The Best Joint Supplements for Knee Pain and Cartilage Support

Studies show joint supplements such as glucosamine, krill oil, Boswellia and collagen are effective, but which is right for you? Check out our guide to ease your knee pain.

iStock

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

Dealing with knee pain and inflammation doesn’t have to be difficult. Natural relief goes a long way to support the health of your joints, increase your range of movement and help rebuild cartilage.

To determine the best joint health supplement, we break down how they work and which to choose besides glucosamine. Below are our top choices for the best joint supplement for knees.

Our Picks for the Best Joint Supplement for Knees

• Best Overall Joint Supplement for Knees: Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen
• Best Women's Joint Supplement for Knees: Physio Flex Pro
• Best Men's Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Joint Support
• Best Fish Oil Joint Supplement for Knees: Legion Athletics Triton Fish Oil
• Best Vitamin D Joint Supplement for Knees: Ritual Essential
• Best Hyaluronic Acid Joint Supplement for Knees: Now Foods Hyaluronic Acid
• Best Boswellia Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Joint Support
• Best Glucosamine Joint Supplement for Knees: Physio Flex Pro
• Best Chondroitin Joint Supplement for Knees: Now Foods Chondroitin Sulfate
• Best Turmeric Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Turmeric and Curcumin
  

Best Overall Joint Supplement for Knees: Utzy Naturals Coll-U-Gen

SI Showcase + Utzy Naturals

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: No daily value established for joint support
• Dose per serving: One scoop
• Nutrition facts: 20 calories and five grams of protein per serving
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Certifications: Made in an NSF-certified facility, USDA-certified organic
• Subscription: Subscribers enjoy 5% savings and free shipping, and the bundle is shipped every 30 days. Subscription can be modified or canceled at any time
• Key ingredients: Type II collagen, gelatin hydrolysate (bovine)
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for: Those looking for long-term support for joint mobility
• Price per serving: $1.98/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, opened or unopened products are eligible for a refund within 90 days of purchase

Utzy Naturals is a supplement brand that utilizes premium natural ingredients in its products, each formulated by a team of physicians and tested for purity, potency and safety. 

Coll-U-Gen contains 40 milligrams of type II collagen—a widely studied type that participants in several studies have reported improved pain and function in as little as 45 days at this dosage. It also includes five grams of gelatin hydrolysate which has been shown to improve joint pain. 

The daily dose of Coll-U-Gen is one scoop. Reviewers on the Utzy Naturals website mention fewer aches and pains in their joints and that the collagen dissolves easily. The brand offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your results.

What we like:

• Incorporates research-backed dosage and ingredients
• In-house and third-party testing for the purity, potency and safety of every product
• Minimal ingredients

What we don’t like:

• Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
• Expensive

Best Women's Joint Supplement for Knees: Physio Flex Pro

SI Showcase + Physio Flex Pro

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: 364 percent of selenium
• Dose per serving: Two capsules
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Made in a cGMP-verified facility
• Subscription: N/A, but you can bundle and save
• Key ingredients: Glucosamine HCL, bromelain, ginger root extract, turmeric extract, BioPerine
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for: Women who are suffering from knee pain after exercise or movement
• Price per serving: $1.94/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, the brand's 60-day return policy states that you must have used the product for a full 60 days to be eligible for a refund

Physio Flex Pro is a joint pain supplement that offers a two-pronged approach to resolving your joint pain: anti-inflammatory and joint tissue repair. The anti-inflammatory ingredients in this supplement are ginger root extract, turmeric extract, bromelain and selenium. Ginger root extract and turmeric extract are whole food ingredients that can significantly reduce joint inflammation when combined in one supplement.

Bromelain is another anti-inflammatory ingredient that comes from pineapple, and it can reduce muscular and joint pain around inflamed areas.

The other key ingredients support joint tissue repair. In one study, glucosamine HCL—an amino sugar that is a building block for cartilage and ligaments—significantly reduced knee pain while standing and walking. Other studies have shown mixed results. The recommended dose is 500 milligrams, which is exactly how much Physio Flex Pro has.

