2022's Top 10 Joint Health Supplements
Written By Sarah Foster, MS, RS - Medically reviewed by Katherine Levy LDN, R.S., Nutrition - Updated on July 29th, 2022
“Dr. Sarah Foster is a certified MD based in Port St. Lucie, Florida. When she isn't researching health products, Sarah enjoys exploring local farmers markets and growing her own non-gmo vegetables” Advertiser Disclosure
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High Impact routines and exercises such as jogging can fast-track joint degeneration and worsen joint discomfort. PHOTO BY FILE PHOTO /Getty Images
If you suffer from joint discomfort and stiffness, you’re not alone. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, millions of Americans suffer from stiff and achy joints every day.
Promoting good joint health can help increase quality of life and overall well-being for years to come. Still, its estimated 66 million Americans - nearly one in three adults - experience some type of joint discomfort, making it difficult to tie shoes, walk up stairs, or even hug loved ones.
High Impact routines and exercises such as jogging can fast-track joint
degeneration and worsen joint discomfort. PHOTO BY FILE PHOTO /Getty
Images
However, the growing body of scientific evidence is deflating the myth that joint discomfort is a predictable and irrefutable symptom of aging. Older adults can fight back.
It’s no mystery why joint health supplements have become so popular. Mobility vitamins offer a nutrient-rich, long-term solution—and all without the serious side effects sometimes associated with surgery, NSAID’s, or other joint restoration methods.
But, with so many empty promises in the supplement industry, it’s hard to know which joint vitamins will deliver relief... and which will leave you disappointed.
That’s why Intelligent Reviews Physicians, MD’s, and PHD’s has compiled the available research and narrowed it down to the top 10 quality joint health supplements. We’ll show you what to avoid and what you need in a joint health supplement, and how it can help you restore your health.
How Joint Health Vitamins Support Bone Health
Many factors affect bone and joint health—such as nutrition, age, hormones, exercise, and even stress.
Fortunately, certain quality joint vitamins and supplements can address everyday joint pain from several of these key angles.
When suffering from joint health-related issues, it’s imperative to find natural solutions that are supported by science.
Below, you’ll find the top nutrients that have been scientifically proven in study after study to improve mobility, rebuild broken down cartilage, promote cognitive health, enhance athletic performance, and support overall health.
New studies from the University of Pennsylvania indicated that these prescription medicines and NSAID’s often pose an increased risk of heart, attack, stroke, and actually contribute to the destruction of the joints you’re trying to save.
Prescription pain medicine has been proven to actually degrade and aggravate the bone, joint and cartilage problems over time.
Below, you will uncover pure, natural healing nutrients which have been proven to get to the root cause of your problems –safely and effectively.
Top Joint-Boosting Ingredients To Look For
UC-II UNDENATURED COLLAGEN
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects in the UC- II group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in average knee extension compared to placebo. UC-II contains a patented form of undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum. In fact, in vitro studies have shown that many of the cytokines implicated in the onset and progression of both rheumatoid arthritis.
NEM® Natural Eggshell Membrane
Eggshell Membrane received a top score for pain relief & has been clinically proven to reduce inflammation, swelling, and joint pain.
Boswellia
Boswellin® Extract ( Boswellia Serrata): has been known to reduce joint swelling, maintain blood supply To inflamed joints, and increase mobility as well as reduce pain due to stiffness in the joints.
White Willow
Historically white willow has been used for treating Arthritic conditions. Clinical studies have verified that it also inhibits The inflammatory response process.
California Poppy Seed
California Poppyseed contains powerful B3 which studies have shown have proven therapeutic effect for treating joint pain. B3 found in California Poppyseed enhanced cartilage regeneration by inhibiting the break down of enzymes found in cartilage tissue.
Omega-3 EPA/DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid): act as anti-inflammatory agents. In addition they provide substantial amounts of Vitamin D, which is necessary for proper bone growth and function.
Turmeric
Appears effective when combined with ginger and Boswellia — but not for a person with gallstones or during pregnancy.
Look for the above ingredients to ensure a joint health supplement can back up its claims:
As in so many matters of health, eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking the right supplements all play roles in joint health and slowing down cartilage wear.
Peer reviewed clinical studies have shown these natural ingredients can not only prevent further joint and cartilage damage from occurring, they can actually reverse damage that has already occurred.
What You Absolutely MUST Avoid
MSM
The Arthritis Foundation states that there are currently no large, well-controlled studies on MSM. Since little is known about the long-term safety of MSM , it's no surprise that the efficacy also is unclear
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Two hugely popular supplements used to fight arthritis and joint pain, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, do not seem to work any better than placebo to slow the loss of cartilage. The study, funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, confirms other findings showing the supplements have few or no effects.
Topicals
While joint pain topicals may fix pain momentarily, they do not get to the root issue of damaged or inflamed joints. These should be only seen as a immediate solution, and not a long-term fix.
NO glucosamine, chondroitin, or MSM!
Research now confirms other natural healers which are clinically proven to be 500% better to put an end to your joint pain than these popular, and often wildly ineffective supplements.
What You Absolutely MUST Look for
Customer Rating
Thousands of Joint Health Supplements make bold claims about their results, yet the best products are backed up by customer reviews. We’ve vetted all the top supplements to see which ones have the best track records with customers, using surveys we uncovered which products have the most promising results.
