If you're allergic to anything, check any supplement's label and look into the brand before purchasing. Some of the best supplements for joint health may contain allergens, such as fish.
Common prescriptions, including blood thinners, may interact with certain supplements taken for joint health and cause serious side effects. Always be sure to clear any new dietary supplement with your doctor or pharmacist before adding it to your daily rotation if you're taking any medication, even though you can easily get most dietary supplements over-the-counter.
Before you get started on a joint supplement, it's important to get to the bottom of your symptoms to find the true cause and prevent more health effects. The best way to do this is to go to your doctor, who can evaluate your lifestyle, work habits and medical history to best manage your joint pain.
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Joint pain is often a normal part of aging, but there are steps you can take to help minimize the pain and stiffness you may feel in your joints. In addition to a healthy diet and anti-aging exercises, you can also consider incorporating supplements that support joint health into your wellness routine. People often turn to sites like Reddit for advice on finding the right supplements for joint health, but it's best to consult a professional. That's why we spoke to an expert to find out which vitamins and supplements can help relive joint pain and soreness. Though keep in mind that while supplements can help, they are not a cure-all for joint pain.
"Generally, I think it's hard to find a full-on solution for your joint pain through supplements alone," stated Dr. Navya Mysore, a primary care physician and women's health expert. "But save for a review of someone's health history and any medications they're taking that may interact with their supplement of choice, there's also no harm in adding a supplement for joint health."
Best supplements for healthy joints
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Photo Gallery 1/1 SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Glucosamine While "there's not a ton of evidence out there to firmly say one supplement is going to help you over another," Mysore said, glucosamine likely has the most evidence backing its use. Glucosamine naturally occurs in our bodies -- it's in your cartilage and helps your joints function. A glucosamine supplement is believed to help with arthritis in that it can bring down some of the pain brought on by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, glucosamine is commonly sold in combination with chondroitin as a single supplement, and both are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. Mysore said people with shellfish and iodine allergies need to be careful about taking this supplement, as it's often made from shellfish, and that it could also affect people with asthma. It has the potential to cause side effects like nausea and heartburn, and there's also a risk of interaction with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications that could cause bleeding issues. Talk with your doctor or dietician before adding it to your diet. ... Show more Get it now $22 at Amazon $26 at Walmart
Simonkr/E+ via Getty Images Photo Gallery 1/1 Simonkr/E+ via Getty Images Turmeric Turmeric isn't just a spice used in some cuisines, it's been used in traditional medicine as a healing spice, and it's considered one of the more powerful natural ingredients you can add to your meal for a health boost. Specifically, its active ingredient or compound, curcumin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mysore says that if you're interested in adding a turmeric supplement for pain relief, make sure it contains curcumin for better absorption. And as an alternative, tastier way to incorporate the spice's wellness properties into your routine, Mysore suggested a meal that contains turmeric and black pepper, which contains a compound that can help the body absorb turmeric's important properties. For example, she said, a smoothie with added turmeric and eggs seasoned with black pepper. As is true with every supplement on this list, check with your doctor if you're taking prescription medications, as turmeric may interfere with blood thinners and immunosuppressive drugs, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. ... Show more Get it now $16 at Amazon $16 at Walmart $18 at Target
Zarina Lukash/iStock via Getty Images PLus Photo Gallery 1/1 Zarina Lukash/iStock via Getty Images PLus Chondroitin You'll often see chondroitin mentioned alongside glucosamine, as they're similarly studied for arthritis and often sold together as a single supplement. Chondroitin is also found in the cartilage in your body, which is why it's believed to be beneficial in boosting joint health. Research into chondroitin has had largely inconclusive results, but it's still accepted as a supplement that could be beneficial in aiding joint health. It's generally viewed as a safe supplement, though, like many others, it can interact with blood thinners like Warfarin and put you at risk for bleeding. ... Show more Get it now $19 at Amazon
Yulia Naumenko/Moment via Getty Images Photo Gallery 1/1 Yulia Naumenko/Moment via Getty Images Collagen Collagen is a protein your body makes -- and as you age, you have less and less of it. It's what keeps your skin tight and firm and what keeps your joints working smoothly. But as you get older, there's less collagen in your joints, which is where joint supplements could help. Though there isn't a lot of research on whether collagen can actually help your joints, doctors largely think that it won't hurt either -- if it makes you feel better while paired with low-impact exercises like swimming, then go for it. ... Show more Get it now $32 at Amazon
How we chose the best supplements for joint health We didn't test any supplements for joint health ourselves. Rather, we rounded up a list of the leading compounds, supplements and vitamins with some research supporting relief for arthritis symptoms and joint health.
Factors to consider when choosing a supplement for joint health Cause of joint pain: Before you get started on a joint supplement, it's important to get to the bottom of your symptoms to find the true cause and prevent more health effects. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The easiest way to find the cause of your symptoms is to go to your doctor, who will also be able to tell you which supplements are recommended and safe for you to take based on your current medications and medical history. Whether you're taking medications: Common prescriptions, including blood thinners, may interact with certain supplements taken for joint health and cause serious side effects. Always be sure to clear any new dietary supplement with your doctor or pharmacist before adding it to your daily rotation if you're taking any medication, even though you can easily get most dietary supplements over the counter. Food allergies: Some supplements for joint health may include common food allergens, such as fish, so be sure to check the product's label for ingredients and look into the company from which you want to buy from.