Related Post: Best Multivitamins for Women Over 50

What we like:

• Natural ingredients with known anti-inflammatory properties
• Can reduce inflammation and increase knee function
• Bundle and save option includes five percent savings on a two month supply and 10 percent savings on a three month supply

What we don't like:

• Premium pricing

Best Men's Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Joint Support

SI Showcase + Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: No daily value established for listed ingredients
• Dose per serving: Two capsules daily
• Nutrition facts: Zero calories, protein, fat or carbohydrates
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Third party certified for analysis and composition, manufactured in certified CGMP and FDA-registered facility, no artificial colorings, no artificial preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Subscription: Yes. Choose your shipping frequency and receive 10% off your order along with free shipping
• Key ingredients: Curcumin C3 Complex, FruiteX-B 110 mill, Boswellin Super, UC-II Standardized Chicken Collagen, Bioperine (black pepper fruit extract)
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Those who have not had success with standard joint health supplements
• Athletes who need fast recovery to continue playing their sport
• Athletes who want to prevent injuries and maintain joint integrity
• Price per serving: $1.83/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, the brand offers a full refund or store credit within 30 days of delivery if you are not satisfied

Transparent Labs researches and uses scientifically backed ingredients from clinical studies in supplements for workout and recovery enhancement, health and wellness and weight loss. Every ingredient in the Transparent Labs Joint Formula is scientifically proven in studies to benefit joint disorders at an effective dose. This earns it the title for best joint supplement for men's knees.

Curcumin C3 Complex has superior absorption and 200+ times greater bioavailability than generic curcumin formulas. FruiteX-B is a patented boron-containing mineral supplement that has anti-inflammatory properties for joints that need support. It alleviates joint discomfort such as stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

Boswellin Super significantly reduces inflammation markers in the body. UC-II is an undenatured type II collagen found in the cartilage in joints and bolsters joint integrity, found to relieve joint pain and increase joint flexibility according to studies. Bioperine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory actions and increase the availability of curcumin.

Transparent Labs Joint Support is taken on an empty stomach, two capsules once or twice daily.

Related Post: Best Multivitamins for Men Over 50

What we like:

• Contains ingredients that are effective at easing inflammation of knee joints.
• Can be used with other knee supplements and other workout supplements or multivitamins

What we don't like: 

• One ingredient, FruiteX-B, contains boron, which may act as estrogen in the body. Those sensitive to boron, such as those with reproductive organ cancers, should not take it

Best Fish Oil Joint Supplement for Knees: Legion Athletics Triton Fish Oil

SI Showcase + Legion Athletics

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: 2,000 milligrams omega-3, with 1,440 milligrams EPA and 960 milligrams DHA
• Dose per serving: 4 softgels/day
• Nutrition facts: 45 calories, with 40 calories from fat
• Flavors: None
• Certifications: Manufactured in an NSF-certified, cGMP-compliant facility; Friends of the Sea certification for fish oil sourcing
• Subscription: Yes, 10% discount for subscriptions and up to 20% discount for bulk purchases
• Key ingredients: Anchovies, sardines and vitamin E
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Those with knee or other joint pain, stiffness and functional joint impairment or those already working with doctors treating joint pain
• Those likely to have an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency or those who don’t regularly take fish oil
• Those whose current fish oil supplements have an unpleasant fishy taste
• Price per serving: $1.50/serving (without subscription or bulk purchase discount)
• Money-back guarantee: No return necessary, money-back guarantee

Per its name, Legion Athletics is an athlete and active lifestyle brand with sports supplements designed to optimize performance. The brand’s offerings boast clinically proven ingredients with evidence-based outcomes, according to the company’s website, and alleviating discomfort in worn-down knees is one of the most widely acknowledged benefits of supplementing with fish oil.

The Triton Fish Oil uses a reesterified (reesterification is the process of removing artificially induced alcohol) triglyceride oil. According to a 2021 study published in The British Journal of Ophthalmology, reesterified triglyceride oil is “better tolerated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects,” and additionally is better absorbed by the body.

Verified reviewer Mark E. writes on Legion’s website that the Triton Fish Oil is effective and easy to take: "Great product without fish-flavored burping. I’ve personally experienced decreased inflammation in shoulders and knees since using." The lack of fishy taste was a commonality among the more than 1,200 reviews, which average 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Although the fish oil is one of the pricier options out there, Legion Athletics guarantees an on-the-spot refund if Triton Fish Oil doesn’t meet your standards.

