Best Joint Supplements 2023: Top Joint Health Products
Updated on
- Written by Lindsey Desoto, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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Physio Flex Pro
- Chondroitin and Glucosamine in high doses
- It targets joint pain.
- It promotes long-term joint stability and health.
Relief Factor
- Supports overall joint health
- Affordable trial option available
- Good for treating arthritis pain
Nuzena Joint Support
- Made with clinically researched ingredients
- 3-in-1 comprehensive supplement
- Supports joint health and flexibility
Millions of people in the United States suffer from chronic pain caused by arthritis each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control[1] (CDC), around one in four adults with arthritis experience severe joint pain, and a lack of joint supplements.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are typically the recommended treatment options for relieving joint pain associated with arthritis.
As more people seek out natural ways to treat joint pain, the joint health supplement market continues to grow, leaving a multitude of products for consumers to choose from.
If you decide to try a joint supplement, how do you know which joint health formula really works?
In this article, we will discuss the best joint pain supplements for treating joint pain from arthritis to help you decide which one to purchase.
Best Joint Supplements On The Market In (September. 2023)
- Physio Flex Pro – Editor’s Choice
- Relief Factor – Best Affordable
- Nuzena Joint Support – Best Transparency
- Care/Of Turmeric – Best Natural Joint Relief Supplement
- 1MD Move MD – Best Overall
- Omega XL – Best Powerful Joint Supplement
- BioTRUST Joint 33X – Best Quality
Do Joint Supplements Really Work?
In short, yes. If you choose a joint supplement with clinically researched ingredients, you may experience a reduction in pain and inflammation after consistently taking the supplement as recommended. There are many promising studies[2] that support the effectiveness of joint support ingredients in reducing pain and inflammation.
For maximum benefits, it’s important to choose a high-quality joint supplement that has been independently certified to verify the ingredients are present in the quantities listed on the label.
Top 7 Best Joint Supplements In 2023
Physio Flex Pro
Physio Flex Pro manufactures the product. Eddie B., the founder of Physio Flex Pro, set out to design a product that would aid in regaining mobility for himself and others.
- Contains high-potency turmeric extract
- MSM is delivered in a healthy dose.
- Chondroitin and Glucosamine in high doses
- Promotes long-term joint stability and health
- May lack components that increase efficacy.
- The product usually runs out of stock fast.
Physio Flex Pro is designed to operate by increasing the flexibility and range of motion of the joints in your body. According to the producers, there are chemicals in Physio Flex Pro that may assist cover the lubricating liquid in the joints, allowing for pain-free mobility. These substances are:
- Selenium – Although there is no direct link between rheumatoid arthritis and deficiency in the mineral selenium,[3] investigations have indicated that persons with rheumatoid arthritis also have a deficiency in the element selenium.
- Ginger Extract — When administered topically as a therapeutic cream, ginger extract has been demonstrated to reduce joint inflammation in some trials.
- Bromelain – Bromelain is an enzyme naturally present in pineapple that has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and pain in certain studies. In some research findings, its supplementation has been shown to reduce joint swelling and infection.
- Bioperine– Bioperine may assist the active substances in the supplement in achieving their full effect more rapidly.
Relief Factor
If you’re looking for an affordable joint health supplement with proven ingredients, Relief Factor is worth trying.
- 100% drug-free supplement
- May protect joints from damage and reduce pain
- Formulated with clinically researched ingredients
- Difficult return policy
- No third-party testing
Relief Factor is designed to help alleviate joint pain associated with exercise, aging, and everyday living. The formula is 100% drug-free and made with icariin, turmeric, resveratrol, and omega-3 to support your body’s natural healing process and help reduce pain and inflammation.
According to their website, Relief Factor was formulated by a group of physicians after their patients asked them to create a drug-free supplement to reduce or eliminate pain.
The company offers a three-week trial for just $19.99 (plus S&H). After that, your subscription automatically renews at a higher cost of $79.99 each month until canceled.
Relief Factor accepts returns within 90 days, but products must be shipped back unopened, and the company will not refund the cost of shipping and handling.
Nuzena Joint Support
If you’re looking for a high-quality joint supplement that comes from a transparent brand, Nuzena Joint Support is a great choice.
- Third-party lab tested
- Formulated with clinically researched ingredients
- Supports healthy bones and cartilage
- Limited return policy
Nuzena Joint Support helps relieve joint aches and pains using glucosamine and chondroitin and is 100% drug-free. A team of health professionals formulated Nuzena Joint Support. It includes clinically studied ingredients shown to support healthy joints, bones, cartilage, and increase mobility.
Ingredients in Nuzena include glucosamine sulfate, turmeric curcumin, chondroitin sulfate, quercetin, bromelain, and Boswellia.
One thing the company doesn’t lack is transparency. To provide customers with the best transparency, they have developed their own quality tracker to allow customers to see each batch’s ingredient quality testing results in real-time.
A one-month supply costs $35, and discounts are offered for bulk purchases. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase but must be returned unopened and in original packaging.
Care/Of Turmeric
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly turmeric supplement to improve joint pain, Care/of Turmeric is a good option.
