Best Joint Supplement 2024: Our Top Picks for When You’re Stiff in the Knees

Our search for the best joint supplement wasn’t easy, mainly because it’s hard to nail down evidence-based ingredients when most compounds have mixed results in terms of effectiveness. That said, joint pain is almost inevitable as we all fall victim to the effects of overuse of our joints as we age, but being active can significantly speed up this process.

RELATED: Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees

It’s important to keep in mind that, especially if you have a joint disease like arthritis, you should always follow the therapies recommended by your healthcare provider first, before turning to supplements. 

Still, if these therapies are ineffective, the Arthritis Foundation has urged folks to try joint supplements due to the minimal risk involved. Basically, they can either help or do nothing. Due to joint pain being so overwhelmingly common, though, there are a lot of crap products out there claiming to do things they just don’t do. 

Hence, we decided to test out some of the most popular joint supplements on the market and compile a list of our favorites.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best Joint Supplement

• Best Joint Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Joint Support
• Best Joint Supplement With MSM: Nutricost Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM Tablets
• Best Joint Supplement for Men: Legion Fortify
• Best Turmeric Supplement for Joint Pain: Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex
• Best Joint Supplement for Knees: Onnit Joint Oil
• Best Joint Supplement for Women: Thorne Joint Support Nutrients
• Best Collagen Supplement for Joints: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate Powder
• Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Joint Pain: Pure Encapsulations Hyaluronic Acid
• Best Budget Joint Supplement: Double Wood Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement
• Best Joint Supplement for Arthritis: Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength

Best Joint Supplement Overall: Transparent Labs Joint Support

Good for: Individuals looking for a multi-ingredient joint supplement that covers most bases

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Joint Support

GGR Score: 4.75

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Product Highlights

* Joint supplement featuring curcumin, fruiteX-B, Boswellin super, UC-II chicken collagen, and bioperine * Listed benefits: Promote joint integrity, decrease inflammation, fight oxidative stress, rejuvenate joints, and help you get back to the activities you love   * 30 servings per container

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested and Informed Choice Certified
• Subscribe and save and free shipping
• No artificial sweeteners or colors and NON-GMO
• Gluten-free
• Transparent ingredient labels
• Certificates of analysis available for all products on their website

Cons

• Not sold in stores
• Limited customer reviews
• Processed in a facility that also processes nuts (coconuts, peanuts)
• More expensive than competitors at over $1.50 per serving

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Joint Support Supplement features five science-backed ingredients. This supplement is more expensive than competitors but all Transparent Labs supplements are third-party tested, contain no artificial ingredients, and feature transparent labels. Customer reviews are limited but positive, with many people saying regularly taking this supplement decreases their knee pain.

It’s a difficult task to find Transparent Labs slipping. As a brand that consistently puts out evidence-based, third-party-tested dietary supplements, it’s no surprise that it’s making another appearance as the best supplement overall…this time for joint health. 

We picked Transparent Labs for this title due to the thoughtful formulation put into their Joint Support capsules. The main active ingredient is curcumin, more commonly known as turmeric, which has been recognized as a powerful antioxidant¹ for centuries.

The problem with curcumin, however, is that it is poorly absorbed in our intestines² on its own. This is where Transparent Labs Joint Health comes in clutch. It contains bioperine, or black pepper extract, which is commonly used in dietary supplements to help enhance absorption, but exhibits a unique ability to enhance the absorption³ of turmeric by almost 2,000%!

RELATED: Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Review

The effective dose of curcumin used in most studies that explored joint therapies was 500 to 2,000 milligrams. Luckily, Transparent Labs contains 500 milligrams per serving along with type II collagen and boswellia serrata extract for some synergistic, complementary benefits. We had this one tested by GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, who had a pretty positive experience. 

He rated serving size a 5 out of 5 for the two capsules, which is pretty standard. Rating the supplement a 5 out of 5 for taste and swallowability, he had this to say: “You have to take two capsules, but don’t be worried if you have issues with pills—they’re smaller than a quarter. Unlike other supplements with curcumin, you also don’t get that turmeric taste or bad smell.”

