Magnesium, sometimes known as “the miracle mineral” due to its several roles in promoting health and wellness, is important and necessary for the body to function normally.
Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans have traditionally been the richest suppliers of magnesium. People have eaten these items less frequently over time. Over-processing has also reduced the natural magnesium content of many foods; stress can also contribute to magnesium deficiency. As a result, many people worldwide do not fulfill their daily magnesium requirements and may benefit from supplementation.
Our top picks:
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BEST SHELLFISH-FREE JOINT SUPPLEMENT COMPLEX
Solgar Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin, MSM
Our team of certified dietitians in the HomeAccessoris Institute Nutrition Lab evaluated over 30 different joint health supplements, preferring those with stringent quality requirements and those tested by a trustworthy third party. These measures are intended to help ensure that there are no dangerous ingredients in the products and that what is on the label matches what is in the bottle.
Just keep in mind that joint supplements aren’t a miraculous cure, and you should always consult with your doctor before beginning a new supplement program. Your doctor may want to look through your bloodwork for any probable inadequacies that are affecting your joints and overall health.
At the end of this guide, you can discover more about how we evaluate joint health supplements, including advice for selecting the best options for you. Check out our top selections for the best multivitamins for women, the best magnesium supplements, and the best fish oil supplements to learn more about the finest supplements to support your overall health and wellness goals.
1
PROS
- Vegan source of glucosamine
- Affordable choice
- Passed tests with ConsumerLab.com
CONS
- Three tablets per serving
specifications
Dose
Three tablets
Price per dosage
$0.32
Key ingredients
Glucosamine HCL
If you prefer a glucosamine-only supplement, this version from Deva is a good alternative. It contains 1,500 mg of glucosamine and should be taken three times per day.
The majority of glucosamine products are made from shellfish. However, this option is vegan because all of the ingredients are derived from non-animal sources (the glucosamine is derived from non-GMO maize). The Vegan Society has certified the product as 100% vegan, making it an excellent alternative for individuals who follow a plant-based diet and want to benefit from glucosamine.
Furthermore, as part of ConsumerLab.com’s voluntary Quality Certification Program, this supplement was tested for heavy metals and disintegration. Amazon reviews laud the product’s high quality at a low price, with many expressing gratitude for the availability of a glucosamine-only alternative. “I definitely felt a difference in my joints after taking these for a few weeks,” wrote one reviewer.
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PROS
- Contains omega-3s, glucosamine and collagen
- Made from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies
- Non-GMO and third-party tested
CONS
- Three soft gels per serving
specifications
Dose
Three soft gels
Price per dosage
$1.58
Key ingredients
Omega-3s, Glucosamine Sulfate, Type II Collagen
Nordic Naturals, well-known for their high-quality fish oil supplements, now provides this high-quality complex designed specifically to promote healthy joints. There are 1,065 mg of omega-3s, which may help reduce inflammation and the severity of joint discomfort.
This combination also contains 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate, a naturally occurring substance found in cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. According to certain research, glucosamine sulfate may help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to a study, undenatured type II collagen may be even more helpful than glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements for joint health. This potent compound, consisting entirely of wild-caught sardines and anchovies, targets cartilage regeneration and joint reconstruction.
Nordic Naturals products are non-GMO and third-party tested, according to our certified nutritionists. Any product they sell comes with a Certificate of Analysis. There’s even a QR code on the box that you can scan to see the product’s test results for yourself. Three soft gels constitute one serving, yet many reviews report positive outcomes. One reviewer stated that after taking two bottles on a regular basis, they observed and felt a significant improvement in their knees. “My knee aches and pains appear to be lessened.” “It’s easy to take and doesn’t leave a bad aftertaste,” remarked another reviewer.
