Top supplements for arthritis
Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Some people find that taking supplements can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Here we examine 6 of the top supplements available on amazon now used for arthritis.
| Amazon | Product Name | Indications | Mechanism of Action | Side Effects | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Nature Made Glucosamine Sulfate & Chondroitin Complex | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis | Reduce inflammation and pain | Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn | 4.3 |
  | Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega | Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic pain | Reduce inflammation and pain | Bleeding, increased risk of infection, heartburn | 4.4 |
  | NOW Foods Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine | Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic pain | Reduce inflammation and pain | Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn | 4.5 |
  | Nature’s Way Devil’s Claw | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain | Reduce inflammation and pain | Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn | 4.1 |
  | Natural Factors Magnesium | Fibromyalgia, chronic pain | Reduce muscle spasms and pain | Diarrhea, nausea, constipation, headache | 4.5 |
  | Jamieson Glucosamine 1500mg Chondroitin 1200mg | Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis | Reduce inflammation and pain | Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn | 4.2 |
What does the science say?
The supplement with the most evidence of efficacy for arthritis is glucosamine and chondroitin. A 2016 review of studies found that glucosamine and chondroitin were effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The review also found that glucosamine and chondroitin were generally well-tolerated.
The exact mechanism of action for glucosamine and chondroitin is not fully understood, but it is thought that they work in a number of ways.
- Glucosamine is a building block for cartilage, so it may help to rebuild cartilage that has been damaged by osteoarthritis.
- Chondroitin is a component of cartilage, so it may help to keep cartilage healthy and prevent it from being damaged.
- Both glucosamine and chondroitin may help to reduce inflammation, which is a major factor in osteoarthritis.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin may also help to improve the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.
About the author: Rainier Guiang, MD is board certified in Pain Management and Anesthesiology and has been in academic and private practice since 1999.
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