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Joint pain in the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands is really common in active individuals. You want the best supplement for joint pain, whether it's from an old injury, age, or overuse. Quite a bit of science is available to support taking a joint supplement regularly, yet it's hard to decipher which is best.(1) Keep reading, because we have scoured the marketplace to find the best joint supplements that live up to their claims to keep you operating at your maximum potential.
The Best Joint Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Joint Supplement: Transparent Labs Joint Support
- Best Joint Supplement for Women: BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
- Best Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
- Best Joint Supplement for Arthritis: Kaged Omega-3
- Best Natural Joint Supplement: Future Kind Happy Joints Gummies
- Best Bone and Joint Supplement: Transparent Labs Joint Support
- Best Joint Supplement for Seniors: Utzy Naturals Joint Health Bundle
- Best OTC Supplement for Joint Pain: Performance Lab® Flex
- Best Affordable Joint Supplement: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
- Best Joint Supplement for Dogs: Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chews
Our ACTIVE Reviews Team extensively researches a wide variety of supplements to find reputable products that not only do what they say they'll do but also suit your needs. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, it's that much more important to dig a bit deeper in order to find honest, quality products that meet your expectations.
By the end of this article, we hope that you'll find exactly what to look out for when purchasing a joint supplement.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We’ve consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Overall Joint Supplement - Transparent Labs Joint Support
SPECS
- Dose: 2 capsules on an empty stomach once or twice a day
- Active ingredients: Curcumin, calcium fructoborate, collagen, boswellin, BioPerine®
Transparent Labs did things a little differently when they formulated their joint supplement by leaving out the traditional glucosamine and chondroitin that is in many other joint products. They instead replaced them with five nutrients proven to reduce inflammation and joint pain. The compound in the highest quantity is a blend of curcuminoids, coming from the common herb turmeric. When turmeric is taken alone, the curcuminoids are difficult to absorb into the body and therefore not beneficial. However, this patented blend promises to provide 95% bioavailability—improved absorption—in order to target inflammation.
Additional anti-inflammatory compounds such as calcium fructoborate, boswellin, and BioPerine®, a potent anti-inflammatory substance from the black pepper fruit, accompany the curcuminoids to allow for increased inflammation-fighting potential of Transparent Labs Joint Support. Collagen is also present which has been shown to help with symptoms of osteoarthritis.(2) We like that every supplement offered by Transparent Labs is third-party tested for both composition and purity. You can find certificates of analysis and composition for each supplement right on their website.
What We Like
- Potent curcuminoids as a star ingredient
- Strong anti-inflammatory potential
- Third-party testing for both composition and purity
What We Don't Like
- Does not contain either glucosamine or chondroitin
- Depending on how frequently capsules are taken, one bottle may only last 2 weeks
BUY: Transparent Labs Joint Support
Best Joint Supplement for Women - BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
SPECS
- Dose: 2 scoops (20g)
- Active ingredients: Bovine collagen peptides, essential amino acids
It's never too soon to add collagen into your daily routine; it's even suggested that women as young as 20 can start taking this dynamic protein to slow signs of aging. Collagen is also often recommended for older women experiencing the effects of menopause. Aside from the much-desired benefits for hair, skin, and nails, collagen has also shown promising results in helping to relieve joint pain and prevent further deterioration in active individuals.(3)
We chose BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides as the best joint supplement for women because each serving contains 20 grams of easily-dissolvable and sustainably-sourced bovine collagen peptides and 17 restorative amino acids. This powder is unflavored and can be incorporated into your morning coffee, tea, water, or juice. It's also approved by the Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 diets and is NSF-Certified for Sport.
What We Like
- Great for joint health, hair, skin, and nails
- Uses sustainably-sourced ingredients
- Pairs with Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 diets
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Only available in unflavored
BUY: BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
Best Joint Supplement for Knees - Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
SPECS
- Dose: 1 capsule, 2x daily
- Active ingredients: Curcumin C3 Complex®, BioPerine®
With 500 milligrams per capsule of 95% bioactive curcumin taken twice daily, the Curcumin C3 Complex® and BioPerine® used in Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex is a highly absorbable, joint-saving power couple. Curcumin (a polyphenol derived from turmeric) has also been shown to have positive effects on knee health and as a potential treatment for knee-based osteoarthritis by helping reduce inflammation without the gastric side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.(4)
We like that Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex uses clean, clinically-dosed ingredients for this product—as Transparent Labs does with all its products—and is made without artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives. It is also vegan-friendly, soy and gluten-free, and third-party tested. Lastly, the dosage is one capsule taken twice daily, so keep that in mind when you time out our supplements so that you don't forget your second pill.