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BEST SHELLFISH-FREE JOINT SUPPLEMENT COMPLEX
Solgar Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin, MSM
PROS
- Blend includes glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid
- Shellfish-free
- Strict testing processes and quality standards
CONS
- Large tablets
specifications
Dose
Three tablets
Price per dosage
$0.79
Key ingredients
Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin, MSM
This high-quality joint health supplement from Solgar has all of the essential ingredients you’d expect. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are all present. Another unusual element in this combination is hyaluronic acid, a gel-like material that aids in joint lubrication as well as cartilage and bone formation. It can even help reduce joint inflammation and is available in dietary supplements; however, you may have heard that injections are also available.
This complex is free of artificial flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, and colours, as well as shellfish. “After 40 days of taking them, my knee arthritis pain was significantly reduced!” “I’m no longer limping,” one Amazon reviewer stated, while many people say that the tablets are difficult to swallow (and a serving is three of them).
Solgar takes pride in its comprehensive testing process, which occurs every 30 minutes throughout manufacturing. Vitamins are made in small quantities in the United States with high-quality ingredients, and they use USP water filtration and HEPA air filtration.
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PROS
- Blend of glucosamine, collagen and Boswellia serrata
- Passed tests with ConsumerLab.com
- Non-GMO
CONS
- Large capsules
specifications
Dose
Two capsules
Price per dosage
$0.79
Key ingredients
Glucosamine Sulfate, AprèsFlex Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) Extract, NT2 Collagen, Boron
Collagen is essential for the formation and stability of connective tissues, particularly the cartilage that protects your joints. Type II cartilage, in particular, has proved to improve joint health in osteoarthritic patients and should not be confused with collagen peptides, type I collagen, or gelatin.
This non-GMO joint-specific supplement from Life Extension contains undenatured type II collagen and glucosamine, as well as boswellia, which limited research suggests may ease joint discomfort and boron. This mineral has a role in building healthy bones and joints.
According to our registered dietitians, this selection passed stringent tests as part of ConsumerLab.com’s voluntary Quality Certification Program. The brand also has high-quality control standards. “Over time, this product appears to work better. “At first, I didn’t notice a difference, but I’m starting to have less pain at night,” one Amazon reviewer remarked. “This product appears to improve my joint mobility. “I notice a difference if I don’t take it,” another reviewer said; however, several people point out that the capsules are fairly large.
5
PROS
- Blend includes glucosamine and MSM
- Extensive testing and superior quality
- All vegetarian ingredients
CONS
- Three capsules per serving
specifications
Dose
Three capsules
Price per dosage
$0.33
Key ingredients
Glucosamine, MSM
This supplement contains both glucosamine, the main component of cartilage tissue, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organic form of sulfur that may reduce pain and swelling and improve symptoms in people with osteoarthritis, especially when combined with glucosamine.
This product’s glucosamine is made from non-GMO corn, although it does require three capsules of very large pills. It is inexpensive per dosage but of great quality. If you don’t need a vegetarian option, this complex is also available with a version of this complex with chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is a cartilage-building ingredient that is typically incorporated in supplements with glucosamine for osteoarthritis pain treatment.
According to our trained dietitians, the family-owned firm has been a leader in the health and wellness sector for over 50 years because of its comprehensive testing techniques and exceptional quality, which ensures you are getting exactly what it says on the supplement bottle. NOW Foods even created the glucosamine test method that was chosen as the AOACI industry standard procedure. The level of testing and quality control that NOW employs impressed our specialists.
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PROS
- Affordable
- USP verified
- Easy to swallow
CONS
- May not be as effective as other joint specific complexes
specifications
Dose
One softgel
Price per dosage
$0.02
Key ingredients
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is a necessary component that aids the body’s absorption of calcium, a building block for strong bones. Limited research data suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may help with osteoarthritis symptoms such as joint pain. If your doctor has taken your bloodwork and discovered that you have a vitamin D deficit, supplementation may be recommended.
This extra-strength vitamin D supplement from Costco’s Kirkland brand is incredibly high quality despite its low price. Each softgel has 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, and the container contains 600 doses.
