The Top Joint Supplements of 2024

By: DTW Health Advisory Board

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what to avoid?

what to look for?

top products

When your joints are stiff, achy, and uncomfortable, even the smallest tasks can seem unbearable. Anyone who’s dealt with acute joint discomfort knows that everyday simple acts, like getting in and out of the car, putting on pants or shoes, stepping out of bed, gardening, or picking up their grandkids, can feel overwhelmingly difficult.

With roughly 92 million Americans reporting the inability to enjoy normal aspects of their daily life due to impaired joint health, discomfort, and limited range of motion,1,2  it’s no wonder joint support is one of the fastest-growing supplement categories on the market.

Joint discomfort can last for several months, even years, or just a short time.  When it’s present, it can ultimately impact your mood and stop many daily activities that used to be done with ease. It can range from mild to debilitating3. So whether the onset of your joint discomfort is more recent or it’s been gradually intensifying over the years due to various factors, we want to help you make the best decision regarding your joint supplement support.

The right joint supplement can help support flexibility, mobility, and function and relieve joint-related discomfort. Although there are hundreds to choose from, many fall short. In fact, some of the most popular brands use ineffective generic ingredients with little to no clinical studies. Worse, many contain low-quality fillers that may have negative health consequences.

This straightforward guide will help you understand what to look for and what to avoid so you can make an informed decision about your joint support needs.

Joint Supplements: What Are They All About?

First, let's examine how joint supplements work inside the body

Joints are the places in the body where two or more bones meet. They are made of bones and soft tissues, such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. From the smallest, most mundane tasks, like brushing your teeth, to exercising, playing pickleball, or golf, your joints make all movement possible.

As we age, our joints can be impacted by many things, and joint issues can accelerate with an injury or accident, or joints can naturally wear and tear down with time and use which greatly impacts overall joint health and can lead to acute swelling and discomfort. A compromised immune system or common viruses can also cause damage to your joints.4,5,6

The good news is the right active ingredients in a joint supplement can help repair worn-down joints, and add lubrication while supporting the long-term health of your joints.

what causes joint discomfort?

1. cartilage deterioration

Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints can wear away, leading to a condition called "bone-on-bone" friction. This deterioration can cause significant impairment which restricts movement. Additional issues like bone spurs from long-term friction or decreased synovial fluid, the natural joint fluid that lubricates the joints, can exacerbate the discomfort and lead to further complications.7,8

2. common injuries / bodily strain

Injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures can affect joint comfort and mobility. If they do not heal properly, these injuries may cause immediate joint discomfort.. Swelling and stiffness are common symptoms of these injuries as the body attempts to protect and revitalize the affected area.9,10

3. vitamin d deficiency

There can be a correlation between joint discomfort and low levels of Vitamin D. People with joint discomfort often find themselves trapped indoors, lacking exposure to Vitamin D and sunlight, because joint discomfort causes them to stop many of the daily activities that once brought them outdoors. 

 

These low levels of vitamin D can lead to joint impairment. Vitamin D is essential for healthy joints as it supports healthy cartilage regeneration, protecting overall joint function, mobility, and flexibility.11,12,13

a great joint support supplement can:

Ease joint discomfort14-15

Improve joint mobility15

Ease acute inflammation16

Enhance joint flexibility14

lubricate joints18

Support cartilage health19

Start improving joint function in 5 days33
Title

3 Things To AVOID

When Buying A Joint Support Supplement

1. titanium dioxide & other capsule colorants

If you look closely at the label's ingredient section, you’ll see “other ingredients” listed. This is where ingredients like Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, Red 3, and other harmful ingredients can be hidden.

 

Titanium dioxide is widely used in many popular joint support supplements to give the capsules a uniform, bright white color, making them more visually appealing to consumers. However, the drawbacks of using this ingredient far outweigh the benefits. This additive has been associated with DNA damage, acute inflammation, liver and intestinal toxicity, an impaired immune system, and even adverse effects on the gut microbiome.20,21,22

 

While this ingredient is still allowed in the United States, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared it unsafe for consumption and, as of 2022, banned its use as an additive in supplements.

 

Similarly, a Public Health Advisory was issued in 2003 on the use of capsule colorants FD&C Blue Dye No. 1, a synthetic blue dye that's used in many products, including supplements, candy, and cosmetics. 23,24

 

While titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, and Red 3 are widely prevalent in joint supplements, we recommend avoiding them and instead looking for a more consumer-health-focused brand that uses cleaner ingredients.

2. glucosamine & chondroitin

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage.

 

It’s often touted on supplement bottles as an all-star necessary ingredient for joint comfort. However, in many clinical trials, glucosamine was shown to be either ineffective or showed small and arguably clinically insignificant treatment effects. 25

 

Often, brands combine glucosamine with chondroitin, which has also shown to be ineffective.26-29 In a 2016 study, 164 patients were either given a placebo or a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was stopped early because those taking the supplement reported worse discomfort than those taking a placebo. 30

 

This compelling research is why we advise you to look beyond these ingredients and seek out supplements with clinically backed, more efficacious ingredients.