Best Joint Supplement With MSM: Nutricost Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM Tablets

Good for: People looking for a budget-friendly option with synergistic ingredients

Best With MSM

Nutricost Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM Tablets

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

* Soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO * Made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility * Affordable at around $0.25 per serving * Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports mobility and helps improve joint pain
• One bottle is a 4-month supply
• Only $0.25 per serving
• Can also help support bone health

Cons

• Customer reviews say the pills are hard to swallow

Bottom Line

Nutricost Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM Tablets are designed to help ease joint pain and improve mobility. Each serving also contains 65% DV of manganese, which can help support bone health. However, the large pills can be hard to swallow.

One of the major causes of joint pain is the breakdown of the cartilage that our joints are made up of. MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, has been shown to help mitigate this cartilage degradation⁵, especially for those dealing with knee pain. 

RELATED: Nutricost Multivitamin Review

Nutricost tablets contain 1,800 milligrams of glucosamine HCl per serving, along with 425 milligrams of MSM and 90 milligrams of chondroitin. Some evidence⁶ suggests that the combination of both chondroitin and glucosamine hydrochloride can support joint health in those with knee osteoarthritis. However, there are also plenty of other studies that say the effects are inconclusive⁷ on the effectiveness of the glucosamine & chondroitin combo.

However, with most joint supplements, results vary from person to person and the placebo effect is very real. So, if you struggle with joint issues and have never tried MSM + chondroitin before, it could be worth a try. And the super affordable cost of Nutricost’s tablets give a great incentive. 

It may surprise you to know that tablets are the most popular dietary supplement form on the market, according to our team’s research on the supplement market. Be warned, though, if you have trouble swallowing pills, as the customer reviews indicate that the tablets are huge.

Best Joint Supplement for Men: Legion Fortify

Good for: Weightlifters and runners held back by joint stiffness

Best for Men

Legion Athletics Fortify Joint Support

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Contains scientifically proven ingredients to lessen joint pain
• May help to preserve joint cartilage
• May help reduce joint stiffness
• No fillers or artificial ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural ingredients
• Lab tested for purity
• Money-back guarantee
• NSF-certified
• GMP-compliant facility

Cons

• 3 capsules per serving
• More than $1 per serving

Bottom Line

Fortify Joint Support from Legion Athletics is a unique blend of five main ingredients that are scientifically proven to lessen inflammation and pain in joints and allow for more mobility and function. Legion Athletics does not use artificial ingredients of fillers and is NSF certified. Main ingredients include: Collagen, curcumi, boswellia serrata, grape seed extract, and agmatine sulfate.

Legion Fortify has made an appearance here before when we named it among the best supplements for runners. Fortify promises to help preserve joint cartilage and reduce stiffness and discomfort or your money back, which is a pretty confident assertion. Men, or people of any gender, who lift weights or run and are experiencing joint stiffness could benefit from this formula.

Luckily, Legion is known for offering no-nonsense supplements that are backed by science and they make a point to justify every ingredient they include in their products with citations. 

Along with curcumin, which we discussed, two other major ingredients in Fortify are undenatured type II collagen and boswellia serrata. As a sports dietitian, the undenatured type II collagen really excites me, as studies show it’s one of the few joint compounds that help improve joint pain in those with arthritis pain and healthy joints⁸. So, if you’re a weightlifter taking collagen for your joints and it’s not hydrolyzed or undenatured type II, you’re wasting your money. 

Boswellia serrata is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s through these properties that science has suggested boswellia serrata can help reduce joint inflammation⁹ and the autoimmune response that degrades joint cartilage, which is what leads to osteoarthritis.

We had Fortify tested by Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, who not only gives its effects a 4 out of 5, but has a special place for Fortify in his supplement regimen. “On days my knees are sponsored by Rice Krispies with their snap, crackle and pop, Fortify is what I call my ‘leg day multi,'” Anthony says. “It just does great work with ramping up my recovery.”

RELATED: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout Review

He also reported no issues with taste, smell, or swallowability, so he rated taste and swallowability both a 5 out of 5. That said, he had to give it a 2 out of 5 for cost. Like most of Legion’s products, you pay for quality, and $1.67 per serving is enough to make the budget-conscious take pause. 

