After a joint supplement for comfort and flexibility? Our Naturopath explains why these popular supplements are bestsellers, and the research behind them too.
From collagen for joints to omega 3 fatty acids and magnesium cream - get the lowdown on which joint supplements are worth taking for active aging, and how to get the best out of your joint health supplements.
Natural joint regeneration - collagen tops the list for 4 reasons:
1. Collagen research
Studies show it supports joint comfort – both during movement and at rest. Collagen offers holistic support for long term joint health. It supports the health of cartilage, which makes up our joints, and our joint cushioning system.
2. Glucosamine & chondroitin
Collagen is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin – to support the natural joint regeneration process.
3. Hyaluronic acid
Collagen is rich in hyaluronic acid – for joint cushioning and comfort. Hyaluronic acid is a key component of synovial fluid, which lubricates our joints and works for shock absorption. This protects from daily wear and tear as well as natural age-related degeneration.
4. No known interactions
No known interactions with medications exist. Making collagen suitable for most people, another reason collagen is first on the list.
Best collagen for joints: NeoCell Super Collagen
Why it's a bestseller:
NeoCell specialises in collagen – their products have a good reputation (which is well deserved). This powder offers a generous dose of collagen. Finely milled and easily mixed into your morning coffee.
- Supports joint comfort & flexibility
- Generous 10 grams of collagen per dose
- Flavourless and heat stable – add it any food hot or cold
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Wholefood collagen
Fan of wholefoods? You can get joint-loving collagen from bone broth. Being rich in calcium too, bone broth is a great way to up the calcium in your diet for bone health. This is especially important if you’re a women post-menopause.
Bestselling bone broth: Gevity Bone Broth Body Glue
Why it's a bestseller:
Our most popular bone broth with great reviews for taste. Also, it delivers 10 x more collagen peptides than most standard bone broths. Add it to savoury dishes – stir fries, rice etc. Tastes great by itself in cup-of soup style too.
- Wholefood source of joint-loving collagen
- Rich in calcium for strong bones
- Up the nutrition in your meals
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For joint comfort: Omega-3
Research suggests that the EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) from fish oil support balanced inflammatory pathways. This has flow on support for joint comfort.
Omega 3 fatty acids support whole body health - especially as we age. EPA and DHA support blood pressure, cholesterol, mental clarity, and especially healthy brain aging.
Taking medication, like heart or blood pressure medication? It’s important to check with your doctor first if it’s suitable. Thay may need to monitor you and adjust your dose.
You can care for both your joint health and the planet thanks to our Marine Sustainability Policy - with all fish oil supplements stocked with us being sustainably sourced and independently certified.
Best omega-3 fish oil for joints: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Why it's a bestseller:
This omega-3 fish oil is hugely popular, and for good reason. Double strength EPA and DHA offers high dosing – you only need to take 2 per day (rather than 4-6 of standard strength).
Quality and freshness are key with fish oil. Nordic Naturals know their stuff - fresh, Norwegian wild caught. They have processes that limit oxygen exposure – to avoid oxidation. Third party tested for purity and freshness. They meet and exceed the strictest international standards.
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Fish oil vs vegan omegas
Because of its high EPA and DHA content, fish oil is ideal for joints. Compared to plant-based or vegan omegas, which tend to lack readily available EPA and DHA. Also, there’s more research on omega-3 fish oil for joint health.
But, on the other hand - plant based vegan omegas are more sustainable. So, if you want the most renewable option (with EPA and DHA) an Algae omega is the way to go.
Best vegan omega-3 for joints: Lifestream Vegan Omega-3
Why it's a bestseller:
It’s a high strength (sustainable) algae omega which offers EPA and DHA at a competitive price. If you prefer a plant based vegan omega, algae omegas yield the all-important EPA and DHA for joint support. And with plenty of positive reviews for having no fishy aftertaste.
The cherry on top? Algae is fast growing and very renewable – it takes less land area and less water to produce. It also comes in a renewable sugarcane plastic bottle that’s curb side recyclable too.
- Plant source of EPA & DHA for joints
- Added vegan Vitamin D3 for joint health
- Renewable source of omega-3
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Joint staples: Collagen & omega-3
Collagen and omega-3 are an ideal pairing for holistic joint health. I recommend them often and find people are very pleased with the combination. While most people see support sooner, it’s best to take it for 6 weeks so it can build up in your body. Studies show that's the ideal timeframe.