3. added calories & carbohydrates

When you see calories or carbohydrates listed on a supplement, it clearly indicates that the supplement contains inflammatory-causing additives like gelatin, oils, sugar, starches, or sweeteners.

 

When a person has arthritis, the body is said to be in an inflammatory state. That’s why you want to avoid these harmful additives at all costs.

 

Along with titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, and Red 3, we also recommend avoiding supplements that contain calories and carbohydrates and instead sticking to brands that omit these ingredients.
Title

Top 4 Criteria

For A Quality Joint Support Supplement

Below are the four essential criteria and most effective ingredients to consider and identify on a supplement label before deciding which brand is best for your needs.

#1 Boswellia serrata

For centuries, Boswellia serrata has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Certain pathways in the human body release chemicals which can cause acute inflammation throughout the body. One specific pathway is the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. Numerous studies have shown that Boswellia serrata can block this pathway from causing joint impairment. 31

 

For fast-acting comfort, look for a joint support supplement containing AprèsFlex®, a proprietary extract of Boswellia serrata gum resin. In a trio of clinical studies, participants who took 100 mg of AprèsFlex® experienced substantial improvements in joint comfort in as early as 5 days, as well as significant improvements in decreasing feelings of discomfort and stiffness and improving physical function. 32,33,34

#2 Type I, II, V & X Collagen

Collagen is a crucial protein in joint health, providing structural support to cartilage, and is essential for joint elasticity and shock absorption. It helps maintain the integrity of cartilage, ensuring that joints can withstand wear and tear over time.35

 

There are at least 28 types of collagen in the body, each with a distinctive amino acid composition and structure.36 The body naturally produces collagen; however, a few types of supplemental collagen are proven essential for healthy joints:

 

Type II collagen is crucial for building joint cartilage and significantly eases joint swelling and discomfort while supporting joint integrity and easier movement.37

 

Types I, V, and X collagen has proven effective in easing joint discomfort and enhancing flexibility.38

 

Editor's Advice: Our research has revealed that most companies don’t list where they source their collagen or what types are being added. Premium brands will include both the type and where it’s sourced. Look for Collagen Types I, V, and X, sourced from eggshell membranes, and Type II, sourced from chicken sternum collagen, as these contain natural ingredients rich in peptides involved in joint and cartilage health.39

**Stack Tip: Look for a supplement that contains Collagen and Vitamin C because Vitamin C is essential in helping the body make and replenish collagen.40

#3 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a popular joint and mobility support ingredient commonly found in sources like fresh greens, fruits, and grains. Preclinical research indicates that MSM promotes joint function and eases joint discomfort by lowering oxidative stress levels. Ultimately, this can ease joint discomfort and improve mobility by targeting joint concerns at a molecular level. It works by blocking certain processes in the body that can lead to discomfort, which is often the root cause of joint stiffness. 41,42,43

#4 Additional Joint-Supporting Nutrients for Comprehensive Support

Joint discomfort is a multi-faceted problem. Since it’s difficult to determine the exact cause, or it may have a variety of root causes, it’s important to find a well-rounded formula that addresses all the root causes. Avoid formulas that don’t include ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid and Turmeric, which have additional joint benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound known for its lubricating properties, which are beneficial for joint and cartilage health.44,45 Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been shown to help by targeting acute inflammation and blocking enzymes and substances in the body that impair joint function and mobility.46
Title

How We Evaluated Our Joint 
Supplement Recommendations

fast acting

We considered what research says is the estimated time you’ll begin to notice an ease in discomfort.

clean, natural, science-backed ingredients

We looked for natural, clean, and science-backed ingredients to ease discomfort. As well as formulas without additives, capsule colorants, and dyes.

dosage

We considered what research says is the estimated time you’ll begin to notice an ease in discomfort.

added support

We looked for a well-rounded formula that addresses many of the root causes of joint function and includes ingredients with additional joint benefits.
Title

2024 Joint Support Buying Guide

researched & approved

Pros

Contains the clinically tested AprèsFlex® Boswellia extract

Includes Type II Collagen as hydrolyzed chicken collagen and Collagen Types I, V, and X as eggshell membrane

Contains Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Added Hyaluronic Acid and Turmeric

Contains 100% RDA Vitamin D & Vitamin C

No calories, carbohydrates, or capsule colorants

Verified 90-day 100% money-back return policy

Manufactured in the USA

Cons

Often out of stock due to high demand

why we approved

This supplement has all 4 of the top criteria for a quality joint-supporting supplement.

 

Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Joint contains fast-acting AprèsFlex® Boswellia serrata gum resin, so users can see improvements in joint comfort as early as 5 days. Additionally, this formula includes all four essential collagen types for joint health: I, II, X, and V. Type II is sourced from our recommended hydrolyzed chicken collagen, and Types I, V, and X are also premium sourced from eggshell membranes. Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Joint also contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and natural supportive ingredients, including hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication and turmeric for its joint soothing properties. Plus, this formulation even has the added benefit of 100% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C and Vitamin D3.