Best Turmeric Supplement for Joint Pain: Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

Good for: Anyone looking for an economical turmeric supplement that can have multiple uses

Best for Joint Pain

Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Each capsule contains 500 mg of pure turmeric curcumin with 95%curcuminoids (about 475 mg)
• Formulated with extra-virgin organic coconut oil and BioPerine (black pepper) for optimal absorption
• Intended to reduce inflammation and associated pains
• 90-day money guarantee
• Gluten-free, non-GMO verified, cGMP-certified
• Made without preservatives, fillers, artificial colorings, soy, or stearates

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High dosage of pure turmeric curcumin
• Added organic coconut and BioPerine (black pepper) for better absorption
• Relatively affordable
• Effectively reduces inflammation for many users
• 90-day guarantee

Cons

• Large capsules are hard for some people to swallow
• May cause stomach issues

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a budget-friendly turmeric supplement, Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex provides 500 milligrams of pure turmeric curcumin per serving with added BioPerine and organic coconut to maximize absorption.

Sports Research’s Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex contains just two ingredients: turmeric extract and bioperine. Using a patented Curcumin C3 Complex, Sports Research asserts their form of turmeric contains the three main curcumin compounds to maximize benefits. 

It also contains coconut oil, so beware if you have a tree nut allergy! 

We had Sports Research Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex tested by GGR Senior Staff Writer Lauren Strong, CPT, who gave the softgels a 4.5 out of 5 for taste and smell and 4 out of 5 for swallowability. Lauren says, “These are big pills, but they’re easy to get down and barely have any smell.” She also rated it a 4.5 out of 5 for side effects, but admitted that there may have been some confounding.

“I experienced smoother digestion after taking this, but this was also the final turmeric supplement I tested, so the  effects of the previous supplements I tried may have still been lingering around. However, nothing negative happened to me.” 

RELATED: Best Turmeric Supplement

There are 500 milligrams of curcumin in each softgel and the good news is, unlike some other joint supplements on this list, you only have to take one of them daily to get the efficacious dose. Even if you don’t have joint issues, this is a pretty solid, general turmeric supplement.

Best Joint Supplement for Knees: Onnit Joint Oil

Good for: Those who prefer not to supplement with a pill or tablet

Best for Knees

Onnit Joint Oil

GGR Score: 3.83

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Product Highlights

* Liquid fish oil supplement for joint health  * Recommended to athletes, lifters, and generally active people over the age of 40   * Listed benefits: Maintain joint health, post-workout joint care, and support joint mobility  * 35 servings per container

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dairy-, gluten-, and sugar-free
• Subscribe and save
• Take alone or mixed with another drink
• Liquid form for customers who dislike taking pills

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Requires refrigeration after opening
• Mixed reviews on taste
• Contains stevia leaf extract
• Contains allergens soy and fish (anchovy, mackerel, sardine, menhaden)
• Multiple customers ordering from Amazon received opened product

Bottom Line

Onnit Joint Oil is a fish oil supplement designed to support athletes’ joint health. It is a liquid supplement that can either be taken by itself or added into a drink so it is a good option for people who dislike taking pills. There are limited customer reviews; they are mixed on the taste of the supplement.

Seeing Onnit Joint Oil come across our desk gave me serious flashbacks as I vividly remember adding this stuff to smoothies for the players of the San Francisco Giants. I can seriously smell the orange from the mere sight of the bottle. That said, whether it was a placebo effect or not, the players used to practically beg for Onnit Joint Oil because they swore by its effectiveness. 

Onnit Joint Oil contains 1.6 grams of fish oil, a powerful antioxidant. Recent studies suggest this can help alleviate arthritis symptoms and slow the breakdown of joint cartilage¹⁰. 

There are also 1.1 grams of borage seed oil, which has been shown to exert similar effects¹¹. Finally, there are avocado soy unsaponifiables which come from the mixture of avocado oil and soybean oil. 

Research has shown these compounds reduce pain and stiffness in joints¹², especially in those with osteoarthritis. In those suffering from knee pain, it’s also been shown to reduce dependence on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen. 

GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-1, was our guinea pig for Onnit Joint Oil and had some notes on the taste, which he had to rate a 3.5 out of 5. “Not too bad, but the bottle doesn’t tell you how much water to mix it with. Since I was afraid the flavor might dilute, I mixed the 2-teaspoon serving with only a couple of ounces of water…and I was right to be afraid,” Caine reports. “I did detect the flavor of orange, but it was weak, though not off-putting.” 

RELATED: Best Muscle Pain Relief Cream

As far as solubility and texture? Caine gave it a 4 out of 5 rating for both. “I only had to stir a few times to fully mix it with water, but it does settle quickly if you take too long to drink it, so get it down quickly,” Caine warns. “The texture is OK, but it is an oil in a liquid so you do get some of that fat from the oil sticking to your tongue.”

Last but not least, Onnit Joint Oil does not contain any sugar, but has been sweetened with a combination of xylitol and stevia. In addition, it contains soy and fish in the form of omega-3 fatty acids, which may be problematic for people with allergies or sensitivities. 

Best Joint Supplement for Women: Thorne Joint Support Nutrients

Good for: Those who don’t mind a larger serving size that means more active ingredients

Best for Women

Thorne Joint Support Nutrients

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

* Joint support supplement featuring curcumin, glucosamine, and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM)  * Listed benefits: Support joint structure and mobility and decrease joint discomfort  * Thorne is the official partner of Mayo Clinic, Major League Rugby, and UFC  * 60 servings per container

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free
• Made in the United States
• Subscribe and save 20%
• Affordable—less than $1 per serving

Cons

• 1 servings = 4 capsules
• Purchases on website default to subscription
• Not one of Thorne’s NSF-certified supplements
• Limited customer reviews
• Recommended to take 2 times per day (8 pills) for joint stiffness/pain
• Contains allergen shellfish (glucosamine sulfate = crab and/or shrimp)

Bottom Line

Thorne Joint Support Nutrients is a capsule containing science-backed ingredients to improve joint health. It is suggested that you take 4-8 pills per day to achieve the intended impacts but it is cheaper than many competitors at less than $1 per serving. Customer reviews are limited but very positive. Many customers found the supplement helped decrease their joint pain.

Thorne Joint Support contains 850 milligrams of MSM, 350 milligrams of Boswellia serrata, 250 milligrams of curcumin and 750 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate. There is no evidence that either glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride is more effective than the other in terms of preventing joint pain and other arthritis symptoms in women, or athletes of any gender.

Studies using glucosamine sulfate as a treatment for osteoarthritis have had mixed results¹³, but glucosamine has long been used as an oral treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Bromelain is a new ingredient on this list. An enzyme derived from pineapples, it’s most commonly used as a meat tenderizer due to the enzyme’s ability to soften connective tissue. 

Scientists have discovered that, due to joint problems usually arising from inflammation of the immune system and connective tissue around joints, that bromelain has another application in easing synovial inflammation and protecting joint cartilage¹⁴. 

RELATED: Best Probiotic for Women

Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, tested out Thorne’s Joint Support and he was not thrilled with the swallowability, which he rated a 3.5 out of 5. “I normally don’t have an issue swallowing pills, but these are quarter-sized, which make them pretty big,” Anthony laments. It also doesn’t help that one serving is 4 capsules, which is…a lot for most people. 

“There’s a slight smell, but nothing nauseating,” Anthony continues. “It did take two stages for me to get the one serving down, though.” Thorne also recommends for optimal results to reduce joint stiffness and soreness to take one serving twice a day, so keep that in mind if pills aren’t your thing. 

Even though this particular supplement doesn’t appear to be third-party tested, Thorne is also known for being a trusted brand for professional athletes, so more trust can be placed in its safety and quality than most other brands. 

Best Collagen Supplement for Joints: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate Powder

Good for: People who prefer a flavored joint supplement

Best Collagen

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate

GGR Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• No artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives
• Formulated with grass-fed bovine collagen peptides
• Claimed to help eliminate visible signs of skin aging like sagging and wrinkles
• Made with minimal ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Worldwide shipping
• A good amount of positive reviews
• Easily mixable in cold or hot beverages

Cons

• Only 10 g of protein per serving
• Low doses of collagen compared to other brands
• Doesn’t include vitamin C, which can help with absorption
• Only comes in 1 flavor

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen rich in type I and type III collagen peptides made without artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives.

