Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Joint pain can be an excruciating, draining experience for many people. Joint health supplements can help bring relief, easing the pain and increasing joint range of motion. But not all options are created equal in treating joint pain or preventing it.
In this article, we review the 7 best joint supplements on the current market. We've classified our top supplements by category to help you quickly identify the best one to meet your situation. This article also spells out the benefits of taking a joint supplement and answers the most commonly asked joint supplement questions.
SFS Pick
Physio Flex Pro
SFS 2nd Pick
Performance Labs
SFS Budget Pick
Puritan's Pride
**There may be affiliate links in this post where we might receive a small commission on purchases you make. We only recommend products we think you will find valuable.**
7 Best Joint Supplements
- Best Overall Joint Supplement: Physio Flex Pro
- Runner-Up Best Joint Supplement: Performance Labs Flex
- Best Budget Joint Supplement: Puritans Pride Joint Soother
- Best Glucosamine Joint Supplement: Health Nutrition Naturals Glucosamine
- Best Turmeric Joint Supplement: Nature's Nutrition Turmeric
- Best Liquid Joint Supplement: Onnit Joint Oil
- Best Chondroitin Joint Supplement: BulkSupplements Chondroitin Powder
1. Best Overall Joint Supplement: Physio Flex Pro
Physio Flex Pro is a relatively recently released product that was created by a fitness instructor who experienced joint stiffness and pain as he trained for his first marathon. He tried a number of joint supplements but was disappointed at the quality and dosage of the products he came across.
He identified a gap in the market for a pharmaceutical strength natural joint supplement that covered all areas of joint care. So, he decided to fill it. With the added the expertise of a range of orthopedics, athletes and nutritionist, Physio Flex Pro was born in 2020.
Physio Flex Pro is designed to do the following:
- Reduce joint inflammation and chronic joint pain
- Lubricate the joints
- Repair the joints
To achieve these results, Physio Flex Pro has the following ingredients:
- Turmeric - 200 mg
- Glucosamine - 500 mg
- MSM - 100 mg
- Selenium - 200 mcg
- Chondroitin - 100 mg
- Bromelain - 300 mg
- Ginger extract - 250 mg
- Bioperine - 10 mg
Physio Flex Pro only used A-Grade premium extracted ingredients. They are all dosed at levels that are in keeping with the latest scientific research. Each of the ingredients have solid research behind their inclusion.
One ingredient that is not so common in joint health supplements is bromelain, an enzyme with potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to help in the repair of joint cartilage. Physio Flex Pro includes 300 mg of bromelain, which is higher than you will find in most supplements.
Selenium Citrate is also included in this product. This ingredient promotes joint flexibility and lubrication.
This product includes 10 mg of Bioperine, which improves the absorption of the other ingredients.
Physio Flex Pro is made in the USA in FDSA compliant facilities. Your purchase is covered by a 60-day guarantee.
Pros
- Clinically dosed
- Quality ingredients
- Made in the USA
- 60-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
Physio Flex Pro achieves pharmaceutical strength joint care by hacking natural compounds and complex extraction processes on specialist ingredients...
2. Runner-Up Best Joint Supplement: Performance Labs Flex
Performance Labs Flex is a capsule based joint supplement that promotes increased joint health, lubrication, and support for the development of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Performance Labs promotes this formulation as being easier on the stomach than competing products.
Performance Labs Flex is manufactured by UK based company called Opti-Nutra Ltd. The company states on its website that it is dedicated to putting out supplements that are vegan friendly, GMO and allergen free.
Each two capsule serving of Performance Labs Flex contains the following ingredients:
- Turmeric - 250 mg
- Boswellia Serrata - 100 mg
- Glucosamine - 500 mg
- Chondroitin - 100 mg
- MSM - 100 mg
The Performance Labs Flex formulation is contained in a vegan capsule that is smaller than most, making it easy to swallow.
Performance Labs use a special form of curcumin in this product. It is called CurcuWIN, and was developed in-house by Performance Lab. The company claims that is 46 times more effective than regular curcumin.
There is also an enhanced form of Boswellia Serrate used in this supplement. Performance Lab offers this extract in the form of ApresFlex Boswellia Serrata. Utilizing contemporary technology, the extract in Lab Flex is said to be 52x more powerful and differs from dosages in other joint supplements.