What We Like
- 95% bioactive curcumin complex
- Third-party tested and vegan-friendly
- Subscribe-and-save program for 10% off and free shipping
What We Don't Like
- May have a slight "spicy" aftertaste
- Easy to forget to take 2nd pill
BUY: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
Best Joint Supplement for Arthritis - Kaged Omega-3
SPECS
- Dose: 2 softgels daily
- Active ingredients: Omega-3 fish oil (EPA & DHA)
If you are looking for a straightforward joint supplement that doesn't have additional herbal compounds, the high-quality fish oil from Kaged will meet your needs and then some. Kaged Omega-3 made our list of best joint supplements because it is one of the highest-quality fish oil supplements available. Omega-3 supplementation has many benefits not just limited to joints. However, it's been shown to reduce stiffness as well as improve arthritis joint pain when taken for an extended period of time or at higher dosages. Just be mindful that doses that are too high could have negative side effects.
Kaged has taken traditional fish oil to a new level. They use only wild-caught, ethically sourced fish to create the oil which then undergoes a patented process to purify and clarify it. This will decrease the chances of any indigestion or fishy burps that are common with most fish oil supplements and will ensure it is free of heavy metals. Each serving also contains 3,000 milligrams of total fish oil from EPA and DHA—two potent omega-3 fatty acids.
What We Like
- Ultra purified
- No fishy burps
- Wild-caught, ethically sourced fish
What We Don't Like
- Does not contain additional ingredients beneficial to joint health
- Capsules aren't vegan-friendly
Best Natural Joint Supplement - Future Kind Happy Joints Gummies
SPECS
- Dose: 2 gummies
- Active ingredients: Ginger root, Curcumin C3 Complex® turmeric rhizome extract
Future Kind Happy Joints combines 100% natural turmeric and ginger into easy-to-ingest vegan gummies. Ginger and turmeric are considered a powerful inflammatory-fighting duo, as they are often shown to help reduce inflammatory activity and joint pain when paired together.(5) These gummies may also work wonders for your gut health.
We highly recommend these gummies. They're clean, sustainable, and vegan-friendly because they're made with pectin instead of gelatin. They may also be better for those who are pill averse. Last but not least, we like that Future Kind uses eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral delivery for all their products and regularly donates money to animal sanctuaries.
What We Like
- Simple, 100% natural ingredients
- Easy to take
- Budget-friendly
What We Don't Like
- May have "spicy" aftertaste
- Contains added sugars
BUY: Future Kind Happy Joints Gummies
Best Bone and Joint Supplement - Transparent Labs Joint Support
SPECS
- Dose: 2 capsules on an empty stomach once or twice a day
- Active ingredients: Curcumin, calcium fructoborate, collagen, Boswellin, BioPerine®
With a high quantity—and quality—formula featuring turmeric, calcium fructoborate, Boswellin, collagen, and BioPerine® for bioavailability, Transparent Labs Joint Support is truly an "all-in-one" supplement with ingredients to help boost joint and bone health. The bone support comes from FruiteX-B® (calcium fructoborate), a patented mineral shown to help control inflammation caused by diminished bone health.(6) Calcium on its own is well-known for its bone-strengthening properties. Collagen has also had studies in favor of its ability to increase bone mineral density—especially in postmenopausal women.(7)
We also took into consideration when choosing this product that every Transparent Labs supplement is third-party tested for quality and purity. You can find certificates of analysis and composition for each supplement on their website.
What We Like
- Ingredients to support bone health
- Potent curcuminoids
- Strong anti-inflammatory potential
- Third-party testing for both composition and purity
What We Don't Like
- Depending on how frequently capsules are taken, one bottle may not last as long
- Does not contain either glucosamine or chondroitin
BUY: Transparent Labs Joint Support
Best Joint Supplement for Seniors - Utzy Naturals Joint Health Bundle
SPECS
- Dose: 3 capsules (Agilen), 2 capsules (Inflavinol), 1 scoop (Coll-U-Gen)
- Active ingredients: Collagen, ginger root, boswellia serrata extract, potassium, glucosamine, chondroitin
As we age, we may need a little more help with deterioration than the typical joint supplement can provide. Attack your joint issues head-on with this comprehensive Joint Health Bundle from Utzy Naturals. This is a combination of supplements that you can take together to improve joint function. The bundle includes Agilen and Inflavanol, two joint support formulas with common ingredients like potassium, glucosamine, and chondroitin, and some not-so-common ingredients like ginger root, devil's claw, and rosemary leaf extract. The third item in this bundle is Coll-U-Gen with 40 milligrams of UC-II collagen, which has been shown to have a beneficial effect on joints by improving cartilage formation and decreasing joint pain.(8)
We like that the Utzy Naturals Joint Health stack is formulated with natural and highly-concentrated ingredients for athletes and active individuals, regardless of age. Each product is manufactured in an NSF®-audited facility and tested for purity, potency, and efficacy. Utzy also has an "empty-bottle guarantee," meaning you have a 90-day refund window regardless of how many pills you've taken.