When we put together a list of the Best Collagen Supplements a while back, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate Powder topped the list as the best overall. That’s because it has a minimal-ingredient, high-quality formulation that delivers both collagen and 10 grams of protein. The powder can either be unflavored or chocolate-flavored. 

Our testers tried the chocolate flavor and gave it a rating of 4 out of 5. “When you mix it with water it tasted like diluted chocolate milk, which wasn’t bad, but was certainly better when mixed with almond milk,” our tester says. Solubility fared better, with Transparent Labs receiving a rating of 5 out of 5.

“I was a little scared of how quickly and easily it mixed,” our tester reports. “There weren’t any chunks and it wasn’t grainy when mixed with water, so it turned into a sort of see-through brown color.” Our tester also notes that you can barely tell it’s there when mixed with another powdered supplement like protein.

We also gave it a 5 out of 5 for side effects since our team didn’t notice anything negative. This is also one of the few joint supplements on this list that’s third-party tested by Informed Choice, so it’s a great option for those of you reading who are hypervigilant about adulterated supplements. 

Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement for Joint Pain: Pure Encapsulations Hyaluronic Acid

Good for: Individuals who want a supplement that may help with both joint and skin health

Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

Pure Encapsulations Hyaluronic Acid

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Product Highlights

* Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly * Free from GMOs, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs * Doesn’t contain common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame * Potential benefits: joint lubrication, shock absorption, and improved mobility and flexibility * Supports skin health

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Also supports skin health
• Free from several common allergens, including tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame
• Non-GMO
• Only need to take 1 pill a day (though you can take 2)
• Made with vegetable capsules
• Certified gluten-free

Cons

• High cost per serving
• Can cause stomach upset unless taken with food

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a supplement to help improve joint pain and mobility while also supporting skin health, Pure Encapsulations Hyaluronic Acid may be for you. Customers recommend taking the capsules with food, as they can cause an upset stomach otherwise.

It’s not uncommon for athletes experiencing knee pain or injury to get joint injections of hyaluronic acid in order to reduce swelling and inflammation¹⁵ associated with knee pain. 

RELATED: Vital Proteins Review

Located in the fluid around the eyes and joints, hyaluronic acid serves as a cushion and 

lubricant for the joints, making it a key component in some treatments of osteoarthritis due to its remarkable ability to bind hundreds of times its weight in water and keep tissues moist. 

Pure Encapsulations contains 70 milligrams of low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, and the molecular weight is important as research has shown that the lower the molecular weight, the more effectively¹⁶ hyaluronic acid can penetrate the body’s tissues. It’s also vegan and virtually free of common allergens. 

Pure Encapsulations Hyaluronic Acid reviews on Amazon mostly rave about its effectiveness in relieving joint pain, although some people complain the price is a bit high for what you get. That said, hyaluronic acid is also a common ingredient in collagen supplements due to some evidence of its ability to help improve skin integrity, so this can also double as a beauty supplement. 

Best Budget Joint Supplement: Double Wood Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement

Good for: Those with a tight supplement budget looking for a simple joint health tablet

Badge: Best Budget

Double Wood Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement

GGR Score: 4.45

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Product Highlights

* Glucosamine Chondroitin supplement for joint health  * Listed benefits: Support healthy joints  * Made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
• Third-party tested with results available on website
• Very affordable—under $0.50 per serving
• Made in the United States in a GMP-certified facility
• Gluten-free and NON-GMO

Cons

• Contains allergen shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crabs)
• Fewer active ingredients than competitors
• Very limited customer reviews
• Serving size is 3 tablets
• Large tablets can be difficult to swallow per customer reviews

Bottom Line

Double Wood Glucosamine Chondroitin is designed to support joint health. This supplement is very affordable. However, it has fewer active ingredients than many competitors. This supplement may not be ideal for people who struggle to swallow pills. Customer reviews said the large tablets were difficult to swallow and one serving is three pills.

