A considerable part of the population deals with chronic joint pain. Be it the knees, back, elbows, or shoulders, almost everyone above 25 has some chronic issues.
While there are different factors and measures one should take to address these, one of the easiest steps is taking joint supplements.
Unlike prescription pills and painkillers, supplements use natural substances to deliver nutrients to the body, which help alleviate inflammation and restore optimal joint function.
Unfortunately, like all other supplements, there are a ton of false promises, shady marketing, and worthless products on the market. This is why we've made this list with some of the best joint health supplements proven to work.
- Best Joint Supplement: FlexAgain
- Best Budget Joint Pain Supplement: Joint Buddy
- Best Anti-inflammatory Joint Supplement: Physio Flex Pro
- Most Popular Joint Supplement: Relief Factor
- Best Joint Supplement With High Omega 3: Sports Research Omega 3
Best Joint Supplement
FlexAgain
Pros
- Money-back guarantee.
- The most comprehensive joint supplement.
- Third-party tested and made in the USA.
- Omega-3s (1,100 mg) from algae for maximum absorption
- 500 milligrams of curcumin extract for strong anti-inflammatory properties.
- 400 mg of glucosamine HCL and 250 mg of chondroitin to support cartilage.
- Ingredients and dosages backed by hundreds of clinical research.
Cons
- This is the most well-rounded joint supplement. The only potential negative is it's now a well-known brand.
Price Per Serving
- 1 bottle: $69.47 = $2.31
- 2 bottles: $182.01 = $2.02
- 3 bottles: $289.99 = $1.61
===>Check Latest FlexAgain Deals<===
FlexAgain is by far the most comprehensive joint supplement available today. Nothing compares to the scientifically supported doses of omega-3s, curcumin, glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin D, K2, bromelain, boswellia, resveratrol, MSM, and gingerols.
FlexAgain has every active component that can be packed into a capsule supplement. It contains the most effective natural anti-inflammatories, including the only standardized gingerol element proven to relieve joint stiffness.
Furthermore, the most significant nutritional components, such as Omega 3 and vitamins D and K2, are present. It uses a purer form of glucosamine- glucosamine hydrochloride, allowing a proper dose to be implemented into a capsule.
FlexAgain also comes with a money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free solution. The supplement is very reasonably priced, considering the number of ingredients and optimal dosages.
As a result, it is our clear choice for the best supplement for joint health.
===>Check Latest FlexAgain Deals<===
Best Budget Joint Pain Supplement
Joint Buddy
Pros
- 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin provide comprehensive joint support
- 1,000 mg of MSM can decrease inflammation
- Inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals, such as selenium, to support overall joint health
Cons
- Doesn’t include omega and curcumin
Price Per Serving
- 1 bottle: $33.99 = $1.13
- 3 bottles: $61.99 = $1.03
- 6 bottles: $87.99 = $0.97
===>Check Latest Joint Buddy Deals<===
Joint Buddy provides a more cost-effective option for individuals on a tight budget without sacrificing essential components.
While not as comprehensive as FlexAgain, Joint Buddy still contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals.
This makes it a good choice for people looking for a low-cost joint supplement. When we say it's comprehensive, we mean it has at least a dozen ingredients. It's like combining a multivitamin and glucosamine sulfate supplement.
Glucosamine is often enough to provide noticeable pain relief, so if you haven't tried any joint supplements, glucosamine is a good first choice.
Joint Buddy is more potent than most glucosamine supplements on the market, and given its low price and inclusion of extra MSM and vitamins, it's a clear winner for joint pain treatment on a budget.
===>Check Latest Joint Buddy Deals<===
Best Anti-inflammatory Joint Supplement
Physio Flex Pro
Pros
- 500 mg of curcumin and 200 mg of Boswellia have high anti-inflammatory properties
- 200 mcg of selenium, known for its antioxidant and joint-protective benefits
- Glucosamine HCL and chondroitin for cartilage and joint lubrication support
Cons
- No omega
- Not as comprehensive as FlexAgain, while the price is comparable
Price Per Serving
- 1 bottle: $59.95 = $2.00
- 2 bottles: $109.90 = $1.83
- 3 bottles: $149.85 = $1.66
===>Check Latest Physio Flex Pro Deals<===
Physio Flex Pro takes a targeted approach to joint health by focusing on substances that have been found to successfully reduce inflammation.