The glucosamine used in Performance Lab Flex is obtained from vegan-friendly sources such as corn.
Each container of Performance Labs Flex provides you with 60 capsules. At a daily serving of two capsules, you get a one-month supply. The vegetarian capsules that house the ingredients are made from fermented tapioca. You pay somewhere around $40 for a one-month supply, but the company does offer discounts for bulk purchases.
Your purchase of Performance Labs Flex comes with a 30-day guarantee.
Pros
- Enhanced ingredients for greater potency
- Science back ingredients
- Money back guarantee
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- Only available from the official website
Performance Lab® Flex ultramodern joint nutrients are curated and combined for active joint demands. Flex soothes and protects achy joints with easy-on-the-stomach botanicals AprèsFlex® Boswellia serrata and CurcuWIN® curcumin...
3. Best Budget Joint Supplement: Puritans Pride Joint Soother
Puritans Pride Joint Soother is one of the few joint supplements on the market to include Vitamin D with the common joint relieving ingredients glucosamine, chondroitin, and Boswellia Serrata.
With every serving, you get 2000 IUs of Vitamin D. Several studies have linked a deficiency in vitamin D with poor joint health. However, no studies have actually shown that taking a vitamin D supplements will improve joint function in people who already have healthy levels of the vitamin.
Puritans Pride Joint Soother also contains a multi-flex blend consisting of Glucosamine HCL, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Chondroitin Sulfate, and Boswell Serrata Extract.
The total dosage of this formula is 1,875 mg. The fact that its dosage is presented as a proprietary blend means that we do not know how much of each individual ingredient the product contains. That is less than ideal and one reason why we did not rank Puritans Pride Joint Soother higher.
Each container of Puritans Pride Joint Soother contains 80 capsules and the daily dosage is two capsules per day.
Puritans Pride Joint Soother can be purchased through a range of websites including Amazon, for a little under $10. That represents excellent value, making this the most budget-friendly joint supplement that we have yet to come across.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Contains Vitamin D
- Research supported ingredients
Cons
- Proprietary blend
Performance Lab® Flex ultramodern joint nutrients are curated and combined for active joint demands. Flex soothes and protects achy joints with easy-on-the-stomach botanicals AprèsFlex® Boswellia serrata and CurcuWIN® curcumin...
4. Best Glucosamine Joint Supplement: Health Nutrition Naturals Glucosamine
Health Nutrition Natural Glucosamine provides you with a healthy blend of the most scientifically attested joint health-promoting ingredients. Along with 1500 mg of glucosamine, you get 200 mg of Boswellia extract, 150 mg of chondroitin, 150 mg of turmeric, 25 mg of quercetin, 25 mg of methionine, 25 mg of MSM, and another 25 mg of bromelain.
These dosages are pretty high in comparison to most joint health supplements. The glucosamine dosage, at 1500 mg is particularly high. For example, our top-rated joint health supplement contains just 500 mg of glucosamine. There is no research indicating that taking such a high dosage will provide additional benefits but neither will it cause harm.
Health Nutrition Natural Glucosamine is bottled in the USA under strict cGMP guidelines. There are 240 capsules in each container and the recommended daily serving is three capsules. That provides you with an 80 day supply to support joint health.
Pros
- High dosed ingredients
- Includes quercetin and methionine
- Science back ingredients
Cons
- Not vegan friendly
Joint Comfort and Mobility: This blend of Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM with Turmeric supports joint flexibility and comfort that naturally decreases with age...
5. Best Turmeric Joint Supplement: Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin
Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin is a high potency complex of these two ingredients designed to promote joint health, improve heart functioning and boost brain power. It contains Nature's Nutrititon's premium T3 Turmeric Curcumin Complex of 1950 mg with 95% standardized curcuminoids.
Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin is enhanced with 15 mg of BioPerine, of black pepper extract. this has been proven to boost the potency and bioavailability of the other ingredients in the product.
Curcumin is a powerful herb that has numerous health benefits. When it comes to joint health, it will help to reduce inflammation around the joint and promote joint healing while also easing pain.
This product is 3rd party tested to ensure that it is of the highest purity and potency. It is also gluten free and bottled in the USA. Each bottle of Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin contains 120 capsules and the per serving dose of 3 capsules.
