- Angelica Dahurica: An herb that works synergistically with Corydalis to fight inflammation in the joints.
Although this supplement is expensive, the longer-lasting relief may be worth it for many who are dealing with joint pain, discomfort, or low mobility.
Best for: Anyone honing in on collagen for improvements in joint health, skin, hair, and nails; those who want a simple, clean supplement to aid with joint pain.
From birth to our mid-late twenties, the body’s native collagen factory has no problem pumping out as much of this structural protein as we need. Then, in our 30s, the natural collagen supply begins to drop off, and we depend more heavily on a well-balanced diet and supplements for joint pain, skin care, and so on..
Especially for vegetarians and vegans—as collagen is most easily sourced from meat and seafood—a collagen supplement providing 10 grams per serving can make a huge difference, which is where NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides Powder comes in.
There aren’t many bells and whistles here—it’s a simple, unflavored powder that delivers 10 grams of collagen (types I and III) per serving. There are no preservatives, sweeteners, and no other functional ingredients in this supplement.
If you’re looking for an affordable, simple, and potent collagen supplement to hit that requirement and forget about it for the rest of the day, NeoCell Super Collagen Peptides Powder is an easy win.
Best for: Active people looking for acutely effective joint health supplements that may reduce exercise-related soreness; people with or without rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis pain looking for joint pain relief.
Definitely one of the more potent and well-varied formulations among our favorite joint supplements, Windmill Joint Lube is for people who need significant relief from joint pain so they can get back out there.
It may seem like a flavoring agent at first, but research suggests cherry juice can improve joint mobility and discomfort, as seen in this double-blind trial from Texas Woman’s University.
While glucosamine hydrochloride has not been investigated as thoroughly as glucosamine sulfate for joint relief, the latter has been shown to “prevent joint space narrowing at the femorotibial compartment [knee] in patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis,” as this Rheumatology International study puts it.
Notably, this doesn’t mean you have to have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms or osteoarthritis to benefit from a glucosamine supplement, which is thought to reduce inflammation in the cartilage and slow the progression of the disorder.
While we don’t love the sucralose and natural flavors, sugar stays to a very reasonable one gram per two-tablespoon serving, and the aloe vera, ginger, turmeric, and more add to the joint-soothing effects of Windmill Joint Lube Glucosamine.
Best for: Weekend warriors and more consistent exercisers alike looking for a clean, natural supplement to improve joint pain and inflammation.
Powered by a proprietary turmeric extract (Curcugen®) that includes active compounds like oleoresin, Elixinol Life Joints Rejoice stands out from other turmeric supplements both in this way and with its highly absorbable format, thanks to a beadlet microencapsulation process.
Turmeric has been shown in various clinical trials to improve pain and functionality of joints affected by inflammation (knee osteoarthritis is the most commonly studied application), but that doesn’t guarantee the body will absorb it well, which is why we always look for products that have enhanced bioavailability.
Also making an appearance on the ingredient list is Boswellia serrata, or “Indian frankincense,” which has shown to not only moderate joint inflammation, but may also improve blood lipids (fats), plaque buildup, liver health, and more generalized instances of pain.
As for the brand behind Elixinol Life Joints Rejoice, we’ve been closely watching Elixinol for years now, reviewing dozens of their third-party-tested products personally, and continue to recommend their hemp-based and non-hemp-based products to anyone looking for safe and reliable supplements.
Best for: Anyone looking for a holistic vitamin D supplement that can support GI health, prostate, joints, immunity, and much more in addition to the known benefits of vitamin D.
It seems like a day doesn’t go by where we don’t feature Garden of Life, but for good reason.
In the case of Vitamin Code RAW D3, it’s because the 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 is backed up by a huge (20+ ingredient) organic fruit and vegetable blend, a raw probiotic and enzyme blend, and high omega-9 cracked-wall chlorella.
Of extra importance for joint health are the organic tart cherry, the omega-9 from chlorella (shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties for joint pain), and of course, the many benefits of vitamin D.
While the actual mechanism by which vitamin D relieves joint pain and inflammation is still being explored, the consensus is solid on the fact that vitamin D deficiency will increase joint pain and dysfunction in most cases. That said, taking vitamin D for joint pain without a deficiency may not be as effective, if at all.
But for the many of us who miss the mark on vitamin D, Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW D3 delivers a strong serving backed up by a slew of wellness-promoting ingredients.
Best for: A wide range of people looking to improve heart health, brain health, immunity, inflammation, and much more.
As usual, the lion’s share of the research investigating the connection between omega fatty acids and joint pain usually involves patients with osteoarthritis, but some of the mechanisms these PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) use to help joint pain apply to those with rheumatoid arthritis, or no arthritis at all.
This academic review by the University of Manitoba in Canada, among others, points to anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids.
The same goes for omega-9 fatty acids, but interestingly, it’s important to keep your omega-6 fatty acids to a reasonable level, as these can actually increase inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids are still vital for health, but it’s crucial to keep the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 acids low—more on that here.
We could continue yammering on about the proper ratio of omega-3/6/9 fatty acids, but we don’t have to, thanks to NOW Super Omega 3-6-9. Utilizing a natural fish oil concentrate, this dietary supplement for joint pain provides a balanced ratio of high quality fatty acids for heart health, joint health, nervous system function, and much more.