With a heavy emphasis on selenium, turmeric, and other anti-inflammatory ingredients, this supplement may be especially effective for people who suffer from persistent joint swelling and pain.
Before the arrival of FlexAgain, many people regarded Physio Flex Pro as the best option, and we would have agreed with them.
===>Check Latest Physio Flex Pro Deals<===
Most Popular Joint Supplement
Relief Factor
Pros
- 900 mg of omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory effects
- 667 mg of curcumin extract to reduce pain and swelling
- 70 mg of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant with joint-protective properties
Cons
- Resveratrol and omega are slightly underdosed
- A bit too expensive for what it is
Price Per Serving
- 1 bottle: $49.95 = $1.66
- 2 bottles: $93.95 = $1.56
===>Check Latest Relief Factor Deals<===
Relief Factor has grown in popularity due to its significant marketing efforts. While its component profile is strong, with a combination of omega-3s, turmeric, and resveratrol, some dosages fall short of what is needed for optimal effect.
Compared to FlexAgain, which is priced similarly, Relief Factor's formulation is inferior because it contains the same active ingredients in lower amounts.
Nonetheless, Relief Factor remains popular with individuals seeking a well-known joint supplement brand.
Best Joint Supplement With High Omega 3
Sports Research Omega 3
Pros
- 1,000 mg of omega-3s per serving, with a balanced ratio of EPA and DHA
- The price per serving is excellent when choosing the bigger tubs
- Made from wild Alaska Pollock
Cons
- Only Omegas, no other joint health ingredients
Price Per Serving
- 1 bottle 30 servings: $16.95 = $0.56 per serving
- 1 bottle 90 servings: $26.95 = $0.29 per serving
- 1 bottle 180 servings: $49.95 = $0.27 per serving
===>Check Latest Sports Research Omega 3 Deals<===
Omegas are one of the best single ingredients to enhance joint health and reduce pain. They also have a myriad of other health benefits and are one of the most popular supplements in general.
Sports Research Omega 3 is one of the best products in the category. All the fish oil comes from a single source: wild Alaska Pollock. Of 1250 mg fish oil per capsule, 1040 are Omega 3 fatty acids with a well-balanced EPA and DHA profile.
The price when you buy for 3 months or more is under $0.30 per serving, considering this product is third-party tested and the oils are sourced from wild fish.
The downside compared to the other products on the list is obvious—while all the rest are comprehensive formulations, the Sports Research Omega 3 is just that—omega-3 fatty oils.
===>Check Latest Sports Research Omega 3 Deals<===
Joint Supplements to Avoid
Omega XL
Omega XL is an ordinary omega supplement. It is priced similarly to the top arthritic pain relief supplements and claims to contain a specific form of omega. But this is simply false, and you can buy an omega supplement like Sports Research for much less.
Arthrozene
Arthrozene costs $65 per bottle, which is outrageously expensive for a collagen type II and Boswellia supplement.
Given that three brands on our list contain that substance and some considerably more effective ingredients at lower price, we cannot suggest Arthrozene.
MoveMD
MoveMD is priced similarly to FlexAgain and promises to be effective for treating knee osteoarthritis. However, with probably fake reviews, only one active ingredient, and a large amount of collagen (still far from the recommended 10-20 grams), this one is unlikely to be worth your money.
What Ingredients To Look For In Joint Supplements
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Many people use alternative remedies, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to alleviate joint pain. Fish oil and algae contain omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) and DHA.
A thorough evaluation of multiple research has shown that taking omega-3 supplements for three to four months can dramatically lower joint pain, the number of painful joints, the duration of morning stiffness, and the dependency on popular pain drugs. [1][2].
This was seen in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and dysmenorrhea. However, the findings didn't substantially improve any of the measured results, including physician-assessed pain levels.
This study lends weight to the hypothesis that omega-3s could be an effective supplement to standard treatments for joint pain caused by various inflammatory diseases. However, additional research is required to understand and prove their benefits in different scenarios completely [3][4].
Vitamin D
Several studies have investigated whether vitamin D supplements can help relieve pain.
A meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced pain scores in patients with chronic pain problems, particularly those already in pain when they began taking the supplement [5].
This shows that vitamin D could help control chronic pain. Another study found that mild vitamin D deficiency was associated with worsening knee and hip pain in older people over time, implying that treating the deficit could slow the progression of joint pain [6].
