9 Best Supplements For Osteoarthritis According To Medical Research

As a physical therapist, patients often ask me about the best supplements for osteoarthritis.

In this post, I'll share research from a systematic review and meta-analysis, highlighting effective supplements and debunking some popular but ineffective ones.

Knee Arthritis Guide Prevent or Delay Knee Replacement More 4 Life Physical Therapy St. Louis MO 63011 Gladly Serving Ballwin, Manchester, Chesterfield, Des Peres, Ellisville, and St. Louis County

Ineffective Supplements For Osteoarthritis Pain

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are some of the most well-known and highly researched supplements for osteoarthritis pain.

However, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis, they appear to be either ineffective or have such a small effect as not to be clinically importatn.

Effective Supplements For Short-Term Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

The short-term category includes supplements with quick-acting, anti-inflammatory effects:

  1. Boswellia Serrata Extract:

    • What it is: Derived from the Boswellia serrata tree (Frankincense).
    • Benefits: Improves stiffness in the short term.
    • Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Dosage: 150-250 mg daily.
  2. Pycnogenol:

    • What it is: Extract from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree.
    • Benefits: Clinically important effects for pain reduction in the short term.
    • Mechanism of Action: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Dosage: 100 mg daily.
  3. Curcumin:

    • What it is: Turmeric extract.
    • Benefits: Large and clinically important effects for pain reduction and physical function in the short term.
    • Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
    • Dosage: 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily.
  4. L-Carnitine:

    • What it is: An amino acid made from lysine and methionine.
    • Benefits: Large and clinically important effects for pain reduction in the short term. Helps burn fat.
    • Mechanism of Action: May have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially contributing to pain relief in arthritis.
    • Dosage: 2 grams daily in adults.
  5. Passion Flower Extract:

    • What it is: Extract derived from the peel of passion fruit.
    • Benefits: Demonstrates large and clinically important effects for pain reduction in the short term.
    • Mechanism of Action: Specific mechanisms not detailed in the study; further research is needed.
    • Dosage: 250-900 mg per dose.
  6. Collagen Hydrolysate:

    • What it is: Hydrolyzed form of collagen, often derived from animal sources.
    • Benefits: Shows large and clinically important effects for pain reduction in the medium term.
    • Mechanism of Action: May contribute to joint health by providing building blocks for cartilage.
    • Dosage: 2.5-10 grams daily.
  7. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):

    • What it is: An organic sulfur compound found in some plants and animals.
    • Benefits: Statistically significant improvements in pain in the short term.
    • Mechanism of Action: Known for its potential anti-inflammatory effects and role in joint health.
    • Dosage: 1,500 mg to 6,000 mg daily.

 

Supplements For Medium-Term Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

These supplements show effectiveness in the 4 to 6-month range:

  1. Undenatured Type II Collagen:

    • What it is: Preserves the natural structure of collagen without undergoing the denaturation process.
    • Benefits: Reduces osteoarthritis symptoms in the medium term; may help rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Mechanism of Action: Works by modulating the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body's own collagen, thereby reducing joint inflammation.
    • Recommended Daily Dose: Generally ranges from 40 to 120 milligrams per day.
  2. Green-Lipped Mussel Extract:

    • What it is: Derived from a type of mussel native to New Zealand, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Benefits: Demonstrates statistically significant improvements in pain at medium term.
    • Mechanism of Action: Contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, believed to support joint health.
    • Dosage: 500 mg to 1,500 mg daily.

 

Disclaimer: It's essential to consult with your healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine, considering individual health conditions and needs.

Conclusion

So those were the 9 best supplements for osteoarthritis pain based on medical research.

Remember though, supplements are a "supplement" to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.

If you live in the St. Louis area an need help for arthritis pain, then we'd be happy to help you here at More 4 Life.

Just tap the button below to request an appointment with on of our specialist physical therapists.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Available for Amazon Prime