With so many supplements out there claiming to relieve joint pain, its a task to sort through them all to find which ones actually do what they claim. Clinical research has not been able to keep up with all of the supplements out there. I’ve done some digging and compiled a short list of supplements that have at least some clinical evidence supporting their claims. It seems that science has a lot of catching up to do.(p.s. there are affiliate links on this page ;)

1.Jamieson Collagen Glucosamine Complex

This product has earned top spot. This is the only collagen product proven by clinical research to reduce the pain caused by arthritis. In a 2009 study it was shown to be twice as effective when compared to glucosamine and chondroitin alone.

2. SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

SAM-e as it is called has been around for a long time and it is used all over the world for many different reasons. Too many to list here. It appears second on this list simply because of the amount of clinical study done so far. There is evidence to show that it reduces inflammation and relieves joint pain even comparable to (NSAIDs). Most people taking SAM-e need to stay on it for about a month before noticing any improvement.

3.Tumeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin is a chemical found in tumeric. Clinical trials have show curcumin does reduce joint pain and swelling. A 2010 study using a tumeric supplement showed improvement in patients with Osteoarthritis. A 2012 study showed improvement in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. These were small studies however and as with most supplements on this list more study is pending.

4. Avocado-soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

There was one large study done using (ASU). Results were positive and showed improved symptoms in patients with Osteoarthritis. There have even been claims that (ASU) may slow the progression of OA and even regenerate connective tissue. With a claim like that it should be further up the list right? I searched and searched and found no solid evidence of that claim.

5.Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia Serrata is a plant that is native to India and parts of Pakistan. It has been used to treat Arthritis for hundreds of years. There is also clinical study to support the benefits of its use in treating arthritis. Both (ASU) and Boswellia Serrata were shown to have moderately reduced pain and increased mobility in patients with Osteoarthritis.

Whats missing on this list?

There are plenty of popular supplements that I just could not add to this list and I’ll explain why.

Honorable Mentions:

6.Capsaicin

Capsaicin does have some clinical study to back it up and it could have made the list. I only left it out because it is seperate from the others. It is available as a topical cream. There is a capsaicin patch as well.

7.Glucosamine and Chondroitin

There is so much hype surrounding these supplements. Unfortunately the hype far outweighs the evidence. There has been some studies done but I have also seen claims that those studies were funded by the companies making these supplements. I cannot confirm that for sure. I can say that I did not find enough evidence of their benefit to promote them on this list. There are also concerns about side effects and possible drug interactions. People currently using these supplements are encouraged to stop taking it if no noticeable improvements occur after 6 months.

8.Sierrasil

I must admit that I am biased when it comes to Sierrasil. I know someone who has been taking it. I have seen first hand the improvements in her quality of life and not just her. Her dog takes sierrasil as well! Among all the testimonials and goodwill online I just could not add it to the list yet. More clinical study pending. Keep an eye out for this one in the future.

9.Flexoplex

Here is another one that has thousands praising it and just as many people bashing it. It may be a fantastic product but then again maybe not. What I have learned here is that these products all work differently for different people. Individual results may vary.