Most significantly, our qualified dietitians point out that this supplement is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified, which means it has undergone rigorous testing to verify quality and purity. Customers love the huge container size and inexpensive cost per serving, and the size of the supplement itself is easy to swallow, according to nearly 6,700 five-star internet evaluations.
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PROS
- Complex includes black pepper for optimal absorption
- Test results readily available on their website
- Vegan and gluten-free
CONS
- Multiple dosages may be needed
specifications
Dose
Two capsules
Price per dosage
$0.78
Key ingredients
Turmeric, Black Pepper, Organic Ginger, Organic Devil's Claw Root, Frankincense
This turmeric pill is designed to help promote healthy joints and keep you active by minimizing occasional inflammation. The complex includes black pepper to aid in the absorption of curcuminoids, which is due to piperine in black pepper increasing turmeric’s bioavailability. This vegan and gluten-free blend also contains ginger and a few additional herbal components for functional advantages. One of them is organic Devil’s Claw root, a plant that has been demonstrated to relieve joint discomfort potentially.
Every Gaia Herbs component and completed product is tested in their labs to assure purity, integrity, and efficacy. You may examine test results for their turmeric supplement on their website by entering the Herb ID found on the product’s packaging. This supplement has been tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and strength.
“I have arthritis in my knees and hands, and the pain has subsided since switching to this brand,” one reviewer stated. “These are so incredibly helpful with joint pain,” said another. I saw a significant change after discontinuing them (which I had to do before a major operation) and couldn’t wait to resume them.” Keep in mind that the supplement’s recommended dosage is two capsules, two times daily with meals. Still, you can discuss with your healthcare professional whether that extra dose is necessary for you.
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PROS
- No fishy aftertaste
- Non-GMO and third-party tested
- Also available in liquid form
CONS
- Fairly large softgels
specifications
Dose
Two soft gels
Price per dosage
$0.79
Key ingredients
Omega-3 fatty acids
Has your doctor advised you to use a pure fish oil supplement to help with your joint pain? We enjoy that this option comes in a variety of formats, including a liquid variety. This particular option has 650 milligrams of EPA and 450 milligrams of DHA as part of a total of 1,280 milligrams of omega-3s per two soft gel servings, which should be taken with food.
This supplement is free of artificial colours and flavours and is naturally flavoured with lemon to neutralize any fishy aftertaste. Over 45,000 Amazon reviewers gave this product a 4.7-star rating (out of five stars), with many stating that the tablet is not smelly and does not cause them to burp. However, some people complain that the pills are quite huge.
This vitamin, like our best overall pick, is non-GMO and third-party tested. Because the brand publicly distributes its Certificates of Analyses for all of its products, you can quickly scan the QR code on the package to check your product’s test results. It’s important to note that the supplement’s recommended dosage is two capsules, two times daily with meals, but you can talk to your doctor about whether or not that extra dose is necessary for you.
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PROS
- Blend contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia serrata extract
- Passed tests with ConsumerLab.com
- Affordable
CONS
- Large tablets can be hard to swallow
- Contains shellfish
specifications
Dose
Two tablets
Price per dosage
$0.39
Key ingredients
Glucosamine, 5-LOXIN Advanced (Boswellia serrata extract), Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM
This unique complex from Osteo Bi-Flex contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and other ingredients, as well as 5-LOXIN Advanced. This Boswellia serrata extract is special in that it contains AKBA, an important boswellic acid that may aid in the treatment of minor occasional joint flare-ups.
This product also passed stringent tests as part of ConsumerLab.com’s voluntary Quality Certification Program, which included heavy metals and disintegration tests. It’s reasonably priced but still a high-quality option.
“I noticed the difference in my joints in about three weeks,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “This has been a daily part of my morning vitamin ritual since I was diagnosed with early arthritis at the age of 40.” “My pain level has decreased, and my joints actually feel better,” stated another reviewer. However, some users complain that the tablets are huge and difficult to swallow, and people with food sensitivities should be aware that they contain shellfish.