What we like:

• Reviews state there is no fishy taste
• Easier to attain higher omega-3 fatty acid levels for better health
• Great for those who have knee pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis
• Great addition for those who have been taking other knee supplements with limited success

What we don't like:

• Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians
• One of the pricier options, even with bulk and subscription discounts

Best Vitamin D Joint Supplement for Knees: Ritual Essential

Get 25% off your first month of Ritual! Code: SI25

SI Showcase + Ritual

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: 250 percent vitamin D3, 333 percent vitamin B12, 250 percent for folate, 45 percent for vitamin E, 44 percent for iron and seven percent for magnesium
• Dose per serving: Two capsules/day
• Nutrition facts: Contains no protein, fat, carbohydrates or calories.
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Non-GMO, vegan, gluten and major allergen-free, no artificial colorants, ingredients are traceable with Made Traceable and USP-verified. Third-party testing is not mentioned on its website
• Subscription: A 5% discount is offered for bundle orders. Subscribers receive free shipping and easy cancellation
• Key ingredients: Ingredients include vitamin D3 (plant source), vitamin E, folate, methylcobalamin, iron, magnesium, boron, DHA and vitamin K2. The product does not contain common joint health ingredients
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Women low in vitamin D and/or low in several commonly deficient nutrients, especially vegans and vegetarians
• Those who have found that their knee supplements don’t appear to be working
• Those who do not get regular sunshine or are obese and cannot absorb vitamin D well
• Price per serving: $1.10/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, Ritual offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your results

Ritual offers a line of different essential multivitamins for women and men at different life stages.

This Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+ has been clinically tested in 94 women in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at Auburn University. After 12 weeks, women’s vitamin D and omega-3 DHA levels increased by 43 percent and 41 percent respectively.

This product is our pick for the best joint supplement for knees for women because it contains the most common vitamins and minerals that women are low in. It is very common for more than 50 percent of the population to be deficient in vitamin D and likely for women to be deficient. A dosage of 2,000 IU vitamin D per day is generally enough to maintain a good vitamin D status in the body. Those with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have low vitamin D levels.

This Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+ is taken at a dose of two tablets per day with food. Customers report that the supplement does not make them sick like other brands and they enjoy taking only two per day instead of a handful of supplements.

What we like:

• Great for vegans and vegetarians, especially women
• Suitable for those with the MTHFR polymorphism (about 40-45 percent of the population) who cannot handle folic acid and cyanocobalamin
• Those taking other knee supplements with limited success
• Those who must boost vitamin D levels, which may improve knee joint function and offer pain relief

What we don't like:

• Does not contain all vitamins and minerals needed for good health; make sure that you are getting vitamin A, C, K, calcium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, copper, iodine and B vitamins

Best Hyaluronic Acid Joint Supplement for Knees: Now Foods Hyaluronic Acid

SI Showcase + Now Foods

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value:  No daily value for hyaluronic acid, however, this supplement is double the strength of the usual hyaluronic acid supplement
• Hyaluronic acid per serving: 100 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: The formula contains no calories, protein, carbs or fat
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Now has GMP certification from the Natural Products Association. Certified by UL for all dietary supplement manufacturing, which exceeds the FDA requirements for GMP, contains no artificial ingredients and products are minimally processed
• Subscription: 5% discount and free shipping on auto-ship subscriptions
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sodium (from sodium hyaluronate), l-proline, alpha lipoic acid, grape seed extract
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Those with mild to moderate knee pain
• Those with knee pain and stiffness already taking other joint supplements
• Those who are 50+ and have less normal body production of hyaluronic acid with age
• Price per serving: $0.20 to $0.40/serving, depending on dosage taken
• Money-back guarantee: Products may be returned within 60 days for a refund if unopened.

Now Foods Double Strength Hyaluronic Acid contains 100 milligrams of hyaluronic acid, twice the dosage other supplements contain. It is complexed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories such as alpha lipoic acid (50 milligrams per serving) and grape seed extract (25 milligrams per serving), which help support the production of healthy collagen. The dosage of hyaluronic acid is an effective dosage, yet it may still be doubled with no risk to the user.

Now Foods Double Strength Hyaluronic Acid earns its title of best hyaluronic acid supplement for knee pain because of its great reviews as well as company certifications. It is best taken at a dose of one capsule one to two times daily with food.

Customers state that their knee joints are no longer a problem and hip flexors don’t pop when climbing stairs or exercising during workouts.