Pros
- High dosage of curcumin
- 3rd party tested
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- Does not contain glucosamine or chondroitin
High Potency Turmeric Curcumin: Our premium T3 Turmeric Curcumin Complex 1950mg; with 95% standardized curcuminoids...
6. Best Liquid Joint Supplement: Onnit Joint Oil
Onnit Joint Oil is a liquid form of joint health supplement. It is made up of emulsified liquid fish oil and is marketed as being able to improve joint health and mobility. Each bottle contains 350 ml. With a serving size of 10 ml, that is enough for 35 servings.
Onnit Joint Oil contains the following ingredients:
- Fish Oil: 1.6 grams made up of 160 mg of EPA and 130 mg of DHA.
- Borage seed oil: 1.1 grams
- Avocado: 300 mg
- Turmeric extract: 100 mg
Borage seed oil, which is not commonly seen in joining health supplements, has been shown to help bring relief to sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. Avocado unsaponifiables is a source of phytosterols, Avocado has also been seen to be able to help to maintain the health of the cells that line our joints.
Onnit Joint Oil comes in just one flavor: Tangerine Dream. Most reviewers say that it is very tasty.
Coming in liquid form, Onnit Joint Oil can be added to your post-workout shake to provide added joint support. On the other hand, you have to measure out two tablespoons at reach serving, which is more of a hassle than simply doing a couple of capsules.
Onnit Joint Oil also allows you to consume a quality fish oil supplement without having to deal with that off-putting fishy smell.
Pros
- High in omega-3 fatty acids
- Great tasting
- Borage seed oil to help with treating arthritis pain
Cons
- Can be a hassle to measure out the liquid dosage
Joint Oil combines omega-3's from fish oil, GLA from borage oil, curcumin from turmeric, and unsaponifiable oils. All four have been shown to support joint health...
7. Best Chondroitin Joint Supplement: BulkSupplements Chondroitin Powder
BulkSupplements Chondroitin Powder represents a value-enhancing way to support your joint health with a chondroitin supplement. Bulk Supplements is famous for providing its customers with high-quality low-cost bulk-form powder supplements.
This product contains one ingredient only: chondroitin sulfate. This is a chain of carbohydrates that make up a significant portion of tendons, ligaments, and bones. It is made from the cartilaginous tissue of cows, pigs, fish, and birds.
In addition to supporting joint health, chondroitin sulfate may also benefit the heart, bladder, and eyes. There is evidence that it may:
- Bolster joint health
- Promote skin health
- Strengthen and grows nails
- Maintain the bladder
- Benefit the heart and keeps the eyes healthy
The serving size for Bulk Supplements Chondroitin Powder is 750 mg. The supplement is free of added sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and additives.
BulkSupplements Chondroitin Powder is available in the following sizes:
- 100 grams (3.5 oz)
- 250 grams (8.8 oz)
- 500 grams (1.1 lbs)
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
- 5 kg (11 lbs)
- 25 kg (55 lbs)
You can also purchase Bulk Supplements Chondroitin in capsule form.
If you buy the 100 gram bag, you will get 133 servings at 75 mg per serving. At a price of around $20, that represents very good value, with a per serving cost of around fifteen cents per serving.
The downside of buying this product in powder form is that it can be quite a hassle having to measure out the correct dosage. Even though you are getting a high dose of quality chondroitin, this product is missing other well-known health promoting joint ingredients such as glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and MSM.
Pros
- Great price
- Pure ingredient
- Available in a range of bulk quantities
Cons
- Does not contain glucosamine, MSM, turmeric, or omega-3 fatty acids
- Can be tricky to measure the dosage
BulkSupplements delivers 750mg of chondroitin in each serving to help alleviate...
What are Joint Supplements?
Joint supplements are natural ingredient-based products, usually in capsule form, that is designed to reduce joint pain and in the range of motion around the joint. They may also promote the growth of collagen in the joint. The most common natural joint supplements include ingredients such as chondroitin and glucosamine. Joint supplements can provide arthritis relief. This condition affects one in four Americans.
Benefits of Joint Supplements:
Joint supplements aren't just for people who are experiencing joint pain. Taking a joint supplement promotes overall health and acts as a preventative measure against joint deterioration. Here are four reasons to consider taking a joint supplement.