 

Stonehenge Health is committed to providing clean ingredients to its customers. It does not contain synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients that add calories or carbohydrates. It also does not contain titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, or Red 3.

 

Stonehenge Health also backs its products with a 90-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.

 

Click on the link below to see their current specials. 

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

researched

Pros

Title

Contains three of the four essential ingredients

Contains AprèsFlex Boswellia serrata and Type II Collagen

Contains hyaluronic acid and turmeric

Doctor formulated

Formula verified by third-party

Cons

Title

Contains titanium dioxide additive

Contains FD&C Blue Dye No. 1

Users complain of the large capsule size despite the bottle advertising a small pill

Only a 30-day money-back guarantee

$2 per capsule

Instaflex is a doctor-formulated joint health supplement that we are pleased to see contains the superior form of AprèsFlex Boswellia serrata as well as additional joint-supporting nutrients, including hyaluronic acid and turmeric. The brand took additional steps to validate its formula with third-party testing. However, at $60 a bottle for a 30-day supply, it seems as if the customer is absorbing this cost. When you add in the cost of shipping, Instaflex Advanced Joint Support is over $2 per capsule, making this one of the most expensive joint supplements on the market.

 

Although it’s great that they included Type II collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage, they left out Types I, V, and X and failed to include MSM.

 

Instaflex includes titanium dioxide in its capsule formulation, which is a concern for anyone concerned with their health. And arguably more alarming to us was their additional use of the harmful colorant, FD&C Blue Dye No. 1, clearly known to cause joint impairment.

 

Although the product is marketed as having a small pill size, user feedback often points to the capsules being uncomfortably large, contrary to what is advertised. Furthermore, the product’s guarantee only covers 30 days, which may not be sufficient for users to assess its effectiveness fully.

* For detailed information, please refer to the manufacturer’s product website. Instaflex is a registered trademark of Direct Digital, LLC

osteo bi-flex triple strength

researched

Pros

Title

Contains MSM and Boswellia serrata. 

60-day return policy

Cons

Title

No Collagen

No Hyaluronic Acid

No Turmeric

Users complain of large capsules

Contains titanium dioxide

Relies on glucosamine & chondroitin as hero ingredients

10 calories and 2 carbohydrates per serving

Osteo Bi-Flex included 1500 mg of MSM and 100mg of Boswellia Serrata extract in its formulation. Their Boswellia Serrata extract is in the form of 5-LOXIN®. We appreciate that 5-LOXIN has been clinically tested and has similar properties for easing joint discomfort as AprèsFlex, used in Stonehenge Health.. Our preferred AprèsFlex delivers enhanced bioavailability, which allows for greater efficacy at lower doses and faster ease from joint discomfort.47

 

A disappointing discovery was that this supplement contains both calories and carbohydrates. One daily serving of Osteo Bi-Flex has 10 calories and 2 carbohydrates. We can only assume those carbohydrates and calories come from the extensive list of “other ingredients,” which includes titanium dioxide.

 

Although Osteo Bi-Flex provides a generous 60-day return policy, we noticed that this brand sells 100 capsule bottles. At their 2-capsule dose per day, users will inconveniently run out of servings mid-month. After just 50 days.

* Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Osteo Bi-Flex is a registered trademark of Société Des Produits Nestlé S.A

find out more >

researched

Pros

Title

Contains 1500mg of MSM. 

Contains hyaluronic acid

Cons

Title

No Boswellia Serrata

No Collagen

No Turmeric

Contains titanium dioxide 

Relies on glucosamine & chondroitin as two of its hero ingredients

Contains modified corn starch adding 5 Calories to each capsule

3-tablets per serving

Move Free has made a mark in the joint care market with its substantial 1500mg dose of MSM.

 

However, Move Free faces several challenges. Notably, it lacks Boswellia serrata extract, an important nutrient  that many modern formulated top-tier joint supplements include. Instead, it relies on less efficacious glucosamine and chondroitin as two of its hero ingredients.

 

Their formula not only contains titanium dioxide as an additive but also includes modified corn starch, which adds 5 calories to each serving.

 

Their recommendation of three tablets per serving might also deter users with pill fatigue.

 

What we found to be troubling is the lack of readily available information on their return policy, which may be because there is none apparent on their product page.

* Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Move Free is a registered trademark of RB HEALTH (US) LLC.

Citations

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2. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/174679
 

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13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21884812/
 

14. www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/supplements-for-arthritis
 

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22. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022R0063
 

23. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm169530.htm
 

24. http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/RegulatoryProcessHistoricalPerspectives/default.htm
 

25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29018060/
 

26. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa052771
 

27. https://ard.bmj.com/content/74/5/851
 

28. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/192498#google_vignette
 

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