9 Best Supplements For Osteoarthritis According To Medical Research

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:

   

   THORNE Boswellia Phytosome - Indian Fran...

   (161)

   $57.00 ($0.95 / Count) $55.76 ($0.93 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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:

   

   Healthy Origins Pycnogenol 100 mg - Prem...

   (2841)

   $37.99 ($0.63 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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:

   

   THORNE Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg (Meriv...

   (2099)

   $32.00 ($0.53 / Count) $31.90 ($0.53 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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:

   

   THORNE L-Carnitine - Amino Acid Suppleme...

   (272)

   $66.00 ($1.10 / Count) $61.99 ($1.03 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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:

   

   Horbäach Passion Flower Tincture | 2 fl ...

   (2022)

   15% Off $11.75 ($5.88 / Fl Oz) $9.99 ($5.00 / Fl Oz) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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:

   

   THORNE Collagen Fit - Unflavored Collage...

   (103)

   $50.00 ($2.81 / Ounce) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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):

   

   Doctor's Best MSM with OptiMSM, Non-GMO,...

   (5017)

   $13.57 ($0.11 / Count) $10.96 ($0.09 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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:

8. Undenatured Type II Collagen:

   

   Healthy Origins UC-II, 40 mg - Premium C...

   (1986)

   $32.99 ($0.27 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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.

9. Green-Lipped Mussel Extract:

   

   Horbäach Green Lipped Mussel | 750 mg | ...

   (2483)

   $24.00 ($0.20 / Count) $23.99 ($0.20 / Count) (as of May 2, 2024 23:17 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
   • 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.

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