The 9 Best Joint Supplements to Fight Pain

A simple but effective formulation, this blend from Nature Made features 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine hydrochloride and 800 milligrams of chondroitin sulfate. The body uses glucosamine to produce other chemicals that build tendons, ligaments, cartilage and even the fluid that surrounds our joints, and chondroitin sulfate is a building block of cartilage. This complementary combination is commonly seen in many joint health supplements.

We also appreciate that this formulation contains 2,000 IU vitamin D (an important vitamin where deficiency may be linked with joint pain) and 750 milligrams of MSM (an organic form of sulfur which may reduce pain and swelling and improve symptoms in people with osteoarthritis) as well. Most importantly, the supplement is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified, meaning it has passed rigorous testing to ensure quality and purity. It's free from synthetic dyes and artificial flavors too, but keep in mind that it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians since it contains shellfish and bovine.

The pills are substantial in size and require a two pill per day serving, but the choice is high-quality and still affordable. The brand says that it takes 4–6 weeks of consistent use to see results, and many reviewers agree that the supplement is excellent for strengthening joints.

If you'd prefer to keep it simple with a glucosamine only option, this choice from Deva fits the bill. It contains 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine and is recommended to have three tablets daily.

Most glucosamine products are derived from shellfish, but this pick is actually vegan as all of the ingredients are derived from non-animal sources (the glucosamine comes from non-GMO corn). The product is registered as 100% vegan by the Vegan Society, making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet who would also like to benefit from taking glucosamine.

Plus, this supplement passed testing for heavy metals and disintegration as part of ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program. Amazon reviewers rave about the quality at an affordable price, with many saying they were happy to find a glucosamine only option. "I definitely felt a difference in my joints after taking these for a few weeks," a reviewer said.

Curated specifically to support joint health, this supplement features both glucosamine, the main component of cartilage tissue, and MSM, an organic form of sulfur which may reduce pain and swelling and improve symptoms in people with osteoarthritis, especially when taken with glucosamine.

The glucosamine in this product is derived from a non-GMO corn source, but it does require a three capsules serving of pretty large pills. It has a low cost per dosage but is still high-quality. If you don't need a vegetarian option, they also take a version of this complex with chondroitin sulfate from bovine cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a building block of cartilage that is commonly found in supplements with glucosamine for relief of osteoarthritis pain.

Our registered dietitians appreciate the brand's extensive testing methods and quality control standards. NOW foods even developed the glucosamine test method chosen as the official AOAC International industry standard method.

Collagen provides structure and support to your connective tissues, including the cartilage that protects your joints. Type II cartilage in particular has shown positive benefits in joint health for patients with osteoarthritis, but it is not to be confused with collagen peptides, type I collagen or gelatin.

Formulated with undenatured type II collagen and glucosamine, this non-GMO joint specific supplement from Life Extension also contains boswellia, which limited research suggests may relieve joint discomfort, as well as boron, a mineral that plays a role in promoting healthy bones and joints.

This pick passed strict tests as part of ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program. The brand also has high quality control standards. "This product seems to work better over time. I didn't notice a difference at first, but I am beginning to have less pain in the night," one Amazon reviewer said, though many note that the capsules are quite large.

This popular joint supplement from Osteo Bi-Flex features glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin D3 and more. Most notably, it contains 5-LOXIN Advanced, a Boswellia serrata extract that contains an important boswellic acid known as AKBA that may help with occasional joint flare-ups.

Each two capsule serving of the product is recommended to be taken with food. What's more, it passed strict tests as part of ConsumerLab.com's voluntary Quality Certification Program, including tests on heavy metals and disintegration. It's quite affordable but still a high-quality choice.

"I noticed the difference in my joints in about three weeks," one Amazon reviewer said. "Ever since I was diagnosed with early arthritis at the age of 40, this has become a daily part of my morning vitamin ritual. My pain level has lowered and joints actually feel improved," another reviewer wrote. But some said that the tablets are very large and hard to swallow, and those with food allergies should take note that the supplement does contain shellfish.

Turmeric is the star in this supplement complex specifically aimed at reducing occasional inflammation to help promote healthy joints so you can say active. The complex includes black pepper to aid in the absorption of curcuminoids in turmeric — that's because piperine in black pepper increases turmeric's bioavailability. This vegan and gluten-free blend also incorporates ginger and a few other herbal ingredients for functional benefits, such as organic Devil's Claw root, a plant that has been shown to potentially alleviate joint pain.

Every ingredient and finished Gaia Herbs product is tested in their labs to ensure purity, integrity and potency. You can view the test results for their turmeric supplement on their website by simply imputing the Herb ID which is on the box of the product you purchase. This particular supplement has passed testing for heavy metals, pesticides and strength.

"I have arthritis in my knees and hands and since I switched to this brand, the pain has subsided," one reviewer said. Another commented, "These are so incredibly helpful with joint pain. I notice a big difference after stopping these (which I had to do before a major surgery) and couldn't wait to get back to them." Keep in mind the suggested use of the supplement is two capsules, two times daily with meals, but you can speak with your healthcare provider about whether or not that extra dose is warranted for you.

You'll find the major players for joint health in this supplement from Thorne, including glucosamine, MSM, curcumin and Boswellia serrata. Another unique ingredient in this blend is bromelain which has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, may improve joint mobility and can promote healing after trauma.

Our dietitians appreciate that Thorne is a reputable brand with strict internal quality control standards. They source high-quality ingredients and put their products through four rounds of testing to verify potency, purity and more. Plus, this pick is derived from natural flavors and natural colors.

Many reviewers find the product especially effective for knee pain. But take note of the large serving size: four capsules one to two times daily. (Speak with your healthcare provider to find the appropriate dose for your needs; the brand says that once daily can maintain joint strength and mobility whereas twice daily can help with occasional joint stiffness and soreness.)

Has your doctor recommended a pure fish oil supplement to combat your joint issues? We like this option from Nordic Naturals that is available in a variety of forms, including a liquid variety. This choice in particular provides 650 milligrams of EPA and 450 milligrams of DHA as part of 1,280 milligrams of total omega-3s per two soft gel serving, which is best taken with food.

Free from artificial colors and flavors, this supplement is naturally flavored with lemon to offset any fishy aftertaste. With over 40K five-star ratings on Amazon, many reviewers note that the pills are not smelly and don't make them burp (though some do comment on the soft gels being fairly large).

Our dietitians like that this supplement is non-GMO and third-party tested. You can easily scan the QR code on the package to see your product's test results, as the brand openly shares their Certificates of Analyses for all of their products. Note that the brand says for ultimate support, to take two soft gels with food twice daily, but you can speak with your healthcare provider about whether or not that extra dose is warranted for you.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium, a building block for strong bones. Limited research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may help with symptoms of osteoarthritis such as joint pain. If your doctor has taken your bloodwork and found that a vitamin D deficiency may be impacting your joints, then they may advise supplementation.

Highly affordable, this extra strength vitamin D supplement from Costco's Kirkland brand is actually extremely high quality. Each softgel contains 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 and there are 600 servings in the bottle.

Most importantly, our registered dietitians point out that this supplement is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified, meaning it has passed rigorous testing to ensure quality and purity. We like the large container size and low cost per serving and note that the size of the supplement itself is easy to swallow.