Ingredients from Top Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals
Though many joint supplements contain boswellia serrata, not all have been clinically studied for effectiveness and potency. Look for a supplement that also includes clinically-studied boswellia serrata, collagen, or NEM to proven to deliver results. In another clinical study, The New England Journal of Medicine reported a nutrient in NEM was nearly 5X more effective than Glucosamine or Chrondroitin for pain relief.
Ayurvedic Ingredients
Ayurevedic Ingredients are some of the most powerful and effective ways to target joint aches naturally. They are clinically proven to provide relief, they help reverse bone-on-bone joint pain naturally, and they have been proven to aid musculoskeletal tissues during and after injuries, making them highly effective as performance recovery supplements -without the use of harmful medications or synthetic ingredients that cause more damage than healing.
Top 5 Joint Support Product Reviews - MAY 2022
Based on our extensive research, these are the top 10 products on the market today. Each offers its own unique differences and we advise you to read each one In depth before making your choice.Top 5 Joint Health Supplements
Arthrogenix
By Alpha Vita
9.7/10 647 votes
A+
Pros
- Impressive Clinical Results
- 100% Wildcrafted for Maximum Absorption
- 120 day Money Back Guarantee
- 14 Peer Reviewed Ingredients with Optimal Dosages
- Includes JointGaurd® Boswellia, UC-II Collagen, Omega-3s, & Eggshell Membrane
- 96% Positive Customer Feedback
- Formulated by Respected Board-Certified MD
- No Binders, Fillers, or Synthetic Ingredients
- Rated #1 By the N.H.F
Cons
- Small Batch Production
- Out of Stock Frequently
- Sold only in the US
- Online only — not available in stores
The Bottom Line
Arthrogenix® is a standout #1. This premium supplement has received outstanding global recognition for its comprehensive, clinically studied formula. Clinical studies prove it reduces pain and stiffness and improves flexibility in just 7 to 10 days.
One example is a landmark study out of Europe. In the study the active ingredient in Arthrogenix was compared to NSAID pain reliever. The results were incredible! After just 30 days, more than 8 out 10 people who took Arthrogenix active ingredient had no swelling, in contrast, 9 out of 10 people taking the NSAID still had severe swelling.
The new delivery system for this product has caught the attention of many leading medical doctors. Amazing feedback from users of Arthrogenix has generated a wave of confidence at the company. So much so that they now offer a 120 money back guarantee.
*Results are based on the Intelligent Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Instaflex
9.0/10 214 votes
A
Pros
- Pain Reliever Features UC-II Collagen + ApresFlex Boswellia
- Pain Reliever Features UC-II Collagen + ApresFlex Boswellia
- Formulated by Respected MD
- Complementary ingredients
- Supports overall joint health
Cons
- Lacks Eggshell membrane and other premium ingredients
- May lack components that increase efficacy.
- Mixed customer reviews
The Bottom Line
Instaflex was our second choice because of its well-sourced and complementary ingredients.It contains a clinically recommended amount of Boswellia, and UC-II Collagen the two most clinically proven ingredients on the market.
These ingredients work well together in strengthening and maintaining bone health through the stimulation of proteins and the absorption of calcium.
In short, our experts have chosen Instaflex as the #2 in the list because of its remarkable effectiveness and optimal dosage.
*Results are based on the Intelligent Reviews Rating System, and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit websites for each product for more information.Relief Factor
8.9/10 263 votes
B+
Pros
- 100% drug-free supplement
- May protect joints from damage and reduce pain
- Comes in convenient, individual packages
- Formulated with clinically researched ingredients
Cons
- Difficult return policy
- No third-party testing
The Bottom Line
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.
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.
*Results are based on the Intelligent Reviews Rating System, and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit websites for each product for more information.Osteo Bi Flex
8.7/10 494 votes
B+
Pros
- Diverse Ingredient profile
- Uses Clinically Studied form of Boswellia not Generic
Cons
- Lacks UC-II Collagen, Eggshell membrane, and other premium ingredients
- May lack components that increase efficacy.
- Return Policy is not Risk-Free
- Lacks some essential ingredients
- Contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM
The Bottom Line
This was one of the only products we could verify had no hidden additives or artificial ingredients. It was also one of the only collagen supplements third-party tested.
Their return policy was topnotch — a comprehensive 60-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee proving the company stands behind its products.
This was a huge advantage versus the competition, along with total effectiveness projections that rivaled any other supplement we found.
*Results are based on the Intelligent Reviews Rating System, and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit websites for each product for more information.NOW Foods UC-II
7.9/10 571 votes
C+
Pros
- Pain Reliever Features UC-II Collagen
- Good Value
- Positive reviews
Cons
- Only available online
- Sometimes runs out of stock
- Lacks many essential components that increase efficacy.
The Bottom Line
Now Foods products are often hit or miss. Luckily this time the “UC-II, Undenatured Type II Collagen” product is well worth the price.
Cartilage is one of the primary connective tissues of the body, providing flexibility and support to bone joints. Undenatured Type II Collagen is the principal structural protein in cartilage that is responsible for its tensile strength and toughness.
*Results are based on the Intelligent Reviews Rating System, and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit websites for each product for more information.
If you have recently experienced any changes in your health, are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood thinning drugs or other medications, or have a special diet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find the appropriate non-prescription pain medication for you.
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