Turmeric – the joint support herb
Turmeric is well-researched for joint comfort and mobility. Most studies have been done on knees joints. Curcumin, the active constituent, supports healthy inflammatory pathways with flow on benefits for joint health.
Turmeric also shows promise for cholesterol, gut health and happy mood too, to name a few. It’s an all-rounder, making it ideal as tonic herb for active aging. Standard turmeric is not easily absorbed. However, the best turmeric products have patented forms or added bioperine to help improve curcumin absorption.
Best turmeric for joints: Solgar Full Spectrum Curcumin
Why it's a bestseller:
This curcumin tops the bestseller list because it’s so bioavailable – being 185x more absorbable than standard turmeric. As mentioned above, bioavailability is key when choosing curcumin. It's one of our top knee supplements. One HealthPost customer aptly called it ‘the champagne of turmeric’ in their product review.
You can take curcumin alongside collagen and omega 3. If joint discomfort is affecting your everyday, it's worth considering taking all 3 for the first few months.
- Supports knee comfort and mobility
- 185 x more absorbable than standard turmeric
- Tonic for active aging - one capsule daily
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Magnesium cream for joints
A perennial crowd pleaser for both joint and muscle comfort. Magnesium cream deserves an honourable mention here. Rub gently onto knees and other joints to soothe discomfort.
It’s easy to use and requires no need to check for interactions with medications. As mentioned earlier, the nutritional approach of collagen and fish oil can take time to build up in your system and a magnesium cream offers a soothing stopgap in the interim.
Best magnesium cream for joints: Good Health Magnesium Cream
Why it's a bestseller:
A natural formula that offers fast support for joint and muscle comfort. It’s ideal to have on hand if you have the occasional twinge.
It can make a thoughtful gift for yourself or a loved one too (hello husbands and Dads who are supplement-shy!).
- For joints and muscles
- Magnesium plus soothing herbal extracts
- Easy to use - just rub on
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Getting the best out of your joint supplements
A super effective joint heath tip is... staying hydrated. This surprises people - it's such a simple step but very impactful. Drinking enough water keeps your joint cushioning system working well. Remember that joints are filled with fluid-shock absorbing synovial fluid. They work better when you have enough fluid in your body - like a well-oiled hinge.
Aim for around 8 glasses daily ( herbal teas count towards your total). Watching your coffee, tea and alcohol intake helps – for every cup drink an extra cup of water.
What about the extra bathroom trips?
Extra bathroom trips that come with drinking more tend to put you off? Electrolytes for hydration could be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine. They help direct water where it's needed in your body, including the synovial fluid in your joints, which keeps our joint cushioning system working well.
Electrolytes for joint heath: Biotrace Elite Electrolyte Liquid
Why it's a bestseller:
Electrolytes - including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are important for everyone, not just athletes.
This formula ticks a lot of boxes - electrolytes, trace minerals AND no added sugar. Lots of mainstream electrolytes have added sugar – which is not ideal when you’re wanting to quell inflammation.
Trace minerals, like magnesium and zinc – offer an easy way to fill nutritional gaps. Important as we age, and our bodies naturally absorb less nutrients.
- Supports balanced hydration for joint health
- With trace minerals, like magnesium, zinc and selenium
- Simply add drops to your water
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Glucosamine and chondroitin vs. collagen
Collagen for joints has soared in popularity over the last few years – surpassing glucosamine and chondroitin. That’s because collagen is a natural source both glucosamine and chondroitin.
While there is research behind glucosamine and chondroitin (best taken together in combination), collagen shows more promise. Collagen also yields hyaluronic acid – for joint cushioning. And if you didn’t already need another reason to choose collagen... It also helps support the appearance of wrinkles and soft aging for skin.
Why collagen powder?
You’ll notice many collagen supplements are in powder form. That’s because studies show you need 10-12 grams of collagen daily for joint health. That’s a relatively high dose, which is easier get in powder form.
You’ll notice most reviews and product write-ups focus on skin aging. That’s because collagen is most popular to support the appearance of wrinkles and a youthful looking complexion. A nice add-on benefit.
Are joint supplements effective?
There's solid research showing that collagen, omega 3, and turmeric support joint comfort. Collagen and omega-3 support long-term joint health, flexibility, and the natural joint regeneration process.
Curcumin from turmeric supports healthy inflammatory pathways and joint comfort. Joint supplements are a holistic option, and studies suggest that the earlier you start, the better.
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