How we chose the best joint supplements
Our certified dietitians extensively assess supplements in the HomeAccessoris Institute Nutrition Lab based on nutritional expertise, ingredients, and third-party testing data.
We evaluated dosage, serving size, price, servings per container, ingredients, form, and whether the vitamin may be taken with or without a meal when choosing the top joint supplements. We examined over 30 different joint supplements with the goal of providing options for a wide range of personal preferences and pricing points. We attempted to include options with a variety of nutrients and substances to fulfil a variety of demands.
We highlighted recommendations that have been tested by a competent third-party agency for purity, potency, and safety, as well as products with strict internal quality control requirements. Marketing claims, component listings, and product quality were all scrutinized.
Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are released to the public, it is critical to thoroughly research any supplement you add to your regimen and consult with your doctor before purchasing.
What to look for when shopping for the best joint supplements
Finding the correct joint supplement for you and your specific needs might be difficult. Here are a few things to consider when looking for one:
✔️Type: There are numerous sorts of joint health supplements available, ranging from single nutrient supplements like vitamin D to more complicated complexes, including functional components. Speak with your healthcare practitioner to determine the best option for you.
✔️Form and size: Consider the serving size as well as the size of the pill itself. Are you happy with taking one huge pill each day, or would you prefer to take several smaller ones throughout the day to fulfil your needs? Many joint supplements feature huge serving sizes or hefty pills. Is powdered or liquid form more convenient for you? Determine what is most appropriate for you and your lifestyle.
✔️Price: The cost of joint supplements can vary widely, and more expensive ones are sometimes better. Furthermore, because each bottle contains a different number of pills and serving size might vary, we provided cost per dosage information so you can fairly evaluate each alternative.
✔️Quality: Examine the components to confirm that there are no fake additives in the supplement. Third-party testing by trustworthy institutions, such as USP, NSF or ConsumerLab.com, is also crucial to establishing quality standards and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what you’ll be ingesting.
What supplements are good for joints?
To relieve joint pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis, joint health supplements often contain a number of substances. Among the major players are:
✔️Glucosamine: A naturally occurring chemical in the body that serves as a building block for cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within joints.
✔️Chondroitin: A chemical found in cartilage around joints that aids in water retention.
✔️ Fish oil: made up of two omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are present in fish.
✔️Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): An organic form of sulfur that may lower pain and swelling while improving symptoms in osteoarthritic patients.
✔️Boswellia: Also known as frankincense, this extract is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree’s bark. According to preliminary research, it may reduce joint pain in as little as eight weeks.
✔️Turmeric: A root vegetable that includes polyphenol curcumin, which is the primary chemical that gives it its vivid yellow colour. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which limited studies suggest may help with joint discomfort.
✔️ Collagen: A protein that is abundant in the body and provides structure and support to muscles, bones, connective tissues, and other tissues. Collagen comes in various forms, but type II has shown promise in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
✔️Hyaluronic acid: A gel-like material that aids in the lubrication of joints as well as the formation of cartilage and bone. It is also available as an oral supplement and as an injectable to assist in reducing joint inflammation.
Do joint supplements have side effects?
The majority of the substances in joint supplements are generally considered safe. Still, you should consult with your healthcare professional to ensure that the product you choose is suitable for your existing prescriptions, medical status, and conditions. If you are on blood thinners, your doctor may urge you to avoid joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and other substances.
Although these supplements are generally well taken, some slight adverse effects may occur, including nausea, heartburn, diarrhoea, or constipation, particularly with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. To maximize absorption and prevent gastric discomfort, most of these alternatives should be taken with food.
Another factor to consider is allergies, particularly shellfish sensitivities because many joint supplements are sourced from these sources. There are several vegan options which we have listed on our list.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
