If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from Osteoarthritis, you know how painful and debilitating the condition can be. There is no cure for Osteoarthritis, but there are a number of supplements that can help ease the symptoms.

This blog post will discuss the best supplements for Osteoarthritis and how they can help improve your quality of life.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints and the cartilage, which protects our bones. There are many different types of arthritis, and osteoarthritis (OA) is one of them.

It results from wear-and-tear damage to the joints over time, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and difficulty with daily activities.

– Image depicting how a healthy joint vs a joint with osteoarthritis looks like (*source*)

According to WebMD, ‘the most common signs are dull aches or sharp pains in your knee(s), hip(s), or other joints.’

Osteoarthritis usually occurs in people who are above 40 years old, but it can affect anyone at any age.

Although there is no cure for OA, there are steps you can take to slow down its progress so it doesn’t become debilitating.

Among the options are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss, physical therapy, and surgery.

However, there are also supplements that have been clinically proven to work for this condition.

Best supplements for Osteoarthritis

Here are some of the best supplements for osteoarthritis sufferers, along with their benefits.

1) Turmeric

Curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as it interferes with enzymes that trigger inflammation. Because of this, it is extremely useful for osteoarthritis sufferers as the symptoms include joint pain and inflammation.

A University of Arizona study found that curcumin was as effective as ibuprofen for reducing arthritic pain, stiffness and swelling and offers a safer alternative because too much ibuprofen can damage your liver and kidneys [1].

2) Omega-3 fatty acids

One of the causes of arthritis is a poor diet. Many people eat too much saturated fat and not enough Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to slow down Osteoarthritis from progressing.

A study from University of Bristol found that omega-3 supplements reduced the progression of osteoarthritis [2] as well as slowed disease onset in post-menopausal women.

The benefits of omega-3 do not stop at Osteoarthritis as these essential fatty acids have been linked to a decrease in risk of heart disease and cancer [3].

The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. You can also get them from walnuts, flaxseed, and soybeans.

One of the best Omega3 supplements for osteoarthritis is Omega-3 from Now Supplements. It contains 1000 mg Fish Oil (180 EPA/120 DHA) per softgel and it is its Molecularly Distilled.

3) Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that occurs in the fluid around the joints.

Many studies have shown it to be effective for arthritis sufferers as well as slowing down joint degeneration and osteoarthritis progression.

A study from 2013 found that glucosamine sulphate supplementation reduced pain and improved function in people with knee osteoarthritis [4]. Glucosamine is found in shellfish, chicken, and other poultry.

This glucosamine sulphate supplement from Intelligence Labs is one of the best supplements for osteoarthritis. It contains not only glucosamine sulphate, but also chondroitin, Boswellia, MSM and Turmeric.

4) Chondroitin

Another substance found in the joints and cartilage is chondroitin. Like glucosamine, it comes from shellfish or animal bones.

Studies have shown that chondroitin supplements are as effective as ibuprofen for reducing arthritis pain and symptoms [5].

The benefit of chondroitin is that it can be taken on its own or combined with other supplements such as glucosamine and Boswellia.

For Chondroitin supplement, we recommend Nature’s Bounty Glucosamine Chondroitin supplement. It combines both nutrients for maintaining healthy cartilages.

5) Vitamin D

Osteoarthritis sufferers may also benefit from a good vitamin supplement.

Vitamin D has been shown to reduce pain in osteoarthritis sufferers, and a 2017 University of Utah study found that it reduced the progression of OA in elderly patients [6].

The vitamin can be taken as a supplement or found in foods such as fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products.

The Best Vitamin D supplement comes from Purality Health. Purality Health’s Micelle Liposomal D3 vitamin with K2 supplement is more absorbable than standard formulations.

6) Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and animal proteins. It reduces the pain associated with OA, especially knee osteoarthritis [7].

A study from 2007 demonstrated its efficacy as a supplement for knee osteoarthritis sufferers, while another study from 2010 showed that MSM was effective and safe to use.