- Turmeric has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory treatment
- Subscription available
- Individualized vitamins are available
- Lacks an active ingredient
Care/of is a subscription-based service that allows you to take a survey to determine the most beneficial supplements for your lifestyle. You also have the option to add arthritis supplements like turmeric to your order or purchase them individually.
The Care/of turmeric capsule is non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian. Each capsule contains 250 mg of aqueous turmeric extract and 100 mg of turmeric supercritical extract.
This supplement does not appear to contain an active ingredient such as black pepper but is usually paired with turmeric to enhance absorption.
While the company reports testing all products three times during the manufacturing process, its website does not disclose if products are third-party tested. However, a conversation with the supplier reveals the products are third-party tested but a Certificate of Analysis is not made available due to proprietary information.
The turmeric capsule comes in individual packs and costs around $8 per month. An ongoing subscription is required to maintain pricing. You can cancel, modify, or adjust your order at any time.
1MD Move MD
If you’re looking for a doctor-recommended supplement formulated with clinically proven ingredients to support joint health and alleviate joint discomfort, MoveMD is a great option
- Formulated with clinically researched ingredients
- May improve joint stiffness and pain
- NSF certified
- Not suitable for vegans
MoveMD is a joint supplement formulated by 1MD Nutrition that claims to reduce joint pain in as little as five days. It is a natural joint pain relief formula made in the USA with ingredients including AprèsFlex, which is a patented bio-enhanced form of boswellic acid. Boswellic acid[4] can improve joint stiffness, reduce pain, and improve joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis.
It also contains Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin,[5] an antioxidant that can help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Some studies[6] show astaxanthin to be beneficial in those with gouty arthritis.
MoveMD also contains types I, II, V, and X collagen and hyaluronic acid to support flexibility. Since it contains eggshell membranes and chicken collagen, it is not vegan-friendly.
The supplement has very good reviews on Amazon. Many users report improvements in knee pain since taking the MoveMD.
MoveMD costs around $45 per month, but discounts are offered with bulk orders and monthly subscriptions.
All products are made in the United States, are compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and are NSF International certified to ensure the ingredients meet safety and quality requirements. The company also offers a generous 90-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with your supplement.
Omega XL
Omega-3 supplement that has been formulated to reduce and ultimately get rid of inflammation, joint pain, and muscle aches/soreness that often stem from aging and working out.
- Created to aid joint health naturally
- Contains high-quality Omega-3 supplement
- Enhances heart health
- Supports blood pressure normalization
- Pricey
Omega XL is a brand of supplement formulated to relieve inflammation and joint pain. This Omega XL is one of the most powerful joint health supplements.
It contains a set of 30 healthy fatty acids, including Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), that aid in its main function of alleviating joint pain. It also claims to contain up to 22 times more omega-three fatty acids than what is actually in regular fish oil.
As such, the Omega XL product works to provide a healthy, daily supplement that improves mobility and joint health. Omega XL supplement is designed with a formula that helps reduce swelling, muscle pain, joint pain, and soreness linked to exercising and the natural aging process.
Most consumers of Omega XL have testified to a reduction in joint pain, muscle soreness, and joint discomfort after incorporating it into their diet.
The product is costlier than other supplements of its kind. Customers can only order the supplement online, so it’s not available in retail.
BioTRUST Joint 33X
Joint 33X is a comprehensive, three-in-one joint health supplement that supports optimal joint health and flexibility.
- Third-party tested
- Three-in-one comprehensive joint health supplement
- Formulated with clinically researched ingredients
- Pricey
BioTRUST developed Joint 33X to support joint health, mobility, and flexibility. It is formulated with three patented ingredients. Joint 33X contains UC-II collagen (undenatured type II collagen) to support healthy collagen levels and improve joint flexibility.
The supplement also includes Mobilee, which is made up of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans to support joint comfort.
Lastly, similar to MoveMD, it contains AprèsFlex Boswellia extract to promote healthy joints and connective tissues.
This three-in-one formula claims to relieve pain in people who suffer from all types of joint pain.
All products are third-party tested by an independent lab to ensure quality and safety.
Ingredients For Joint Pain Relief
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries to treat common ailments.
The main component of turmeric is curcumin. It is a powerful antioxidant that has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric can work to reduce your body’s natural response to inflammation and can alleviate joint and total body pain.
In one study[7] in people with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers found that curcumin worked better than traditional anti-inflammatory medications. The study also reported no adverse effects in those treated with curcumin.
Additionally, a review[8] from 2016 suggests that 8-12 weeks of standardized turmeric extract (around 1000 mg/day of curcumin) can reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in our bodies. It is mostly present in cartilage which acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. Many supplements that promise to relieve joint pain and support joint cartilage regeneration contain glucosamine.
While some people report improvements in joint pain and inflammation after taking glucosamine, research surrounding its effectiveness remains conflicting. For example, one meta-analysis[9] found that supplements containing glucosamine hydrochloride did not improve pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Another study[10] found that glucosamine sulfate improved stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis but did not significantly alleviate pain compared to the placebo.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as fish oil, contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which can reduce inflammation in the body.
