Joint Supplements for Arthritis

Joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane are used to prevent and treat arthritis pain.

However, many joint supplements promise more than they deliver. A Consumer Reports analysis found 44% of the most popular joint supplements fell short of their ingredients list. It is important to know what to look for when choosing a joint supplement.

This article discusses joint supplements and the research behind the most effective supplements. It also explains what to look for when choosing supplements and a list of quality products.

What To Look For

In the United States, supplement manufacturers are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as the pharmaceutical industry regarding terms of research, quality assurance, or marketing. Because of this, you need to be on guard when reviewing the manufacturer's claims.

With that said, joint supplements have been studied more extensively than other supplements, and, occasionally, researchers have had positive findings. Independent certification by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, and ConsumerLab provide further assurance that the product is pure and contains the ingredients listed on the product label.

The following joint supplements are independently certified and may offer benefits if you're seeking relief from arthritis and other sources of chronic joint pain.

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine is a substance naturally produced by the body from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is used to synthesize glycosaminoglycan, a type of molecule central to the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. 

Glucosamine sulfate supplements are taken on the assumption that they will raise glucosamine levels in the body to such levels as to repair (or even reverse) joint cartilage damage.

Despite those findings, the researchers questioned whether glucosamine supplements used on their own actually improved joint function.

USP-certified glucosamine supplements include:

• NOW Foods Glucosamine
• BulkSupplements Pure Glucosamine Sulfate

Dosing

The recommended dose of glucosamine is 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day for up to six months. At this level, it is generally considered safe.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and contributes to the resiliency of cartilage. Chondroitin is also important in blocking enzymes that can destroy cartilage.

Chondroitin sulfate supplements are intended to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and prevent the further breakdown of cartilage. They do so by helping cartilage cells retain water and, when used with glucosamine, may even help reverse cartilage loss.

Chondroitin is commonly co-formulated with glucosamine. Reputable brands include:

• Kirkland Signature Glucosamine & Chondroitin
• Spring Valley Triple-Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin
• Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Health
• Nature’s Bounty Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex

Dosing

The recommended dose of chondroitin is 400 mg taken three times a day for up to six months. While considered safe at this dose, there remains a lack of evidence regarding its long-term safety.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Methylsulfonylmethane, also known as MSM, is believed by some to support the health of ligaments (the fibrous connective tissues that hold a joint together). Research suggests that it may also help reduce joint inflammation and pain.

While glucosamine and chondroitin have scant clinical research to support their use, MSM has even less. People who endorse the product believe that the sulfur contained in MSM helps ligaments maintain flexibility and strength.

MSM is available as an individual supplement but is more commonly found in a supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, or both.

Reputable certified brands include:

• GNC Triple Strength
• The Vitamin Shoppe Joint Solution
• Nature's Bounty Extra-Strength Complex
• Nutramax Cosamin DS
• Schiff Move-Free Advanced Triple Strength
• Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM
• Healthy Joints System Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM
• Bluebonnet Vegetarian Glucosamine MSM
• Solgar Glucosamine MSM

Dosing

MSM is typically prescribed at a 500-mg dose taken two to three times daily for up to six months.

Other Joint Supplements

Several other compounds show promise for easing arthritis pain. Additional joint supplements include:

• Avocado soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)
• Borage oil
• Boswellia serrata
• Cat's Claw
• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DSMO)
• Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids
  
• S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
• Turmeric
• Vitamin D

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes there is a lack of evidence to determine if any nutritional supplements effectively treat osteoarthritis. More research is needed to confirm whether or not these nutritional supplements are effective for preventing or treating joint pain.

A Word From Verywell

It is important to remember that the independent certification of a joint supplement is a stamp of approval of its quality, but it does not mean that it actually works.

Even so, quality matters. To ensure safety and purity, the Arthritis Foundation recommends buying supplements from reputable national brands and being wary of low-cost alternatives that claim to have the same ingredients at a fraction of the price.