Double Wood supplements are made in the USA and third-party tested for quality, just not for sports or banned substances. The list of extra ingredients is also much longer than most other brands on this list. However, Double Wood does make the certificate of analysis available for review if you have any concerns about the formulation. 

This product comes in a tablet form and the instructions dictate they can be dissolved in water if you don’t want to swallow them, which could be good news for those who bristled at the three-tablet serving size. Double Wood even gives the green light on breaking just one up to give to your dog if they are experiencing joint pain.

RELATED: 14 Best Knee Stretches

Be aware, this is one of those glucosamine supplements that contains shellfish. All in all, with 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine and 1,200 milligrams of chondroitin per serving, it’s a pretty solid choice as far as glucosamine supplements go if you aren’t trying to break the bank for the sake of a bit of joint pain relief. 

GGR Editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET, tested this supplement and rated it a 4 out of 5 for swallowability, docking a point due to the large size and number of pills per serving. “These go down OK, but they are one of the larger pills I take and you need to take three of them, which feels like a lot,” she says. She did note that they don’t have a weird or unpleasant taste or smell like some pills have, which makes them easier to get down.

As for effectiveness: “It’s hard to say exactly what effect something like this is having,” she says, “but after taking it consistently for over a month, I do feel like I’m having slightly less joint pain than I typically do.”

Best Joint Supplement for Arthritis: Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength

Good for: Individuals with active rheumatoid arthritis or other similar joint disease

Best for Arthritis

Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Health Triple Strength + Vitamin D

GGR Score: 4.06

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Product Highlights

* Triple-strength joint supplement with glucosamine chondroitin and vitamin D  * Listed benefits: Strengthen joints, support flexibility, and improve mobility, plus Vitamin D to support bone and immune health  * Start to see improvements in as little as 7 days  * Osteo Bi-Flex is the No. 1 pharmacist recommended brand

Pros & Cons

Pros

• HSA/FSA eligible
• Gluten-free and Non-GMO
• Affordable—under $0.50 per serving
• Made in the United States
• Third-party tested
• Widely available in stores

Cons

• Contains allergen shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crab)
• Fewer active ingredients than competitors
• Large pills according to customer reviews

Bottom Line

Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Health Triple strength uses glucosamine chondroitin to support joint health and adds vitamin D for immune support. It is affordable but does have fewer active ingredients than competitors. Customer reviews also noted the pills were large so this supplement may not be ideal if you struggle to swallow pills.

Osteo Bi-Flex boasts that it’s the No. 1 brand recommended by pharmacists for rheumatoid arthritis, hence its spot on our list. For the most part, it contains the usual suspects for joint pain relief including glucosamine, MSM, boswellia serrata, and chondroitin. However, Osteo Bi-Flex does have an ingredient we haven’t talked about before: Vitamin D. 

Studies show that low vitamin D status has a significant negative impact on the integrity of the cartilage in the knees and a vitamin D deficiency increases risk of knee osteoarthritis. Osteo Bi-Flex contains 2,000 IUs of vitamin D which is 250% of the daily value. Thus, daily use should go far in preventing a vitamin D deficiency for those worried about joint disease. 

RELATED: Best Vitamin D Supplement

GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, tested Osteo Bi-Flex for us and had a generally positive experience with taking it, though he wasn’t impressed by the formulation. “There’s zero flavor or smell and they are no problem to swallow despite not being the smallest pills in the world,” Matt says. 

Given this feedback, we rated it a 5 out of 5 for taste and 4 out of 5 for swallowability. However, Matt gave a 3 out of 5 for formulation. “It seems to have the sufficient dose of glucosamine, but I’m pretty sure the other active ingredients are underdosed,” Matt warns.

Other Joint Supplements We Researched

• Bulletproof Collagen Peptides: Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer, Olympic weightlifting coach, and GGR editorial team member, enjoyed this collagen, but we find the formulation a little lacking, as there’s not a lot of Type II collagen in it.
• Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules: Our tester liked these and said he felt more mobility in his joints after taking them, but the turmeric supplement that made our list above was more effective.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Joint Supplements

The list of the best joint supplements was tough to narrow down due to the sheer number of them on the market, so we had a certain criteria to help us decide. 

