If you’re wondering why supplements for joints are so popular, you only need to consider that over 10 million people in the UK are thought to be living with some form of arthritis, inflammation of the joints which can manifest as stiffness, aches, or reduced mobility.
If this is something you can relate to, you’ve come to the right blog, because we’ll be sharing the best supplements for joints. From well known joint support saviours like glucosamine and chondroitin, or Omega-3, to some other nutrients you might not have realised could also help keep your joints healthy, strong and flexible. Spoiler alert – if you're already taking a Multivitamin that contains vitamin D3, vitamin C, and zinc you've got a head start!
Read on to discover exactly how different supplements could help your joints and what scientific evidence there is about each of them, so you can understand which is best for you to support your individual needs and joint health concerns.
Are two of the most famous supplements for joints: Glucosamine & Chondroitin really worth trying?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are perhaps the best known supplements for joints. They work by supporting the structure of cartilage – the smooth, flexible connective tissue that cushions your joints, reduces friction, and helps absorb shock during movement.
When taken together (top tip – our handy Glucosamine & Chondroitin patch combines both in one easy to use supplement, essential because these nutrients won't work as efficiently solo) G & C can also help to reduce cartilage breakdown and support joint lubrication, which can help to ease stiffness and discomfort – two of the most common joint complaints.
And you don’t have to take our word for it, several studies back this up with one showing that this supplement dynamic duo slowed knee joint‑space narrowing (which indicates cartilage loss) by 0.10 mm, AND helped improve pain and joint function.
Is Omega‑3 really a must-have for joints?
If robust scientific evidence is a must before you try any supplements for joints then Omega‑3 fatty acids – namely EPA and DHA – should be top of your list.
A whopping nine clinical trials have all shown that omega‑3s can significantly relieve osteoarthritis pain AND improve joint function. With one showing that a combo of omega‑3 and curcumin helped preserve physical function and reduce stiffness over a year – and even led to fewer joint surgeries, with no adverse side effects reported.
Even better? Our fab Omega-3 patch contains both these types of omega-3s (plus loads of other goodies) and using a patch rather than an oral supplement means no more yucky fishy aftertaste, with the same highly effective results.
Want to find out which other supplements for joints you should try? Read part 2 of the blog: What are the vitamins for joints most people don’t know about? here.
