The 8 Best Supplements For Joint Health & Comfort, All Science-Backed

Turmeric has a long history in Ayurvedic tradition, and modern research supports its impressive ability to promote a healthy inflammatory response in the body. Turmeric's primary bioactive curcumin has been shown to directly interact with pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing improvements in joint and muscle health.*

The full-spectrum turmeric in our supplement is specially enhanced for bioavailability and has shown to have up to 10 times higher absorption than other popular forms you'll find on the market. That's great news for your joints.*

And turmeric isn't the only powerhouse herb you'll find in turmeric potency+. We paired the antioxidant-rich root with full-spectrum ginger root, which has been shown to work synergistically with turmeric to promote healthy inflammatory pathways. Piperine from black pepper completes the trio that offers targeted joint support for life—all in two (vegan, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free) daily capsules.*

Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage that our bodies produce naturally, but they can also be consumed in supplement form to provide extra cushioning in the joints. Taken together, they've been shown to significantly improve joint comfort and function and decrease stiffness over six months in clinical studies.*

Supplemental glucosamine is often pulled from the shells of shrimp or crab, but we appreciate that this thoughtfully-formulated, shellfish-free option is safe for those with shellfish allergies. It's also reinforced with BioCell Collagen®, which combines collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid into an ingredient that's clinically shown to promote active joints, healthy connective tissues, and—for a nice added bonus—younger-looking skin.*

Hemp CBD oil is rich in plant compounds called phytocannabinoids, which counterbalance stress by way of the body's endocannabinoid system. The full-spectrum hemp variety found in this tincture has the added benefit of tapping into the full array of native hemp compounds–phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. Beyond promoting relaxation and a positive mood, hemp has also been shown to support a healthy inflammatory response and lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines in animal trials.*

Cornbread Hemp's 1,500-mg tincture contains an impressive 50 mg of hemp-derived CBD per serving. Beyond being potent, this product is also super pure: Made with premium USDA certified organic hemp from whole hemp flowers grown in Kentucky and organic MCT coconut oil, it's a wonderful option for those who are already sold on the whole-body calming properties of hemp.*

This powerhouse supplement combines a handful of joint-targeted bioactives, micronutrients, amino acids and herbs that support especially hardworking joints, like those in our knees. Led by glucosamine, the multi-ingredient formula is complemented with vitamin C: a nutrient that supports the creation of collagen, which makes up two-thirds of the dry weight of the cartilage in our knees.

It then stacks on two more collagen supporters, lysine and lproline, as well as 200 mg of collagen itself (the same clinically studied BioCell form found in Solgar's blend). A dash of turmeric and devil's claw (a perennial plant that's been clinically shown to promote comfort and function in the knees specifically) tops off this blend that will help protect your knees from wear and tear.*

Thorne's joint supplement leverages the power of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): a naturally occurring sulfur that's been studied for its ability to improve joint function and mobility by keeping the inflammatory response in check. In one clinical trial in 2015, MSM was found to improve joint comfort and mobility compared to a placebo in a group of 100 adults over 50.*

In Joint Support Nutrients, MSM is paired with glucosamine and turmeric, as well as a few other functional ingredients we haven't covered yet, such as antioxidant-rich botanical boswellia, macromineral potassium, and bromelain enzyme for a targeted blend that aims to make the joints more loose and limber for an increased range of motion. It's worth noting that these ingredients are on the hefty side, though, and to get one serving of this supplement, you'll need to consume four to eight capsules each day.*

Shellfish-free glucosamine, selenium, boswellia, ginger, and turmeric come together to keep joints strong in this supplement. From there, Garden of Life adds a unique blend of astaxanthin, olive leaf, and pomegranate—antioxidant-rich extracts that can help the body combat free radical oxidative stress. This would be a suitable supplement for women looking to nourish cartilage tissue after periods of wear and tear, though it's genderless and men can benefit from it too. Just note that one serving comes in at a hefty four capsules, and reviewers note that the turmeric in this formula leaves a residue behind that can stain clothes.*

We appreciate that Garden of Life is a B Corp Certified company, and the carbon footprint of this product is completely offset by reduction projects.

This fish oil supplement gives the old-school spoonful of cod liver oil a modern twist with a trio of omega-3s (EPA, DHA, and DPA) plus the addition of three targeted pro-resolving mediators (bioactive lipid mediators from omega-3 fats) that actively support a healthy inflammatory response to keep joints comfortable through the aging process. These functional lipids are complemented by naturally occurring vitamin D (a very modest amount, just 200 IU) and a healthy dose of vitamin A. Both are well-known nutrient gaps, but very important as we get older, to support immune function and whole-body health.*

Beyond its innovative formula, we appreciate that this supplement touts fish oil from line-caught Alaskan cod that's certified sustainably sourced by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Don't let the violent-sounding name scare you away: This supplement goes gentle on joints with a combination of ingredients (MSM, glucosamine, turmeric, boswellia, and quercetin) that promote a healthy inflammatory response post-workout. Along with hyaluronic acid for joint cushion support, this product features sea cucumber, sourced from a funky-looking marine animal that has been used in traditional medicine for eons, tops off the blend to promote collagen health in joint cartilage. Active reviewers note the difference after taking three capsules daily, with one customer writing "From morning HIIT workouts to evening Judo training, Joint Warfare keeps my joints [flowing smooth]."*

Estrogen protects our joints and supports healthy inflammatory status in the body. This innovative supplement by EQUELLE safely mimics the hormonal estrogen we lose during the menopausal transition with a plant-based ingredient, S-equol. S-equol has been extensively researched for its ability to support healthy temperature regulation (we’re looking at you, hot flashes) and alleviate muscle aches, making it a supportive addition to your perimenopausal routine to nurture the menopausal transition with care. However, the soy-derived isoflavonoid compound is not suitable for those with soy allergies or sensitivities.*