Supplements for Joint Pain
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Various supplements, including hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II, Instaflex™, garlic, lemon verbena with fish oil, and krill oil with astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid, have shown promise in reducing joint pain and improving joint function. However, the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplements remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential of combining different supplements for enhanced joint health benefits.
Joint pain is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide, often leading to decreased mobility and quality of life. Various supplements have been studied for their potential to alleviate joint pain and improve joint function. This article reviews the efficacy of several supplements based on recent research findings.
Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Type II
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II (HCII) on joint discomfort. Participants aged 40-65 with joint discomfort were given either HCII or a placebo for eight weeks. The study found that the HCII group experienced a significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness, as well as improved joint function, compared to the placebo group. Specifically, the HCII group had a 36.9% reduction in the overall WOMAC score at week 4, compared to a 14.3% reduction in the placebo group1.
Instaflex™ Joint Support
Another study assessed the efficacy of Instaflex™, a commercialized joint pain supplement containing glucosamine sulfate, MSM, white willow bark extract, ginger root concentrate, boswellia serrata extract, turmeric root extract, cayenne, and hyaluronic acid. Over an eight-week period, participants taking Instaflex™ reported a significant reduction in joint pain severity and stiffness compared to the placebo group. Improvements were particularly notable in participants with knee pain2.
Garlic Supplement
A study focused on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of garlic supplements in overweight or obese women with knee osteoarthritis. The results showed that garlic supplementation significantly reduced pain severity and serum resistin levels, a pro-inflammatory adipocytokine, compared to the placebo group. However, there was no significant change in serum TNF-α levels3.
Lemon Verbena and Fish Oil Omega-3
A pilot trial tested a supplement containing lemon verbena extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. Participants reported significant reductions in pain and stiffness, as well as improved physical function, after nine weeks of supplementation. The study highlighted the strong antioxidant properties of lemon verbena and the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids4.
Green-Lipped Mussel and Fucoidan
A study protocol was designed to evaluate the combined effects of green-lipped mussel and fucoidan on joint pain and insulin resistance. Although the results are pending, previous research suggests that both components have beneficial effects on joint pain and inflammation5.
Calcium and Vitamin D
The Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial examined the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on joint symptoms in postmenopausal women. The study found no significant differences in joint pain or swelling between the supplement and placebo groups after two years, suggesting that calcium and vitamin D may not be effective for joint pain relief in this population7.
Fish Oil and Olive Oil
A study evaluated the combined effects of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results indicated significant improvements in joint pain intensity, handgrip strength, and morning stiffness in the groups receiving fish oil, with additional benefits observed in the group also receiving olive oil8.
Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, and Hyaluronic Acid
A clinical trial assessed the efficacy of a supplement combining krill oil, astaxanthin, and hyaluronic acid (FlexPro MD®) in individuals with mild osteoarthritis. The study found significant reductions in joint pain and improvements in joint function compared to the placebo group. The supplement was well-tolerated, with fewer adverse events reported in the treatment group9.
Andrographis Paniculata
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of Andrographis paniculata extract (ParActin®) on knee osteoarthritis. Participants receiving ParActin® showed significant reductions in pain, stiffness, and physical function scores compared to the placebo group. Improvements in quality of life and fatigue were also noted10.
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