Dietitians Share 9 Joint Supplements That May Help Ease Pain and Stiffness

Curated specifically to support joint health, this supplement features both glucosamine, the main component of cartilage tissue, and MSM, an organic form of sulfur that may reduce pain and swelling and improve symptoms in people with osteoarthritis, especially when taken in conjunction with glucosamine.

The glucosamine in this product is derived from a non-GMO corn source, but it requires a three-capsule serving of relatively large pills. It has a low cost per dosage but is still high-quality. If you don't need a vegetarian option, they also take a version of this complex with chondroitin sulfate from bovine cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a building block of cartilage that is commonly found in supplements with glucosamine for the relief of osteoarthritis pain.

Our registered dietitians appreciate the brand's extensive testing methods and quality control standards. NOW even developed the glucosamine test method, which was chosen as the official AOAC International industry standard method.

Collagen provides structure and support to your connective tissues, including the cartilage that protects your joints. Type II cartilage, in particular, has demonstrated positive benefits for joint health in patients with osteoarthritis. Still, it is not to be confused with collagen peptides, type I collagen, or gelatin.

Formulated with undenatured type II collagen and glucosamine, this non-GMO joint-specific supplement from Life Extension also contains Boswellia, which limited research suggests may relieve joint discomfort, as well as boron. This mineral plays a role in promoting healthy bones and joints.

This pick passed strict tests as part of ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program. The brand also has its own high quality control standards. "This product seems to work better over time. I didn't notice a difference at first, but I am beginning to have less pain in the night," one Amazon reviewer said, though many note that the capsules are quite large.

This popular joint supplement from Osteo Bi-Flex features glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin D3, and other key ingredients. Most notably, it contains 5-LOXIN Advanced, a Boswellia serrata extract that contains an important boswellic acid known as AKBA that may help with occasional joint flare-ups.

Each two-capsule serving of the product is recommended to be taken with food. Furthermore, it has passed rigorous tests as part of ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program, which includes assessments for heavy metals and disintegration. It's quite affordable but still a high-quality choice.

"I noticed the difference in my joints in about three weeks," one Amazon reviewer commented. "Ever since I was diagnosed with early arthritis at the age of 40, this has become a daily part of my morning vitamin ritual. My pain level has lowered, and my joints actually feel improved," another online reviewer wrote. However, some individuals noted that the tablets are very large and difficult to swallow, and those with food allergies should be aware that the supplement contains shellfish.

Turmeric is the star in this supplement complex specifically aimed at reducing occasional inflammation to help promote healthy joints so you can say active. The complex includes black pepper to aid in the absorption of curcuminoids in turmeric—that's because piperine in black pepper increases turmeric's bioavailability. This vegan and gluten-free blend also incorporates ginger and a few other herbal ingredients for functional benefits, such as organic Devil's Claw root, a plant that has been shown to potentially alleviate joint pain.

Every ingredient and finished Gaia Herbs product is tested in their labs to ensure purity, integrity, and potency. You can view the test results for their turmeric supplement on their website by simply entering the Herb ID, which is located on the box of the product you purchased. This particular supplement has passed testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and strength.

"I have arthritis in my knees and hands, and since I switched to this brand, the pain has subsided," one online reviewer said. Another commented, "These are so incredibly helpful with joint pain. I notice a big difference after stopping these (which I had to do before a major surgery) and couldn't wait to get back to them." Keep in mind that the suggested use of the supplement is two capsules, twice daily with meals. However, you can discuss with your healthcare provider whether an extra dose is warranted for you.

You'll find the major players for joint health in this supplement from Thorne, including glucosamine, MSM, curcumin, and Boswellia serrata. Another unique ingredient in this blend is bromelain, which has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, may improve joint mobility, and can promote healing after trauma.

Our dietitians appreciate that Thorne is a reputable brand with strict internal quality control standards. They source high-quality ingredients and subject their products to four rounds of testing to verify potency, purity, and other key properties. Additionally, this pick is made with natural flavors and colors.

Many online reviewers find the product especially effective for knee pain. However, note the large serving size: four capsules, one to two times daily. (Speak with your healthcare provider to find the appropriate dose for your needs; the brand says that once daily can maintain joint strength and mobility, whereas twice daily can help with occasional joint stiffness and soreness.)

Has your doctor recommended a pure fish oil supplement to combat your joint issues? We like this option from Nordic Naturals that is available in a variety of forms, including a liquid variety. This choice in particular provides 650 milligrams of EPA and 450 milligrams of DHA as part of 1,280 milligrams of total omega-3s per two soft gel serving, which is best taken with food.

Free from artificial colors and flavors, this supplement is naturally flavored with lemon to offset any fishy aftertaste. With over 40,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, many reviewers note that the pills are odorless and don't cause them to burp (although some do comment that the soft gels are fairly large).

Our dietitians like that this supplement is non-GMO and third-party tested for purity and potency. You can easily scan the QR code on the package to view your product's test results, as the brand openly shares its Certificates of Analysis for all products. Note that the brand recommends taking two soft gels with food twice daily for ultimate support, but you can consult with your healthcare provider to determine if an extra dose is warranted for you.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium, a building block for strong bones. Limited research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, including joint pain. If your doctor has taken your bloodwork and found that a vitamin D deficiency may be affecting your joints, they may advise supplementation.

Highly affordable, this extra-strength vitamin D supplement from Costco's Kirkland brand is actually extremely high quality. Each softgel contains 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, and the bottle contains 600 servings.

Most importantly, our registered dietitians emphasize that this supplement is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified, indicating it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure quality and purity. We appreciate the large container size and low cost per serving, and note that the supplement itself is easy to swallow.