The best sources of MSM are legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

You can try Bulk Supplement’s Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) powder. Best price combined with very good MSM quality powder.

7) Magnesium

Magnesium works as a natural anti-inflammatory and is thought to help with the pain associated with OA.

Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency is considered to be a major risk factor for OA development and progression.

In fact, a study from 2000 showed that it was more effective than ibuprofen for reducing arthritis symptoms [8].

Magnesium also enhances calcium absorption, which can reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis. Good sources of magnesium include nuts, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and seeds.

The Best Magnesium Supplement in the market is the Magnesium Breakthrough by Bioptimizers. It is the only Magnesium Supplement in the market that contains all 7 forms of supplemental magnesium. We even wrote a review about this supplement which you can read here.

8) Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural compound found in joints and cartilage. It acts as a cushion that reduces the impact of physical activity, which helps to prevent Osteoarthritis.

Studies have shown that HA supplementation can reduce pain and improve function in patients with OA; however, more research is needed on its use for knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid can be found in supplements or injected into the joint [9].

Toniiq Supplements offers one of the best HA supplements in the market. Toniiq Hyaluronic Acid capsules contain 250mg of the highest quality hyaluronic acid powder in each capsule (95%+) Highly Purified and Highly Bioavailable.

9) Boswellia Extract

– Boswellia Sterrata plant. image source

Boswellia is an herb from India commonly used as a cooking ingredient. In supplements, it is often combined with other natural supplements such as curcumin, quercetin, and bromelain.

Boswellia reduces the pain associated with OA, and a study from 2013 showed that it reduced symptoms by 61% after six weeks compared to 38% in the placebo group [10].

We think the best Boswellia Extract supplement comes from Popnami. Each capsule is equivalent to 3200mg of Boswellia Serrata. It also includes Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper, and Green Tea.

10) Bovine Cartilage

Bovine cartilage is a supplement that has been around for years. Studies have shown that it reduced pain and improved joint function in OA patients when combined with glucosamine.

The best sources of bovine cartilage are in supplements; however, you can also get them from bone broths and soups.

Foods that should be avoided if you have Osteoarthritis

Foods that should be included

What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?

As people age, they are at an increased risk of developing Osteoarthritis because this is a natural part of the aging process.

Genetics also plays a role in whether or not you will be likely to develop it. Osteoarthritis has no real symptoms until the cartilage that covers your joints starts to wear down and gradually deteriorate.

This makes the bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness in your joints. There are no signs or symptoms that signal Osteoarthritis in particular, but you will often experience the following: Joint pain, limited movement reduced physical activity.

What does Osteoarthritis do to your body?

Once our cartilage starts to wear down, other things start to happen to our joints. The bones can rub together, creating inflammation and pain.

This is why so many people develop Osteoarthritis in their hands or knees because those joints tend to bear the most weight.

If you have Osteoarthritis, your remaining cartilage has less cushioning, which makes it easier for your bones to rub together. This causes the bones to be damaged, which eventually leads to joint stiffness and pain.

What are some of the symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis?

With Osteoarthritis, you may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

joint pain,
restricted movement,
reduced physical activity,
tenderness stiffness,
joint swelling,
joint stiffness.

What are the stages of Osteoarthritis?

If you have Osteoarthritis, it usually progresses through three stages. The earliest stage is known as ‘painless. The second stage is where the cartilage starts to thin out and become more damaged.

This causes friction in your joints which can lead to pain and inflammation. The final stage is where the cartilage breaks down, and there is very little cushioning left. This can lead to bone-on-bone rubbing, which creates a lot of pain and more severe joint stiffness.

Final Take

The best supplements for Osteoarthritis can help ease the pain and inflammation that come with this condition.

The key is finding a supplement that stacks well against your body’s needs, so take some time to find out what works!

ℹ️ FoodNourish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without any surcharge to you.

The Top 10 Best Supplements for Osteoarthritis