Trusted Brands

It is our preference to test supplements from brands we are familiar with and that we know will consistently deliver high-quality supplements that provide a balance between price and value without cutting corners.

RELATED: Why Do I Have Knee Pain From Treadmills?

Tester Experience

Listen, we test a lot of products to put these lists together and not all of them make the list just because they ended up in our carts. If any of our team members had a negative enough experience with taste, swallowability, or side effects, we think twice before recommending them to you. 

Science-Backed Ingredients

There are some compounds that are pushed as effective for helping with orthopedic joint pain like type I collagen and green tea, but these ingredients have either very weak or zero research to verify their effectiveness. So, our aim is to highlight products with more reliable evidence to back them up. 

Benefits of Joint Supplements

Now it’s time to be honest with you guys: most of the benefits claimed by joint supplement brands are wildly overhyped with very little solid research out there. The positive effects of supplements that support joint health seem to be very much on a case-by-case basis. That said, here are some benefits that are possible for those who do respond positively to these ingredients. 

Can Protect Cartilage

As you can imagine, when cartilage in our joints becomes degraded, it can cause some serious joint pain. The terrifying thing is that cartilage is one of those body tissues that cannot regenerate once it’s been lost as the lack of blood flow to the tissues result in an inability to heal when damaged.

RELATED: Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Review

So, for people like powerlifters or those who play high-impact sports, loss or damage of cartilage can be a real concern. This is where compounds like MSM and boswellia serrata can be helpful.

Helps Decrease Inflammation

Many turmeric-focused joint supplements understand that joint inflammation is the leading cause of joint pain and stiffness. After all, arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” Now it’s important to point out that an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis can’t be cured, so people with these conditions have to focus on therapies that manage the arthritis symptoms in collaboration with their healthcare provider. 

Joint supplements that contain ingredients like fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin can be great alternatives for those who don’t see any pain relief from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. 

Supports Joint Pain Reduction

Most joint health compounds have mixed results in their impact on joint pain pretty much across the board, but for those who see results it can drastically improve quality of life. If you’re an athlete, it can make the difference between a productive training session and one that’s downright agonizing. 

If you are taking a supplement for joint pain as an athlete, though, make sure you time it correctly. If you take one with anti-inflammatory properties and are trying to put on mass, you may unintentionally blunt the inflammatory response needed for hypertrophy. Thus, you don’t want to take anti-inflammatory joint supplements in the off-season.

RELATED: 8 Best Exercises for Seniors Over 75 At Home

Dosing and Interactions 

When taken as directed, joint supplements are likely safe for most healthy individuals. However, people who are on certain medications should consult with their healthcare provider. One example is warfarin, which is a blood thinner. 

The effects of warfarin may be enhanced when taken at the same time as glucosamine, chondroitin, or both, which increases the risk of a dangerous level of bleeding. Hence, if you are currently taking anticoagulants, you might want to consider avoiding these supplements.

Third-Party Testing

Though we always recommend picking out supplements that have been third-party tested by Informed Choice, Informed Sport, or NSF for Sport when possible, there aren’t many joint supplements that bear this seal. 

The reason for this is unclear, but our guess is that dirty supplement companies probably don’t see it as profitable to put performance enhancers in an orthopedic supplement, so testing on this scale probably isn’t necessary. Still, third-party testing for safety and quality is something else to look out for and, if you are an athlete who gets drug tested, be sure to run these by your dietitian anyway.  

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Joint Supplements

Here are some things to look out for if you’re out in the wild shopping for joint supplements on your own:

Form

The best kind of supplements are the ones you feel comfortable and confident taking on a daily basis. So, if you gag at the thought of taking pills, you might want to turn to a joint supplement that’s an oil or a powder. If you already take other supplements in pill or tablet form and don’t mind adding to the pile, then that may be the way to go.

Formulation

It’s not necessarily a rule that more ingredients are better, but as we have discussed, there are certain compounds that enhance the effectiveness of the other when it comes to joint stiffness and arthritis pain. 