What we like:

• Tested by thousands of consumers
• Is a great addition to an ongoing joint support supplement protocol
• Budget-friendly

What we don't like: 

• No joint supplement is going to work by itself. This one may be best used with collagen II and/or other supplements targeting knee health

Best Boswellia Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Joint Support

SI Showcase + Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: No daily value established for listed ingredients
• Boswellia per serving: 75 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: No calories, protein, fat or carbohydrates
• Flavors: No flavors available
• Certifications: Third party certified for analysis and composition, manufactured in certified CGMP and FDA-registered facility, no artificial colorings, no artificial preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Subscription: Yes, 10% off order plus free shipping
• Key ingredients: Boswellin Super, Curcumin C3 Complex, FruiteX-B, UC-II Standardized Chicken Collagen, Bioperine (black pepper fruit extract)
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Athletes that need fast recovery to continue playing their sport
• Athletes who want to maintain joint integrity and prevent injuries
• Price per serving: $1.83/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, the brand offers a full refund or store credit within 30 days of delivery if you are not satisfied

Transparent Labs creates supplements for workout and recovery enhancement based on scientifically backed ingredients in clinical studies. Every ingredient in this supplement is scientifically proven to benefit joint disorders, which is why it’s our pick for the best joint supplement for knees in men.

Boswellin Super reduces inflammation markers in the body and collagen UC-II bolsters improvement in joint pain relief and may increase joint flexibility according to studies. Bioperine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory actions and increase the availability of curcumin.

Transparent Labs Joint Support is taken on an empty stomach, two capsules once or twice daily. Customers say that it’s a solid and best joint health supplement that helps rejuvenate their joints with results in a few weeks.

What we like:

• No guesswork about ingredients; proven to work
• Many joint supplements are not that effective at easing inflammation, but this one contains ingredients that are clinically proven and at effective doses
• Can be used with other knee supplements and other workout supplements or multivitamins

What we don't like: 

• FruiteX-B contains boron, which may act as estrogen in the body. Those sensitive to boron such as those with reproductive organ cancers should not take it.

Best Glucosamine Joint Supplement for Knees: Physio Flex Pro

SI Showcase + Physio Flex Pro

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: 364 percent of selenium
• Dose per serving: Two capsules/day
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Made in a cGMP-verified lab
• Subscription: N/A, but you can bundle and save
• Key ingredients: Glucosamine HCL, bromelain, ginger root extract, turmeric extract, BioPerine
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for: Anyone with knee pain who is considering a supplement with glucosamine
• Price per serving: $1.94/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, the brand's 60-day return policy states that you must have used the product for a full 60 days to be eligible for a refund

Physio Flex Pro is a supplement that uses natural, herbal ingredients to reduce inflammation like turmeric extract, ginger root extract and bromelain—all of which are derived from whole food sources. However, it also includes glucosamine which is produced naturally in your body and is a structural part of knee cartilage and ligaments.

The Physio Flex Pro formula uses a version of glucosamine called glucosamine HCL. Basically, glucosamine HCL is the purest form of glucosamine, which means it is more effective at lower doses. Studies have shown mixed results using glucosamine to treat knee pain and other joint problems associated with arthritis. However, it may reduce pain, increase mobility and reduce stiffness after movement. If you’re looking for a supplement with glucosamine to address your knee pain, Physio Flex Pro stands above the rest.

What we like:

• Uses glucosamine HCL rather than glucosamine sulfate which is stronger
• Contains herbal ingredients to reduce inflammation and knee pain
• Formula developed with input from physical therapists

What we don't like:

• Some ingredients are derived from shellfish which means it has an allergen warning and is not vegan

Best Turmeric Joint Supplement for Knees: Transparent Labs Turmeric and Curcumin

SI Showcase + Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: No daily value established for curcumin
• Curcumin per serving: 500 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: No calories, protein, fat and carbohydrates
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Certificate of Analysis and Certificates of Composition offered on all ingredients and conducted by the third party lab Analytical Resource Laboratories. Manufactured in certified CGMP and FDA-registered facility. No artificial colorings, no artificial preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Subscription: 10% off and free shipping with a subscription that may be canceled or paused at any time
• Key ingredients: Curcumin C3 Complex extract, BioPerine black pepper extract
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Those who need maximum absorption of a curcumin supplement
• Those looking for a high quality supplement to improve joint integrity while boosting immunity, decreasing stress and improving digestion
• Those taking joint supplements who want to enhance their response 
• Price per serving: $0.33/serving
• Money-back guarantee: Yes, the brand offers a full refund or store credit within 30 days of delivery if you are not satisfied

Curcumin C3 Complex has been studied clinically and contains three of the active ingredients, called curcuminoids, which have biological actions on joints, digestion, immunity, heart health, brain function, metabolism and the entire body.