Plus, having reviewed NOW Foods and personally interviewed leadership at the company, we trust their GMP-certified products.
Best for: Anyone looking for highly potent turmeric supplements for joint pain and inflammation, soreness, and more with potential for heart health benefits.
While the breadth of ingredients may not stick out amongst the many other turmeric supplements for reducing joint pain out there, Hi-Health Turmeric Plus with Bio-Absorb Curcuwin has a ringer in the game: a highly bioavailable (absorbable), water-soluble curcumin extract.
Dubbed Curcuwin®, this proprietary extract has been proven in the clinical setting to drastically increase the uptake and retention of curcuminoids (active compounds in turmeric) in the body.
A 2014 study shows that this specific extract increased curcuminoid absorption among participants a whopping 46 times over the standard fat-soluble turmeric supplement. Another study from 2018 pointed to a roughly 100-times increase in absorption potential.
As curcumin has already been strongly suggested to aid in exercise-related soreness especially, among other benefits, we highly recommend Hi-Health Turmeric Plus with Bio-Absorb Curcuwin for anyone looking to cut down on joint pain.
Best for: Anyone looking for the highest-quality fish oil supplements on the market for joint health benefits (from omega fatty acids) as well as brain health, glucose management, heart health, and much more.
Snagging the #1 spot in the United States and racking up awards, there’s no question that Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is the best-in-class option among fish oil supplements.
The major standout here is the highly concentrated omega-3 content (1280 mg/serving) derived exclusively from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies.
On that note, the natural lemon flavor is surprisingly effective at covering up the fishy taste, and there are no artificial colors or flavors to worry about.
Here’s the ingredient list in its entirety: Purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel capsule (gelatin, glycerin, water, natural lemon flavor), natural lemon flavor, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract (a natural preservative).
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is a clean, highly nutritious, and heart-healthy dietary supplement that goes way beyond joint health.
Best for: Anyone who wants a well-rounded supplement to support musculoskeletal health, from teeth and bones to muscle tissue; athletes looking for joint support with a bit of an energy boost.
We’re all too happy to go back and forth on the usefulness of proprietary turmeric extracts and herbal adaptogens all day, but when it comes to evidence-based reliability, it doesn’t get much more solid than Nature’s Way Calcium Magnesium and Vitamin D.
We’ve all heard time and time again that calcium is important for strong bones, but that’s not all it does—calcium also helps with blood clotting, muscle function, and several aspects of heart health.
Even more of a renaissance man is magnesium, which, in addition to supporting both bone and muscle health, facilitates nervous system functioning, energy production, blood pressure, and much more.
Finally, we’ve already previewed some of the benefits of vitamin D, which, in addition to supporting bone health by increasing calcium and phosphorus retention, may have roles in inflammation control and even limiting cancer cell growth.
Nature’s Way Calcium Magnesium and Vitamin D makes it simple: you get 25-60% the daily value of these three nutrients in easy-to-use capsules with no artificial (or any) flavorings or sketchy additives.
Joint Health Supplements FAQs
What type of glucosamine is best for joint pain?
While it’s still difficult at this point in the evolution of the knowledge base to declare the best supplements for joint pain, we can narrow it down to two: glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl). The former is used more often in research, but more than one expert agrees that the two are very similar in their efficacy for treating joint pain.
Can joints be restored?
Considering the number of pharmacological, surgical, and other medical options available for people with various joint problems, there’s virtually always a way to at least partially restore the integrity of the joint. The extent of the restoration largely depends on the nature and extent of the injury or condition, along with other factors.
To use a common example, osteoarthritis is not a curable condition, but the inflammation and pain can be mitigated to some degree by regular low-impact exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, joint health supplements and nutrition, and other interventions for a much better functional outlook. Oftentimes, these interventions can make the difference between walking and remaining sedentary for elderly patients.
How can I rebuild collagen in my joints?
The primary method for rebuilding collagen in the joints is to increase your intake of collagen-rich or collagen-boosting foods (like fish, beef, some fruits, eggs, seafood, etc.), but it’s important to understand that the process of collagen production is still mediated by the body. In other words, the best collagen joint supplements for knee pain and hip pain will trigger the body to up its own collagen production rather than directly supplementing it.
What is the best exercise for arthritis?
While we can’t pinpoint any single exercise because of individual factors like the patient’s functional capacity, pain level, joint swelling, etc.—and the fact that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis impose different demands in the therapy setting—we can at least paint a general picture.
In the case of osteoarthritis especially, which affects larger joints, steady and very-low-impact exercises are very commonly used in the physical therapy setting. Exercises like stationary bike riding, walking, aquatic therapy exercises, and others.
The larger synovial joints, like your hips and knees, have fluid in them that lubricates and nourishes the irritated and/or degraded cartilage tissue when it is swished around by steady low-impact movement. It’s usually painful to overcome the joint stiffness initially, but after a few minutes, you should hopefully feel the pain drop off to a degree as the synovial fluid does its thing within the joint space. As always, consult your doctor or rehab specialist if you’re looking for exercises to help with arthritis.
How can I restore my joint fluid naturally?
If you’re not interested in or eligible for a hyaluronic acid injection, regular exercise and a diet rich in nuts and seeds, antioxidants, curcumin (from turmeric) and dark vegetables have been suggested to encourage synovial fluid production.
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