1. Reduced Arthritis Pain
The two most common ingredients in joint supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds are part of what makes up the cartilage that cushions our joints. Studies on the beneficial effects of taking glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce arthritis symptoms and pain have been mixed.
In a sizable National Institutes of Health study known as the GAIT trial, individuals with knee osteoarthritis were given either glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination with an NSAID and a placebo. Symptoms like pain and function were improved by glucosamine, although it wasn't substantially better than a placebo. However, a 2016 multinational trial discovered that the combination was just as effective at lowering pain, stiffness, and swelling in knee osteoarthritis as the NSAID celecoxib.1
2. Increased Range of Motion
Some common ingredients in joint supplements have been shown to promote joint range of motion. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have many benefits to the body. In one study, supplementing with marine omega-3 supplements was shown to increase joint flexibility in young athletes.2
Another common joint supplement ingredient is Boswellia. This is a popular anti-inflammatory that comes from the Boswellia Serrate tree. Taking Boswellia has been shown to increase joint range of motion and help reduce pain in the joints.3
3. Assist With Injury Recovery
A number of common ingredients in joint supplements have been found to assist with injury recovery. These are often due to their anti-inflammatory benefits. Collagen supplementation has been shown to reduce joint pain and promote recovery after injury.4
Supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin has also been shown to reduce joint pain following an injury by helping to promote cartilage growth around the joint.
Boswellic acid, derived from the Boswellia Serrate tree, has been shown to have the ability to reduce pain around the joints by modulating cell function.5
4. Overall Joint Health
Taking a joint supplement can promote overall joint health and help to prevent future joint problems. By supplementing with such ingredients as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and Boswellia you are able to improve the ability of the joints to move against one another.
Talking a joint supplement will provide your body with the building materials that it needs to help offset the age-related decline in the production of collagen and cartilage. That is why even people with healthy joints can benefit from taking a joint supplement.
Side Effects of Joint Supplements
There are no reported significant side effects of taking joint supplements. Several large-scale studies have been conducted for up to three years without any problems. However, some common joint supplement ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, have been shown to interact with warfarin, which is a blood thinning drug.6
Some minor side effects of taking joint supplements have been noted. these include nausea, headache, gas and bloating. In most cases, these side effects go away after a few weeks.
What to Look For When Buying Joint Supplements:
With so many brands of joint supplement on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming knowing which one to choose. Rather than just grabbing the cheapest product on the shelf or website, the informed purchase will follow some smart buying criteria to make sure they're getting a quality product.
Here are four things to take into account when shopping for a joint supplement.
1. Ingredients
The following ingredients have been shown to be most effective in promoting joint health, reducing pain, and increasing joint motion.
Glucosamine:
Glucosamine is a type of sugar that is found in cartilage. It assists in the building and repair of cartilage.
Glucosamine in supplement form is manufactured in a laboratory or obtained from shellfish. It comes in a number of different forms, such as glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine.
You can learn more about glucosamine in our article: Does Glucosamine Really Help Joint Pain?
Chondroitin:
Chondroitin is a type of sugar that is produced by the body as part of the structure of cartilage. It helps to draw water into cartilage and promotes elasticity and mobility. In supplement form, chondroitin is derived from the cartilage of pigs, sharks, and cows.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a spice that is popular around the world. It has been shown to have joint-relieving properties. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. This compound has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In one study, curcumin was shown to be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac.7
MSM:
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane. It is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing substance that exists in humans, animals, and plants. Additionally, it can be manufactured in a lab to make powdered or capsuled dietary supplements.
Among its other health-promoting benefits, MSM has been shown to decrease joint pain and promote mobility. MSM is also able to significantly reduce inflammation in the joints and reduce the breakdown of cartilage.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fatty acid that the human body cannot manufacture. Two key types of omega-3 are EPA and DHA, These are mainly found in marine sources of omega-3. Studies have shown that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain in the joints and bring some relief to people with arthritis.
2. Testing/Transparency
Whenever you are buying a supplement, you should expect total transparency from the company you are dealing with. That means that the product label should clearly list every ingredient along with its dosage. Some manufacturers hide their dosages behind a proprietary blend. This involves grouping ingredients together and only providing the total ingredient dosage. This is often done to hide the fact the more expensive ingredients are underdosed.