Hyaluronic acid and collagen is one pairing along with glucosamine and chondroitin that appear to work better when taken together rather than separately, for example. Compare the value of the versatility of the active ingredients present with the price and dosage to assess the best joint supplement for you.

Desired Benefits

Consider what you are hoping to achieve from a joint supplement before you make a purchase. For those of you with joint pain who have already tried different things from turmeric to acupuncture and haven’t found a winner, explore other compounds that might result in a breakthrough.

RELATED: Hydrotherapy Benefits

You can also consider what other health benefits certain supplements may have to offer. Yes, curcumin may be able to provide pain relief as an antioxidant. However, it’s also an objectively good supplement for overall health, with many studies giving strong evidence on its ability to prevent certain cancers¹⁸ from developing. 

For example, the Arthritis Foundation and American College of Rheumatology have given a conditional recommendation of the use of chondroitin sulfate for rheumatoid arthritis. This means that there isn’t enough evidence to recommend it as a treatment, but there isn’t enough risk of harm associated with the ingredients to discourage their use. 

FAQs About Joint Supplements

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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4. Panknin, T. M., Howe, C. L., Hauer, M., Bucchireddigari, B., Rossi, A. M., & Funk, J. L. (2023). Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(5), 4476. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054476
5. Ezaki, J., Hashimoto, M., Hosokawa, Y., & Ishimi, Y. (2013). Assessment of safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane on bone and knee joints in osteoarthritis animal model. Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, 31(1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00774-012-0378-9
6. Ogata, T., Ideno, Y., Akai, M., Seichi, A., Hagino, H., Iwaya, T., Doi, T., Yamada, K., Chen, A. Z., Li, Y., & Hayashi, K. (2018). Effects of glucosamine in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rheumatology, 37(9), 2479–2487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-018-4106-2
7. Zhu, X., Sang, L., Wu, D., Rong, J., & 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, 13(1), 170. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5
8. Gimsa, U., Sieper, J., Braun, J., & Mitchison, N. A. (1997). Type II collagen serology: a guide to clinical responsiveness to oral tolerance?. Rheumatology International, 16(6), 237–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01375655
9. Kimmatkar, N., Thawani, V., Hingorani, L., & Khiyani, R. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 10(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103321648593
10. Cordingley, D. M., & Cornish, S. M. (2022). Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 14(16), 3362. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163362
11. Tasset-Cuevas, I., Fernández-Bedmar, Z., Lozano-Baena, M. D., Campos-Sánchez, J., de Haro-Bailón, A., Muñoz-Serrano, A., & Alonso-Moraga, A. (2013). Protective effect of borage seed oil and gamma linolenic acid on DNA: in vivo and in vitro studies. PloS One, 8(2), e56986. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0056986
12. Christiansen, B. A., Bhatti, S., Goudarzi, R., & Emami, S. (2015). Management of Osteoarthritis with Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables. Cartilage, 6(1), 30–44. https://doi.org/10.1177/1947603514554992
13. Henrotin, Y., Mobasheri, A., & Marty, M. (2012). Is there any scientific evidence for the use of glucosamine in the management of human osteoarthritis?. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 14(1), 201. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar3657
14. Pothacharoen, P., Chaiwongsa, R., Chanmee, T., Insuan, O., Wongwichai, T., Janchai, P., & Vaithanomsat, P. (2021). Bromelain Extract Exerts Antiarthritic Effects via Chondroprotection and the Suppression of TNF-α-Induced NF-κB and MAPK Signaling. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 10(11), 2273. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112273
15. Chavda, S., Rabbani, S. A., & Wadhwa, T. (2022). Role and Effectiveness of Intra-articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 14(4), e24503. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24503
16. Jegasothy, S. M., Zabolotniaia, V., & Bielfeldt, S. (2014). Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3), 27–29.
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Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD is a sports dietitian and the head of performance nutrition for the NBA G League Ignite. In addition to working with pro athletes, Destini has ghostwritten four weight loss and wellness cookbooks. She also authors online content covering fitness and nutrition topics.

Further reading

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