Consider this your complete guide to finding a science-backed supplement that will help your joints recover and rebuild after all the work you put them through.* The name of the game is to keep your joints strong and nimble across your life span. However, there are a variety of factors that can negatively affect joint health over time: suboptimal nutrition, injury, oxidative stress, personal health issues, and everyday wear and tear can cause the joints to become stiff and worn down, making even the most basic movements more challenging. Key nutrients, plant ingredients, and other targeted bioactives in supplements can help improve joint function and comfort, especially when combined with other joint-healthy practices like stretching, light exercise, and nutrient-dense eating patterns patterns (think: high-quality protein, healthy fats, colorful fruits and vegetables, etc.).* Targeted joint supplements are tools in your joint health toolkit to help with specific joint concerns and act as a proactive measure to support your musculoskeletal health as you age.* The best joint supplements contain ingredients that have been researched and shown to deliver antioxidant protection, promote a healthy inflammatory response and/or strengthen joint structure.* Some of the science-backed active ingredients to shout out for joint health include (but are not limited to): 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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. 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. You’ll also want to consider format: Some joint supplements contain hefty ingredients (i.e., they are large compounds in higher doses) that don’t fit into a tablet or two. Be sure that the supplement you choose is actually one you can commit to taking daily for regular joint maintenance. Finally, buying from a company that you trust to prioritize transparency, potency, purity, and sustainability above all else is key. As always, consult your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine. You can give your supplement the best chance of working for you by pairing it with other joint-healthy habits by staying active (especially with low-impact routines), getting enough rest, and eating a balanced diet. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, berries, and nuts will be especially great for fueling the twists, turns, and tucks of life.