According to a systematic review[11] from 2017, fish oil can reduce pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it’s important to note that the evidence for using fish oil in patients with osteoarthritis is low quality.
Another study[12] from 2015 suggests that omega-3 supplementation can reduce the number of tender, swollen joints and morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Participants in the study who consumed omega-3 fatty acids to treat joint pain were also able to taper their pain medications compared to the placebo group.
Chondroitin
Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin is a compound found in the cartilage within the body. It is a popular ingredient in many joint health supplements that promise to relieve joint pain.
According to one review[13] from 2016, chondroitin sulfate can improve knee pain by as much as 20%. The review also found that chondroitin sulfate can narrow the joint space when taken over two years.
According to the Arthritis Foundation,[14] although research is mixed on the effectiveness of both glucosamine and chondroitin, they are both safe to try. The combination is often considered to be the best joint supplement for knee pain.
How To Choose The Best Joint Pain Relief Supplements?
Unlike medications prescribed by your doctor, the law doesn’t require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements, including joint pain supplements. This makes it essential to do your homework before purchasing joint pain relief supplements.
First of all, be sure to buy your joint pain supplement from a reputable company. Choose a brand that has been around for a while with positive reviews from real users.
Next, you’ll want to choose a product that has been third-party tested. A third-party tested supplement has been tested independently by an outside company to ensure the ingredients match what’s on the label and the product is safe for consumption.
Finally, consider the cost of the supplement. While products that are too cheap may not be made with quality ingredients, some products make unrealistic promises and are very pricey.
If you’ve been using a supplement for a few months without results, it may be time to speak with your doctor about alternative therapies or medications.
Final Thought
Living with joint pain can be frustrating. Taking a joint pain relief supplement with quality ingredients may help treat chronic joint pain. If you decide to try a joint supplement, be sure to choose a product from a reputable company with ingredients clinically proven to work.
All of the joint pain supplements mentioned above come from reputable suppliers with great customer reviews.
Always speak with your doctor before starting any supplement to ensure there are no safety risks or interactions with the current medications you are taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although research remains mixed, some studies[14] suggest glucosamine and chondroitin combined are as effective as celecoxib (Celebrex) at relieving knee osteoarthritis and swelling.
Any of the joint supplements we’ve discussed can benefit runners. However, Organifi Move and Relief Factor are geared toward athletes.
+ 14 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Anon, (2022). Joint Pain and Arthritis. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/pain/index.htm
- Goldberg, R.J. and Katz, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain, [online] 129(1), pp.210–223. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304395907000413
- Turrubiates-Hernández, F.J., Márquez-Sandoval, Y.F., González-Estevez, G., Reyes-Castillo, Z. and Muñoz-Valle, J.F. (2020). The Relevance of Selenium Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients, [online] 12(10), p.3007. doi:10.3390/nu12103007.
- Yu, G., Xiang, W., Zhang, T., Zeng, L., Yang, K. and Li, J. (2020). Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, [online] 20(1). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7368679/
- Sztretye, M., Dienes, B., Gönczi, M., Czirják, T., Csernoch, L., Dux, L., Szentesi, P. and Keller-Pintér, A. (2019). Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, [online] 2019, pp.1–14. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31814873/
- Zhang, L., Chen, H., Ding, K., He, S., Li, G., Qu, J., Qiao, Y., Zhang, L., Sui, X., Fan, C., Wen, J., Wu, W., Gao, Z. and Shang, D. (2021). Astaxanthin intake alleviates gouty arthritis in patients and rats by modulating the levels of various inflammatory markers. Journal of Functional Foods, [online] 87, p.104823. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621004722
- Chandran, B. and Goel, A. (2012). A Randomized, Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis. Phytotherapy Research, [online] 26(11), pp.1719–1725. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22407780/
- Daily, J.W., Yang, M. and Park, S. (2016). Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food, [online] 19(8), pp.717–729. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/.
- Wu, D., Huang, Y., Gu, Y. and Fan, W. (2013). Efficacies of different preparations of glucosamine for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice, [online] 67(6), pp.585–594. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23679910/
- Zhu, X., Sang, L., Wu, D., Rong, J. and Jiang, L. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, [online] 13(1). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6035477/
- Senftleber, N., Nielsen, S., Andersen, J., Bliddal, H., Tarp, S., Lauritzen, L., Furst, D., Suarez-Almazor, M., Lyddiatt, A. and Christensen, R. (2017). Marine Oil Supplements for Arthritis Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Nutrients, [online] 9(1), p.42. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5295086/
- Rajaei, E., Mowla, K., Ghorbani, A., Bahadoram, S., Bahadoram, M. and Dargahi-Malamir, M. (2015). The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving DMARDs Therapy: Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Global Journal of Health Science, [online] 8(7), p.18. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965662/
- Singh, J.A., Noorbaloochi, S., MacDonald, R. and Maxwell, L.J. (2015). Chondroitin for osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4881293/
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Written by:
Lindsey Desoto, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