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis with lower vitamin D levels suffered worse pain and disability when their condition was active, emphasizing the need to maintain appropriate vitamin D levels [7].
Furthermore, a study on musculoskeletal pain found that patients with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to have various types of bone pain, particularly in the legs and general body aches, indicating that vitamin D has an important role in pain management across multiple disorders [8].
These studies collectively suggest that vitamin D may play a therapeutic role in pain reduction, particularly in disorders associated with chronic pain and inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Recent studies have examined the effects of turmeric and its active component, curcumin, on knee osteoarthritis and other arthritic symptoms.
These trials show that turmeric supplementation can dramatically reduce pain and enhance physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Its effects are similar to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects [9].
Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show that turmeric decreases pain and improves joint function as measured by established arthritis indexes [10][11].
Furthermore, curcumin has shown promise in lowering inflammation, which may contribute to its pain-relieving properties [12].
Despite these promising results, researchers agree that more extensive and carefully designed studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, formulation, and frequency of turmeric supplementation for arthritis treatment and to confirm these findings across larger populations [13].
It appears that at least 500mg of curcumin per day is the minimum, and less expensive joint pain medications will only contain turmeric. This is ineffective since curcumin accounts for just 7-12% of turmeric.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
In some countries, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are widely used and prescribed for arthritis. They are substances that naturally occur in the body's cartilage and connective tissues.
However, the research is not as promising for treating joint pain [14][15][16]. Regardless of these results, many people experience relief from joint pain after taking it, and because it is harmless, it is a beneficial ingredient in a joint supplement.
Collagen
Type II collagen accounts for 90% of cartilage [17]. Having enough type II collagen is critical for maintaining your cartilage healthy and preventing osteoarthritis from progressing [18].
The difficulty is that most supplements are not dosed nearly high enough. Studies often show a 10–20-gram requirement, which cannot be accommodated in capsules.
Boswellia Serrata
Several studies have examined the efficacy of Boswellia serrata, a traditional medicinal plant, in treating knee osteoarthritis and general pain.
The resin of this plant possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, making it a promising option for natural pain relief [19].
Clinical research has demonstrated that Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) dramatically improves knee function, pain, and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients. The findings are equivalent to those of traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects [20][21].
Furthermore, the extract has been tested in healthy volunteers and delivered enhanced pain tolerance and threshold compared to placebo, indicating potential as an analgesic [22].
These findings suggest that Boswellia serrata may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and other pain-related disorders, providing a safer alternative to standard opioids.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Several studies have looked into the effectiveness of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in treating osteoarthritis and lowering exercise-induced pain and inflammation.
In several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, MSM effectively improved symptoms such as knee pain and physical function in osteoarthritis patients while causing no notable side effects [23].
Furthermore, when coupled with glucosamine, MSM showed greater pain alleviation and anti-inflammatory benefits than either medication alone [24].
While some studies focused on osteoarthritis outcomes, others looked at MSM's ability to reduce muscle and joint pain after activity, with conflicting findings.
Although not all studies reported substantial decreases in muscle damage or oxidative stress indicators, several did show a clinically meaningful decrease in post-exercise pain [25].
MSM has some benefits in controlling osteoarthritis symptoms and may reduce exercise-induced pain, but additional study is needed to determine its efficacy and appropriate use [26].
Bromelain
Recent research suggests that bromelain, a natural pineapple enzyme, could help relieve joint discomfort and improve the quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis.
One study found that daily doses of bromelain considerably reduced mild acute knee pain in healthy people after one month, with greater doses being more beneficial [27].
Another pilot trial discovered that a gastro-resistant supplement comprising bromelain and Boswellia serrata significantly improved daily functioning and overall quality of life in patients with diverse types of osteoarthritis without any reported side effects [28].
Furthermore, a comparative study found that a combination of bromelain, trypsin, and rutin relieved knee osteoarthritis symptoms as effectively as the standard drug diclofenac, implying that bromelain could be a viable alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [29].
These data collectively indicate that bromelain has promise as a medication for lowering arthritic symptoms and improving the quality of life of affected people, warranting additional testing through rigorous controlled studies.
Benefits of Taking Joint Supplements
The benefits of joint supplements are rather clear—less pain and stiffness and more joint mobility. Multiple factors can influence the amount of pain and mobility in the joints, but there are a few things to observe and look for to determine whether a supplement is effective.
Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation
One of the main purposes of joint supplements is to relieve pain and inflammation. After starting a supplement, look for any apparent changes in joint pain, swelling, or overall mobility.
Improved Joint Function and Flexibility
Determine whether your joint range of motion, flexibility, and ease of movement have improved. This can be a trustworthy sign of the supplement's capacity to promote joint health and function.
Long-Term Joint Health Benefits
While certain joint supplements may provide instant relief, the true test of their efficacy is the capacity to enhance long-term joint health and potentially decrease the advancement of joint-related disorders like osteoarthritis.
Individual Responsiveness
Remember that everyone's body and joint health demands are different. What works well for one individual may not be as effective for another. Be patient, try several supplements, and carefully watch your response to find the best option for your joint health.
How To Choose The Best Joint Supplement
Single Ingredient vs. Formulation
Almost all of the products on this list are comprehensive formulations that combine multiple well-proven substances to improve joint health and reduce pain.
They offer the most chance of helping but are also more expensive, and there is a slightly higher chance of side effects since you will be taking 10 or more substances per capsule.
All of the individual ingredients listed in the previous section of this roundup are also sold separately. For some people, one or two will be enough to provide meaningful relief of painful symptoms.
Buying separate single-ingredient supplements can be cheaper, and you have much better control over the dosages, which is a problem with many full formulations where critical ingredients are underdosed.
I prefer to take a comprehensive supplement because it’s more convenient, and the chance of it being effective is much higher. But for this to be true, you need a product with proper doses, like Flex Again or Joint Buddy.
Price
Price will always be a determining factor when choosing a supplement. The value of a joint health product depends on the price-to-ingredients and dose ratio.
Many products are overpriced not because they are more expensive than others but because their dosages or number of ingredients do not match the price.
Each of the products on this list has a price per serving and comments about their dosages and value according to them, so you can make an informed choice, if you stick to our offers at least.
Third-Party Testing
Far too many supplements have harmful additives, impurities, or contaminants, so it's important to look for signs that the product has been third-party tested by an independent lab.
Look for legitimate certificates on the labels to have peace of mind that you are taking a clean joint health supplement.
Pill Size
This is usually the last consideration one makes about a supplement, but sometimes, giant pills that are not galvanized can become a dreaded chore to drink daily. The better products come in capsules, which are easier to swallow.
Frequently Asked Joint Supplements Questions
What Are Joint Supplements?
Joint supplements provide important nutrients to help maintain and repair cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve overall joint function. They are often used to treat arthritis and other joint-related conditions.
What Ingredients Should I Look For In Joint Supplements?
Key ingredients to look for in joint supplements include:
- Glucosamine: Supports cartilage formation and repair.
- Chondroitin: Helps retain water in the cartilage, enhancing its elasticity.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Reduces inflammation and supports connective tissue.
- Turmeric/Curcumin: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Boswellia Serrata: Helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- Bromelain: Breaks down inflammatory compounds.
- Collagen: Supports cartilage strength and flexibility.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduces inflammation.
How Do Joint Supplements Work?
Joint supplements work by providing the necessary nutrients that help to:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin help repair and maintain cartilage.
- Compounds including MSM, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce joint inflammation.
- Hyaluronic acid maintains joint fluid, resulting in smoother movement and reduced friction.
Are Joint Supplements Effective?
The effectiveness of joint supplements varies according to the individual and the problem being treated. Many people have reported significant improvement from issues like pain and stiffness. However, the scientific evidence for their efficacy varies, and the outcomes may take several weeks to appear.
How Long Does It Take For Joint Supplements To Work?
The time it takes for joint supplements to show results varies, but most users experience improvements after 4 to 8 weeks of constant use. It may take longer for some people, but others may feel relief sooner.
Summary
FlexAgain is by far the most comprehensive joint supplement in a market where many products are underdosed or contain unknown substances. Joint Buddy offers key components for half the price if you're on a limited budget.
===>Check Latest FlexAgain Deals<===
References
- Goldberg, R. J., & Katz, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain, 129(1-2), 210-223.
- Lee, Y. H., Bae, S. C., & Song, G. G. (2012). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. Archives of medical research, 43(5), 356-362.
- Cordingley, D. M., & Cornish, S. M. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acids for the management of osteoarthritis: A narrative review. Nutrients, 14(16), 3362.
- Sibill