Orthopedics Medication & Injections Print Joint Supplements for Arthritis By Jonathan Cluett, MD twitter linkedin Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Learn about our editorial policy Jonathan Cluett, MD Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated on December 01, 2019 More in Orthopedics Medication & Injections Sprains & Strains Fractures & Broken Bones Physical Therapy Orthopedic Surgery Osteoporosis Pediatric Orthopedics Sports Injuries Shoulder & Elbow Hip & Knee Hand & Wrist Leg, Foot & Ankle Assistive Devices & Orthotics View All When it comes to choosing a joint supplement, there is an ever-increasing number of products that sometimes promise more than they deliver. In fact, an independent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports in 2013 reported of the 16 popular joint supplements, no less than seven — 44% — fell short of the key ingredient amounts listed on the product label. Supplement manufacturers are not subject to the same strict regulations as the pharmaceutical industry, either in terms of clinical research, product marketing, or quality assurance. To this end, you need to take a guarded stance when considering a manufacturer’s claims, particularly when the words "proven" or "evidence" are used. This is not to suggest that the products have no value but rather that you need to make an informed choice when deciding whether or not to use a joint supplement. In terms of quality, the Arthritis Foundation recommends selecting products from the most reputable national brands and being wary of low-cost alternatives that claim to have the same ingredients at a fraction of the price. The following are 15 joint supplements that have undergone testing and approval by one of three independent, U.S.-based consumer watchdogs (U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, ConsumerLab.com). 1 Glucosamine Sulfate Keith Getter / Getty Images Glucosamine is a substance naturally produced by the body from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to synthesize glycosaminoglycan, a type of molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. Glucosamine sulfate supplements are taken on the presumption that the oral ingestion of the products will raise glucosamine levels in the blood to such levels as to increase the repair (or even reverse) joint damage. While the evidence in support of the hypothesis is largely mixed, the European GUIDE (Glucosamine Unum In Die Efficacy) study concluded that glucosamine was as effective in relieving joint pain as Tylenol (acetaminophen) but questioned whether it actually improved joint function when used on its own. Reputable glucosamine-only supplements include: NOW Foods GlucosamineBulk Supplements Pure Glucosamine Sulfate The recommended dose of glucosamine in 1,500 milligrams per day for one to two months. Ongoing treatment may be considered if the results are favorable. 2 Chondroitin Sulfate Amazon Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is partly responsible for the resiliency of cartilage. Chondroitin is also important in preventing the action of 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 increasing water retention in cartilage cells and, when used with glucosamine, may even help reverse cartilage loss. A 2018 study published in the Annals of Rheumatoid Diseases even suggested that 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate taken daily was equal in providing joint pain relief as a daily 200-mg dose of Celebrex (celecoxib). Chondroitin is most commonly taken in combination with glucosamine. Reputable brands include: Kirkland Signature Glucosamine & ChondroitinSpring Valley Triple-Strength Glucosamine ChondroitinOsteo Bi-Flex Joint HealthNature’s Bounty Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex The recommended dose of chondroitin is 400 mg taken three times a day for one to two months. Ongoing treatment may be considered if the results are favorable. 3 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Photo from Amazon 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 it also may help address inflammation and joint pain. While glucosamine and chondroitin have limited clinical research to support their claims, MSM has even less. Those who endorse its use assert that the sulfur contained in MSM helps the body maintain ligament flexibility and strength. While MSM is available as an individual supplement, it is most commonly included as part of a combination supplement containing either glucosamine, chondroitin, or both. Reputable brands include: GNC Triple StrengthThe Vitamin Shoppe Joint SolutionNature's Bounty Extra-Strength ComplexNutrimax Cosamin DSSchiff Move-Free Advanced Triple StrengthSchiff Glucosamine Plus MSMHealthy Joints System Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSMBluebonnet Vegetarian Glucosamine MSMSolgar Glucosamine MSM MSM is generally prescribed as a 500-mg dose taken twice or three times daily for one to two months. Ongoing treatment may be considered if the results are favorable. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Click below and just hit send! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The facts about joint supplements: Of the 16 products we tested, seven didn't contain all that they claimed. Best Joint Supplements: Consumer Reports. August 2013. Supplements Can Help with Arthritis, But Choose Wisely. Arthritis Foundation. Questions and Answers: NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Published September 24, 2017. Scholtissen S, Bruyère O, Neuprez A, et al. Glucosamine sulphate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: cost-effectiveness comparison with paracetamol. Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(6):756-62. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2010.02362.x Jung YK, Park HR, Cho HJ, et al. Degrading products of chondroitin sulfate can induce hypertrophy-like changes and MMP-13/ADAMTS5 production in chondrocytes. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):15846. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-52358-4 Reginster JY, Dudler J, Blicharski T, Pavelka K. Pharmaceutical-grade Chondroitin sulfate is as effective as celecoxib and superior to placebo in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: the ChONdroitin versus CElecoxib versus Placebo Trial (CONCEPT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(9):1537-1543. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210860 Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017;9(3) doi:10.3390/nu9030290 Additional Reading Scholtissen, S.; Bruyere, O.; Neuprez, A. et a. Glucosamine sulphate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: cost-effectiveness comparison with paracetamol.Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(6):756-62. DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2010.02362.x.