What We Like
- Comprehensive joint health kit
- Generously-dosed supplements
- Empty-bottle guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Comes in many packages, and thus more pills/powder to take
- Differing number of servings per container
BUY: Utzy Naturals Joint Health Bundle
Best OTC Supplement for Joint Pain - Performance Lab® Flex
SPECS
- Dose: 2 capsules daily, and 2 capsules after exercise
- Active ingredients: Curcumin, Boswellia serrata, Glucosamine, Phytodroitin, MSM
Performance Lab® Flex is somewhat of a hybrid with its "ultramodern" ingredients ranging from plant-based herbal compounds such as curcumin, and also traditional joint supplement compounds like glucosamine, MSM, and the plant-based version of chondroitin, Phytodroitin, which is made from various seaweed extracts to mirror the chondroitin molecule.
We really like that Performance Lab® has taken great measures to ensure its products are clean and free of unwanted additives. Supplements are first tested in-house by their quality control team and then sent to a third-party lab to continue testing for composition, purity, and potency. The company makes an effort to be eco-conscious by using only recyclable containers and packaging, and choosing eco-friendly ingredient options whenever possible.
What We Like
- Cutting-edge, sustainable ingredients
- Easy-to-swallow capsules
- Vegan, non-GMO, and soy-free
What We Don't Like
- If 2 capsules are taken twice daily, the bottle will last only 2 weeks
- On the higher end of the cost spectrum
Best Affordable Joint Supplement - Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
SPECS
- Dose: 1 capsule, 2x daily
- Active ingredients: Curcumin C3 Complex®, BioPerine®
With a price tag of $0.33 to $0.66 per serving, depending on whether you take the twice-daily dosage, Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex is our pick for the best affordable joint supplement. More than the attractive price point, you're also getting 500 milligrams per capsule of 95% bioactive, high-quality Curcumin C3 Complex® to help reduce inflammation. Want to save even more? Transparent Labs' subscribe-and-save program will get you an additional 10% off and free shipping on your recurring order.
We're huge fans of Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex for its clean, clinically-dosed ingredients made without artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives. This product is also vegan-friendly, soy and gluten-free, and third-party tested..
What We Like
- Affordable and potent
- Subscribe-and-save program for 10% off and free shipping
- Third-party tested and vegan-friendly
What We Don't Like
- May have a slight "spicy" aftertaste
- More expensive if you take full dosage
BUY: Transparent Labs Curcumin C3 Complex
Best Joint Supplement for Dogs - Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chews
SPECS
- Dose: 1/2 (10-29 lbs.), 1 (30-59 lbs.), 1-2 (60+ lbs.)
- Active ingredients: Glucosamine hydrochloride, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, fish oil
Our furry companions can also suffer from joint issues due to their age or breed, as some breeds are more prone to these concerns. Each veterinarian-formulated Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chew is made in the U.S. with high-quality, globally-sourced ingredients. Further, Cosequin is patented and scientifically researched for your dog's joint health and includes standard aminos like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM in its formula. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
Reviews are mixed on the taste—according to dogs, not humans—but this method is far superior to trying to trick your pet by hiding a capsule in lunch meat or a pill pocket.
What We like
- Chewable joint support
- Veterinarian-formulated
- Highly rated by customers
What We Don't Like
- Too much for dogs under 10 lbs.
- Expensive
BUY: Nutramax Cosequin Soft Chews
The Benefits of Joint Supplements
Joint supplements can offer many benefits as the majority of joint products contain powerful antioxidants such as glucosamine and chondroitin as well as rhizomes derived from spices like turmeric to help reduce pain and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.(9) They also often include minerals for bone health like calcium and magnesium. You may be able to support your joints naturally through a well-balanced diet, but joint supplements can certainly help you fill any nutrient gaps. Older individuals and elite athletes will see a lot of benefits, as these supplements may help supply the nutrients needed to strengthen cartilage elasticity or improve damage after injury.
Vitamins That May Help Relieve Joint Pain
This list is far from comprehensive, but you're more than likely to see the following vitamins and minerals represented on the nutrition labels for products to help relieve joint pain:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Curcumin
- Vitamin D
- Collagen
How to Choose the Best Joint Supplement
Choosing the best joint supplement can be overwhelming considering the hundreds of options available. Here are a few important topics to consider before settling on one.
