While it’s normal to feel some pain or stiffness from time to time, it’s always best to see a doctor who knows your health history. That way, you can make sure you’re addressing the root cause of the pain while also doing what you can to manage or minimize it by adding nutrients to your diet and adjusting other lifestyle and exercise habits. For some people, adding supplements may be an easy way to make sure you’re doing all you can to ease your pain, but keep in mind that research tends to be mixed on whether even the best supplements and vitamins for joint pain relieve symptoms.
“In general, I think it’s difficult to find a complete solution to joint pain with just supplements,” he says. Dr. Navya Mysorea primary care physician and women’s health specialist. But aside from reviewing a patient’s health history and any medications they’re taking that may interact with the supplement they choose, there’s no harm in adding a supplement for joint health, Mysore said.
Best Joint Supplements of 2024
“There’s not a lot of evidence to say definitively that one supplement is more effective than another,” says Mysore, but glucosamine probably has the most evidence supporting its use. Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body and is found in cartilage to help joints function. Glucosamine supplements are thought to be effective against arthritis. Relieving pain It is caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation: Glucosamine is often sold in combination with chondroitin. As a single supplement, and both are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis.
Mysore said people with shellfish or iodine allergies should be careful about taking the supplements, as they are often made from shellfish and may also affect people with asthma. They can cause side effects such as nausea and heartburn, and there is also a risk of interactions with blood thinners and anticoagulants that can cause bleeding problems. Consult your doctor or dietitian before incorporating them into your diet.
Omega-3s are fatty acids that may reduce inflammation and joint pain. Some studies have shown that these supplements Reduces stiffness in arthritis sufferers It is also effective for joint pain. In other studies, “May prevent experimental arthritis and reduce disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.” If you are currently taking blood clotting inhibitors, consult your doctor before taking omega-3s. They may interact poses health risks.
Also keep in mind that it may be more effective to get your omega-3s from food, if possible. A good place to start with an omega-3 rich diet is the Mediterranean diet.
Turmeric is not just a spice used in cooking. Traditional medicine As a healing spice, it is considered one of the most powerful natural ingredients that can be added to your diet to help improve your health. Specifically, its active ingredient or compound, curcumin, Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you want to take a turmeric supplement for pain relief, Mysore recommends making sure it contains curcumin to enhance absorption, and he also suggests including turmeric and black pepper in your diet as a tastier alternative to incorporate the spice’s health benefits into your daily life. Compounds include There are some things you can do to help your body absorb turmeric’s important properties, such as a turmeric smoothie with eggs and black pepper.
As with all supplements on this list, if you are taking prescription medications, consult with your doctor as turmeric may interfere with blood thinners and immunosuppressants. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Vitamin D is known to support bone health, and some people believe that vitamin D supplements may benefit joint health. Take Vitamin D Supplements While it can help ease arthritis pain and inflammation, it doesn’t always provide a definitive answer.
Overall, Vitamin D is a great resource for the body and also helps with other functions such as cognition, immune function, and mood. However, you should be careful when taking Vitamin D supplements on a daily basis. High levels of this vitamin can interact with some medications. In particular, high levels of Vitamin D can be very problematic if you: Lanoxinbecause of the risk of hypercalcemia (as most health professionals seem to recommend, unless your doctor recommends it otherwise). Do not take more than that Aim for 4,000 IU per day. Pharmaceuticals Mixing it with Vitamin D supplements may also affect how the supplement is processed in the body.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin, so many people take it to support their immune system, and some research shows that it does. May slow progression of osteoarthritis and Promotes the growth of new cartilage cellsHowever, much of this research needs further study. That being said, vitamin E is a good supplement to take regularly as it promotes vision and brain health. However, be aware that vitamin E can interact with blood thinners, which can pose a risk of bleeding.
Chondroitin is often mentioned alongside glucosamine because they have been similarly studied for arthritis and are often sold together as a single supplement. Chondroitin is also found in cartilage in the body, which is why it is thought to help promote joint health. Research on Chondroitin Although the jury is still out on it, it is accepted as a supplement that can benefit joint health. It is generally regarded as a safe supplement, but like many other supplements, it may interact with blood thinners such as warfarin, potentially posing a bleeding risk.
Collagen is a protein made in the body that decreases with age. Collagen keeps skin tight and joints moving smoothly. However, as we age, the amount of collagen in our joints decreases, so joint supplements may help. Is collagen really good for your joints?Most doctors believe there’s no harm in combining it with low-impact exercise like swimming, so if it makes you feel better, go for it.
How to Choose the Best Supplements for Joint Health
We have not independently tested supplements for joint health, instead we have compiled a list of key compounds, supplements, and vitamins based on research evidence that support arthritis symptom relief and joint health.
Factors to consider when choosing a supplement for joint health
Causes of joint pain: Before you begin taking joint supplements, it is important to identify the underlying cause of your condition and prevent further health effects. There are over 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis FoundationThe easiest way to find out what’s causing your symptoms is to see a doctor, who can tell you what supplements are recommended and safe to take based on your current medications and medical history.
Are you taking any medications? Common prescription medications, including blood thinners, may interact with certain supplements you take for joint health and cause serious side effects. Most supplements are readily available over the counter, but if you’re taking medications, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any new supplements to your daily intake.
Food allergies: Some joint health supplements contain common food allergens, such as fish, so be sure to check the ingredients on the product label and research the company you want to buy from.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Supplements
What is arthritis?
arthritis According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s the most common cause of joint pain. arthritis Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint pain and joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and tends to cause pain in the hands, spine, hips, and knees. Osteoarthritis According to the Mayo Clinic, it occurs when the cartilage that cushions bones wears down over time.
Do joint supplements really work?
Evidence supporting the best joint supplements There seems to be no conclusionHowever, some studies have shown that supplements can improve arthritis symptoms. Supplements are not meant to treat any medical condition. supplement or complement It’s important to incorporate supplements into your diet, especially if you have nutrient deficiencies. The supplements on this best list were chosen because several studies have shown their potential benefits for joint health, but whether you take them will depend on your prescribed medications and personal health concerns.
Does the FDA approve dietary supplements?
no, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Supplements are not approved or vetted like medicines or drugs.”[The] “The FDA generally does not approve claims or other labeling of dietary supplements prior to use,” it said. However, there are manufacturing practices and marketing regulations that companies that make supplements must follow.
Read more about how to read supplement labels.