The best supplement manufacturers will also use independent 3rd party testing laboratories to test each batch of the supplement for potency and purity. The product label will usually announce that the product has been 3rd party tested.
3. Price
The price of joint supplements tends to range from around $10 to approximately $50 for a one month's supply. The average cost of the 7 best joint pain relief supplement products we reviewed is around $23 for a one-month's supply. That equates to an average daily cost of 77 cents.
4. Reviews
You should always check online reviews from verified purchasers of joint supplements before purchasing. Pay special attention to any side effects that people have had from the product, along with the customer service that was provided by the manufacturer.
Joint Supplement FAQs
What is the most effective joint supplement?
Based on our research on supplements for joint pain, the most effective is Physio Flex Pro Total Joint Support, which combines such proven ingredients as Turmeric, Glucosamine, and MSM to lubricate, strengthen and restore the joints.
Do Joint Supplements Work?
There are mixed results in terms of joint supplements' effectiveness in clinical studies. Some studies show that taking a joint supplement provides better effects to relieve joint pain than a placebo, while others do not. The most consistent benefits have been shown in studies involving people who experience joint pain as a result of osteoarthritis.
How can I naturally lubricate my joints?
In addition to taking a joint supplement, you can lubricate your joints by consuming plenty of healthy fats. Increase your intake of foods such as walnuts, avocadoes, fatty fish, and olive oil. Regular exercise will also promote joint lubrication by increasing the levels of synovial fluid in the joint.
You can also increase the levels of synovial fluid in the joints by increasing your water intake. We recommend aiming for a water intake of 8-10 glasses per day.
Does Turmeric work on joints?
Yes, turmeric has been shown to promote joint health. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin reduce joint pain and improve joint movement.
Summary
Joint supplements used for relieving joint pain, while also increasing mobility and helping to offset age-related cartilage loss. However, not all joint supplements are equal. in this article, we have identified the seven best joint supplements on the market right now.
Our favorite joint supplement is Physio Flex Pro Total Joint Support. This supplement is designed to nourish the fluid surrounding the joints to promote lubrication, while also strengthening and restoring fibers and tissue and reducing pain and inflammation.
We hope this post helped narrow down your search of the best joint pain supplements that can get you back to tip-top functioning.
More Best Supplement Resources:
- Best Curcumin Supplements
- Best Krill Oil Supplements
- Best Omega-3 Supplements
- Best Collagen Supplements
References
- Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018 Jul 6;13(1):170. doi: 10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5. PMID: 29980200; PMCID: PMC6035477.
- Mickleborough, Timothy D, et al. “The Effects PCSO-524®, a Patented Marine Oil Lipid and Omega-3 PUFA Blend Derived from the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (Perna Canaliculus), on Indirect Markers of Muscle Damage and Inflammation after Muscle Damaging Exercise in Untrained Men: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, 19 Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4342081/, 10.1186/s12970-015-0073-z. Accessed 12 Feb. 2021.
- Bannuru, Raveendhara R., et al. “Efficacy of Curcumin and Boswellia for Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, vol. 48, no. 3, Dec. 2018, pp. 416–429, 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.03.001. Accessed 9 Jan. 2020.
- García-Coronado JM, Martínez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omaña RE, Acosta-Olivo CA, Vilchez-Cavazos F, Simental-Mendía LE, Simental-Mendía M. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019 Mar;43(3):531-538. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5. Epub 2018 Oct 27. PMID: 30368550.
- Roy NK, Parama D, Banik K, Bordoloi D, Devi AK, Thakur KK, Padmavathi G, Shakibaei M, Fan L, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. An Update on Pharmacological Potential of Boswellic Acids against Chronic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Aug 22;20(17):4101. doi: 10.3390/ijms20174101. PMID: 31443458; PMCID: PMC6747466.
- Dahmer S, Schiller RM. Glucosamine. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Aug 15;78(4):471-6. PMID: 18756654.
- Shep D, Khanwelkar C, Gade P, Karad S. Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study. Trials. 2019 Apr 11;20(1):214. doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3327-2. PMID: 30975196; PMCID: PMC6460672.
Steve Theunissen
Author