Ingredients
This may sound obvious, but it's worth mentioning the importance of carefully reading the ingredient label of any supplement you intend to purchase. Avoid fillers, dyes, and ingredients that you can't find research backing up its efficacy. Be sure that you thoroughly research and understand each of the active ingredients listed in order to anticipate your intended outcome.
Quality
Because the FDA doesn't regulate nutritional supplements as they do pharmaceuticals, be sure to investigate the supplement for quality. A great way to do so is by choosing a supplement that has a seal of approval from one of the leading third-party organizations such as US Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.com. These third-party companies test the products to ensure that what's on labels is, in fact, in the bottle. They also test for contaminants.
Additionally, many supplement companies will send their products out for their own third-party testing and display their results on their website for public knowledge.
Price per Serving
Let's face it, money is limited for most of us and nutritional supplements can be pricey. Consider your budget and what you are willing to pay for your supplement. While it's true that most quality supplements aren't cheap, you can still find solid products for a reasonable price. A good sweet spot to aim for when it comes to joint supplements is about $1-2 per serving.
Our Final Takeaway
You don't have to wait for the first signs of deterioration to prioritize your joint health, especially if you're physically active. If you aren't always able to support your joints naturally with a well-balanced diet featuring foods rich in omega-3s like fish, leafy greens, and plant-based oils, a joint supplement is an effective way to prevent—and sometimes treat—symptoms of distress. There are many clean, affordable, and effectively-dosed products, several of which are on our list, available for joint support.
FAQs About Joint Supplements
Is there a joint supplement that really works?
Although many supplement companies often make unrealistic claims, a large amount of research has proven that certain ingredients really do work in terms of joint pain, stiffness, and mobility. Like all supplements, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Someone might benefit from high-quality fish oil, while others will feel more relief with a combination supplement. And for the unlucky few, some injuries may be beyond the capabilities of a nutritional supplement.
What is the most effective joint supplement?
As mentioned above, the most effective joint supplement is the one that works best for you. Maybe you'll benefit most from a targeted inflammation fighter like turmeric and boswellia tree extract. Maybe a more traditional route of glucosamine and chondroitin will work best. Or maybe you'll find the greatest results with a combination of all. Choose a well-rounded product and give it some time to do its work.
How do you increase joint strength?
A primary method for improving joint strength is to exercise regularly and strengthen the muscles around the joints. This will increase stability, put less pressure on the joints, and lessen the chance of injury. With regular exercise, you'll improve joint flexibility, as well. A good joint supplement can provide additional support as a preventative.
What is better for joints, glucosamine or fish oil?
Both show promise in helping reduce joint inflammation and pain and, according to some scientific research, are even better when taken together.(10)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Liu, X., Machado, G. C., Eyles, J. P., Ravi, V., & Hunter, D. J. (2018). Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 52(3), 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097333
- García-Coronado, J. M., Martínez-Olvera, L., Elizondo-Omaña, R. E., Acosta-Olivo, C. A., Vilchez-Cavazos, F., Simental-Mendía, L. E., & Simental-Mendía, M. (2019). Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. International orthopaedics, 43(3), 531–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5
- Clark, K. L., Sebastianelli, W., Flechsenhar, K. R., Aukermann, D. F., Meza, F., Millard, R. L., Deitch, J. R., Sherbondy, P. S., & Albert, A. (2008). 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current medical research and opinion, 24(5), 1485–1496. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079908x291967
- Shep, D., Khanwelkar, C., Gade, P. et al. Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study. Trials 20, 214 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3327-2
- Zhou, X., Afzal, S., Wohlmuth, H., Münch, G., Leach, D., Low, M., & Li, C. G. (2022). Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(12), 3877. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123877
- Scorei, I.D., Scorei, R.I. Calcium Fructoborate Helps Control Inflammation Associated with Diminished Bone Health. Biol Trace Elem Res 155, 315–321 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9800-y
- König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D., & Gollhofer, A. (2018). Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients, 10(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010097
- Khatri, M., Naughton, R. J., Clifford, T., Harper, L. D., & Corr, L. (2021). The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino acids, 53(10), 1493–1506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x
- Grover, A. K., & Samson, S. E. (2016). Benefits of antioxidant supplements for knee osteoarthritis: rationale and reality. Nutrition journal, 15, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-015-0115-z
- Gruenwald, J., Petzold, E., Busch, R., Petzold, H. P., & Graubaum, H. J. (2009). Effect of glucosamine sulfate with or without omega-3 fatty acids in patients with osteoarthritis. Advances in therapy, 26(9), 858–871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-009-0060-3
About the Author
Byree is a registered dietitian with a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition. Bryee is fascinated by food science and biochemistry but also enjoys simple recipe creations as she loves breaking down evidence-based info into digestible guides.
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