Many turmeric supplements are a mixture of root extracts and turmeric powder, and it’s not known how much of the active ingredient curcumin and other curcuminoids are in the supplements. Pure turmeric powder contains three percent curcumin by weight or 204 milligrams per one tablespoon. Therapeutic health benefits are found with a dose of 500 milligrams. And since curcumin is poorly absorbed, it needs the BioPerine to increase the absorption rate.

Transparent Labs Turmeric and Curcumin earns our pick as the best joint supplement for knee pain with turmeric because we like the effective doses from all three curcuminoids, the history of the company in providing clinical grade supplements, transparency in product ingredients and customer results.

The product is taken once or twice daily before meals with a dose of one capsule.

What we like:

• The product is among the better ones on the market for turmeric and curcumin
• For those taking knee supplements with limited success
• Good choice for athletes who want benefits from curcuminoids on other parts of the body (stress reduction, immunity, neuroadaptation)

What we don't like: 

• Some customers complained about the price after the 90 capsule bottle was discontinued in favor of a 60 capsule bottle

Best Chondroitin Joint Supplement for Knees: Now Foods Chondroitin Sulfate

SI Showcase + Now Foods

 Key features & specs

• Percent of daily value: Daily value not established for chondroitin sulfate
• Chondroitin sulfate per serving: 1,200 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: No calories, protein, fat and carbohydrates
• Flavors: N/A
• Certifications: Now has GMP certification from the Natural Products Association. Certified by UL for all dietary supplement manufacturing, which exceeds the FDA requirements for GMP, contains no artificial ingredients and products are minimally processed
• Subscription: No
• Key ingredients: Chondroitin sodium sulfate
• Sweeteners: N/A
• Best for:
• Those who have lost cartilage in the joint and have little joint lubrication
• Those who have had previous knee injuries with loss of joint cartilage
• Those who have had a knee replacement and still need healing
• Price per serving: $0.37 if you take two capsules; $0.74 if you take four capsules
• Money-back guarantee: No

The only ingredients in this best joint health supplement are 1,200 milligrams of chondroitin sodium sulfate and 110 milligrams of sodium. The chondroitin is at an effective dosage and the sodium is a relatively low dose that shouldn't affect blood pressure. The reason why we rated Now Foods Chondroitin Sulfate as the best joint supplement for knees with chondroitin is because it contains an effective dosage.

Now Foods Chondroitin Sulfate is best taken one to three times daily, two capsules at a time. It does not need to be taken with food.

Customers report a reduction in joint pain in the knees and hips as well as better joint mobility and the ability to walk more often comfortably.

What we like:

• Great for those looking for greater comfort in movement and want to start walking or participating in athletic activities again after knee injuries
• Great for those who need better knee and other joint movement and pain reduction
• Great addition for those who have been taking other knee supplements with limited success

What we don't like:

• Not for those who cannot consume bovine gelatin

What Are Joint Supplements for Knees?

Joint supplements for knees are supplements that help your body perform different functions of the connective tissue in your bones and cartilage.

Some of those functions include:

• Building collagen levels in the knee joint for joint integrity

• Increasing water content in the knee joint cartilage

• Improving the joint space, cushioning bones to avoid wear and tear on the cartilage

• Providing sulfur for the protein bonds and cross-linking of the bones and connective tissue in joints, providing strength

• Keeping the joint free from inflammatory compounds that may produce pain and stiffness and reduce mobility

Benefits of Joint Supplements for Knee Pain

The best joint health supplement depends on what your knee needs. Below is a chart that gives you the scientific study-backed results of different joint supplements:

