While joint pain can seem like a natural part of getting older, there are many remedies to help prevent joint pain and discomfort regardless of your age. Whether you’re sitting too long at a desk, chasing after kids, or getting in those workouts, joint discomfort can make even simple movements feel harder, and over time, it can affect your mobility and quality of life. No matter your stage of life, it's important to prevent or treat your joint pain. If you’re looking for ways to support your joints naturally, supplements can be a great addition to your daily routine.  

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, or soreness in any of the body’s joints. It can be mild and occasional or chronic and significantly impact quality of life, especially as we age. Joint pain can be experienced in numerous places throughout the body. but some commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, hands, and shoulders.

Common causes of joint pain include:

• Overuse or repetitive motion

• Injury or trauma

• Inflammation

• Age-related wear and tear

• Underlying conditions like arthritis

While temporary pain may resolve with rest or physical therapy, ongoing joint discomfort may require medical intervention and potentially holistic treatments including supplementation to support joint health. 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but two commons forms include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. It breaks down cartilage, which is the protective tissue at the ends of bones.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints causing inflammation and joint damage.

Arthritis can lead to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. While there’s no cure, managing inflammation and supporting joint health with targeted supplements may help ease symptoms and slow progression.

Top Vitamins and Supplements for Joint Health

These are some of the most commonly used supplements to support joint health and mobility. While vitamins, herbs, and supplements can be a helpful part of managing joint discomfort, some cases may require additional treatment to prevent further joint deterioration. If you have ongoing joint issues or are currently under medical care, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement routine.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice with powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compound, curcumin. Research shows that curcumin may help reduce joint pain and stiffness, especially in people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. An analysis of six studies found that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, significantly reduced inflammation and joint pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. While more large-scale trials are needed, the results suggest curcumin may be a safe and effective natural option for managing joint discomfort.

For better absorption, choose turmeric supplements that include black pepper extract (piperine) as it helps your body make the most of curcumin’s benefits. That’s why Modern Dose’s Joint Support is formulated with piperine to boost absorption of curcumin.

Boswellia Serrata

Also known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia is an herbal extract used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It works by blocking pro-inflammatory enzymes, making it an excellent companion to turmeric for joint support.

Studies suggest Boswellia may help reduce pain, improve function, and slow cartilage loss in people with OA. A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that Boswellia serrata significantly reduced joint pain, stiffness, and improved function in people with osteoarthritis. The results suggest Boswellia may be a safe, natural option for managing OA symptoms and is particularly effective when taken consistently for at least four weeks.

Type II Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and type II collagen is the form that makes up cartilage in joints. Supplementing with undenatured Type II collagen may help reduce joint discomfort, especially for people who stay active or have mild joint wear. A clinical study found that supplementing with native type II collagen alongside acetaminophen led to greater improvements in joint pain, mobility, and quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis compared to using acetaminophen alone. The results suggest that added collagen significantly enhanced symptom relief. 

Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, especially EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit both heart and joint health. They can help reduce joint tenderness and morning stiffness. A meta-analysis of nine clinical trials found that omega-3 fatty acids (like those in fish oil) can significantly reduce joint pain and improve mobility in people with osteoarthritis, without increasing side effects. The results support fish oil as a safe and effective option for natural joint support. If you don’t eat a lot of fatty fish like salmon or sardines, a high-quality fish oil supplement can help fill the gap.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance in cartilage. Supplementing with chondroitin sulfate may help reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow cartilage degeneration. Another building block of cartilage, glucosamine sulfate is a popular supplement for people with osteoarthritis. It may help reduce joint pain, slow cartilage breakdown, and support joint repair. The two are often paired together for enhanced benefits.

While glucosamine and chondroitin have historically been the most popular joint health supplements, a large review of clinical trials found that they offer only small and possibly clinically unimportant benefits for joint pain and function. As a result, more people are now turning to other ingredients like turmeric and Boswellia serrata for joint support and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Glucosamine and chondroitin may interact with blood thinners and other medications, so consult your doctor before use if you're on anticoagulant medications.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone and can be supportive of joint health. A long-term study found that while vitamin D supplementation didn’t lead to major improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms overall, people who maintained sufficient vitamin D levels over five years experienced modest reductions in pain, improved physical function, and better mood, especially if they didn’t undergo knee surgery. This suggests vitamin D may serve a supportive, though not primary, role in joint health. Since many people don’t get enough sunlight year-round, supplementing with vitamin D3 can also help support calcium absorption and keep bones strong.

SAM-e

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a naturally occurring compound in the body that helps produce and regulate hormones and maintain cell membranes. A clinical study found that SAM-e was as effective as the prescription pain reliever celecoxib (Celebrex) in managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms once given enough time to take effect. While it worked more slowly at first, SAM-e provided similar improvements in pain and joint function by the second month.

SAM-e may cause side effects like nausea, restlessness, insomnia, and in rare cases, mania, so it’s important to start with a low dose, avoid taking it at night, and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have bipolar disorder or take antidepressants.

Should I Take a Joint Supplement?

If you’re dealing with ongoing joint discomfort, stiffness after physical activity, or early signs of arthritis, taking a joint supplement could be helpful in managing your symptoms. They’re especially helpful for:

• Adults 40+

• Active individuals with repetitive stress on joints

• People with a family history of arthritis

• Anyone with mild to moderate joint discomfort

Consistency is key. Most joint supplements take a few weeks to show noticeable results. Stick with it, and look for formulas that combine multiple effective ingredients like collagen, turmeric, and Boswellia serrata for a comprehensive approach. Modern Dose’s Joint Support supplement combines science-backed ingredients to support mobility, reduce inflammation, and keep you feeling strong and flexible regardless of your age and activity levels.

If you’re taking any medications or have questions about what’s right for you, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement routine.

Additional Ways to Support Your Joint Health

Supplements can be an effective tool in your daily routine to help relieve joint pain but dietary supplements work even better when combined with other healthy daily habits. Here are a few easy lifestyle adjustments that can support healthy joints.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying extra weight can put added pressure on your joints, especially your knees and hips. Even a small weight loss can significantly reduce joint strain and discomfort. Focus on whole foods that are naturally anti-inflammatory, like leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish. Prioritize lean proteins (like chicken, eggs, tofu, or legumes), which help maintain muscle mass and support tissue repair around the joints. Pairing an anti-inflammatory diet with consistent, low-impact movement (like walking or swimming) and a targeted joint supplement can help create a strong foundation for long-term joint health.

Move Daily

Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga help keep joints lubricated and muscles strong. Avoid long periods of inactivity, which can lead to stiffness.

Stretch and Strengthen

Regular stretching improves flexibility, while strength training helps stabilize joints and prevent injury.

Wear Protective Shoes

Supportive footwear can make a surprising difference in your joint health, especially if you’re on your feet all day and exercising. Avoid worn-out shoes and opt for cushioned, supportive soles.

Stay Hydrated

Your joints need water to stay lubricated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your whole body and your joints functioning smoothly, especially if you exercise regularly.

Takeaways

Joint health might not be something you think about daily until it starts to interfere with how you move, work, or rest. Whether you live an active lifestyle and trying to prevent wear and tear or managing early signs of arthritis, the right vitamins and supplements can help keep your joints strong, flexible, and pain-free.

Try Joint Support as part of your daily routine, which is formulated with clean, powerful ingredients like turmeric, Boswellia, and type II collagen to support joint comfort and mobility.