Purpose of Supplement	What Works	Notes
Enhance joint integrity	• Collagen (type II) • MSM • Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements together • Chondroitin sulfate	Chondroitin modifies the structure of the knee Type II collagen found to be crucial for integrity of joints Delayed knee arthritis progression when glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were used together Results in building bone and joints with chondroitin sulfate, accelerating the regeneration of damaged structure Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine used together can build bone and joints and improve bone health overall
Improved joint space	• Glucosamine • Chondroitin sulfate • Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine together	Improves joint space by reducing rate of decline with chondroitin. Another study showed chondroitin was effective in reducing the rate of decline by 0.13 mm. Curcumin and Boswellia serrata reduced bone spurs and improved joint space Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate supplements together reduced the rate of joint space narrowing from knee osteoarthritis and in another study the same was found two years later
Anti-inflammatory action	• Boswellia • Krill oil • Glucosamine + chondroitin + curcumin • Hyaluronic acid • CS3® (curcumin) • FruiteX-B® (calcium fructoborate)	Inflammation markers were reduced with the combo of glucosamine/chondroitin/curcumin Curcumin and Boswellia reduced CRP levels Relief of joint inflammation with hyaluronic acid supplements plus knee strengthening exercises Anti-inflammatory action of CS3® for knee osteoarthritis when taken for eight weeks at one gram per day in those with metabolic disorders. Fruite-X-B® found to be a superoxide ion scavenger and anti-inflammatory Calcium fructoborate reduced levels of C-RP in humans Boswellin® significantly reduced inflammation markers resulting in improvement in joint pain and function. Hyaluronic acid improved joint inflammation associated with synovitis
Reduce pain	• Glucosamine • Chondroitin sulfate • Curcumin • Collagen Type II • Boswellia serrata • Krill oil • Hyaluronic acid • Hyaluronic acid + chondroitin + glucosamine	Glucosamine was found to be comparable to celecoxib for arthritic pain reduction. When chondroitin sulfate was added to glucosamine, arthritic pain reduction was still found two years later. Reduced pain from chondroitin found in patients after six months Nine percent less pain when chondroitin was taken for more than six months Curcumin reduced knee pain when physical therapy was also given. Curcumin reduced pain via inflammatory marker reductions. Significant reduction in pain with collagen type II Significant reduction in pain and stiffness from curcumin and Boswellia Marked improvement in pain with Boswellia Reduced pain and stiffness from krill oil use Significant reduction in knee pain while sleeping and while standing (both knees) from krill oil Hyaluronic acid improved arthritic symptoms in those 70 years and under when combined with exercise at 200 milligrams per day for one year. Hyaluronic acid improved knee pain in those with inflammation of the synovial joint tissues A combination of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin and glucosamine for eight weeks resulted in significant reduction in pain and stiffness in those with mild knee pain.
Mobility and functioning of knee joints	• Chondroitin sulfate • Boswellia • Krill oil • Curcumin • Collagen type II (UC II)	Improved function of knee joints with chondroitin Increased knee flexion with Boswellia along with increased walking distance Modest improvements in knee function with use of krill oil for those with mild to moderate knee arthritis Significant improvement in mobility with krill oil in both knees Curcumin increased the knee functional score of patients Collagen type II improved knee functioning UC-II® bolstered joint integrity and increased flexibility and range of motion in knee joints.
Other	• Boswellia • Curcumin • Hyaluronic acid • Chondroitin and curcumin together	The most significant effect of Boswellia was the decrease in additional pain medications Six months of krill oil supplementation increased knee muscle size in older adults. Less swelling in the knee with Boswellia Higher bioavailability with curcumin that was specially formulated for better absorption Hyaluronic acid improved muscular knee strength Chondroitin and curcumin together repaired knee arthritis in rats

Your joints need support if you want to move your best and continue with sports and athletic opportunities for years to come. Not having adequate joint supplement support can unfortunately lead to a negative impact on your overall health or fitness goals.

A knee injury or a diagnosis of knee arthritis will limit your ability to move, which then impacts your lifestyle, your weight and your health. It makes more sense to be proactive in protecting your joint health with supplements that have been clinically proven to build bone and joint strength.

Precautions

The best joint pain relief supplements for knee arthritis pain are the ones that:

• do not contain additional fillers such as artificial sweeteners, fillers and ingredients that are not necessary for joint health
• are from companies that provide transparency on ingredients and are third party tested
• have positive customer reviews on efficacy
• are based on studies proving that specific doses of an ingredient for joint health 

• are ones that do not contain heavy metals and are generally obtained from solid sources

These are the red flags—or precautions—that you want to look for to have peace of mind about a product. Always check with your physician when you make any decisions on the best joint health supplements.

How to Choose the Best Joint Supplement for Knee Pain for You

Several of the joint pain relief supplements mentioned in this article provide natural substances found in the cartilage and surrounding tissues of the joints. These include chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, UC-II (collagen) and hyaluronic acid.

Of the natural supplements recommended here, consider them as your basic best knee joint health supplements because you are providing what your knee needs to return to health. We’ve already done the difficult work of finding quality supplements to use as your beginning list to choose from. However, we advise you to consult with your primary care physician before starting any supplements and to follow up if you are still experiencing knee pain. 

Then add extra supplements that provide knee joint health based on what you are experiencing, such as knee pain, reduced flexibility and range of motion or loss of joint space or inability to sleep at night due to knee pain or even inability to walk long distances. This is the best way to take the least amount of time to rebuild your knee joints.

What to Avoid in a Joint Supplement for Knee Pain

Avoid artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives in joint supplements. Avoid companies with poor reviews and ineffective dosages.

How We Chose the Best Joint Supplement for Knee Pain

We chose the best knee joint health supplements based on company dedication to quality products, effective doses, transparency, product reviews and soundness of the formula as well as effectiveness. We also considered companies that left out artificial ingredients as well as companies spending time to make decisions on quality ingredients.

What Causes Joint and Knee Pain?

Joint and knee pain can be from overuse or underuse, injuries to the joint or the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tissues, or from arthritis. Joint pain may be associated with stiffness, lack of range of motion, pain, inflammation and even deformity.

How to Maintain Healthy Joints and Knees

The maintenance of healthy joints and knees depends primarily on nutrition, a healthy weight and proper activity levels (not too much or too little). In meta-analysis studies, an eight percent weight loss improved pain scores up to nine points on a 100-point scale whereas diet and weight loss along with exercise improved pain scores up to eleven points.

Many nutrients are essential for joint tissue to be regenerated and for the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tissues to be strong. One cannot expect to “feed” the joints once or twice in life and expect them to be strong for decades. Like other parts of the body, the knee joints and other joints need to be fed with nutrients on a regular basis. These nutrients include protein (collagen type II), vitamins, minerals and nutritional substances such as chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and nutraceuticals such as Boswellia and curcumin (turmeric).

Best Joint Supplement for Knees FAQs

How can I make my joints stronger?

Joints can get stronger when you participate in regular exercise, keep your weight in the normal range and don’t take risks that can put you in a situation where you develop an injury. Since nutrients are one important factor in keeping joints strong, knowing what nutrients are important and taking them regularly will strengthen your joints.

Muscle strengthening activities such as weight resistance training and aerobic exercise are also recommended to not only keep joints stronger but also greatly reduce risk of dying from all causes of disease, according to a report in the British Medical Journal in 2020.

Can collagen rebuild knee cartilage?

Collagen is essential for cartilage to develop. Specifically, collagen type II is the most abundant type of protein in joints. Curcumin is also helpful. In one study, researchers from the Bone and Cartilage Research Unit at the University of Liege in Belgium found that a mixture of curcuminoids, collagen and green tea extract inhibited inflammation and destruction of cartilage cells in humans.

What vitamin am I lacking if my joints hurt?

One of the primary nutrient deficiencies that cause joint pain and chronic joint pain is vitamin D deficiency. Others are omega-3, vitamin C and some B vitamins. Deficiencies prevent bones and joints from developing properly and staying healthy. Vitamin D deficiency, for example, causes bones to soften and joints to weaken. Low vitamin D levels have been found to be more likely in those who have rheumatoid arthritis. We recommend consulting a nutritionist to seek advice on your diet and to address nutrients you may be low in.

Can you reverse knee problems naturally?

Nature has provided many different substances such as turmeric (curcumin), glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, Boswellia (frankincense), collagen type II, boron and vitamin D, which are keys to reversing knee problems naturally.

For example, researchers reported in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition that Type II collagen peptides have been found to significantly impact joint integrity and increase the range of motion in joints. When joint tissues gain strength and the motion in the knee joint is established, the knee problems reverse naturally.

Takeaway: Are Joint Supplements for Knees Worth It?

Joint supplements are well worth the time and effort.

No one needs to continue suffering from knee pain, stiffness and loss of range of movement anymore. Rather than letting the knee condition worsen with time, trying a nutritional approach that supports the knee joints with the right and best joint health natural supplement(s) has been found to be key to the return of joint mobility and integrity. And for you, that means a better quality of life.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.