Best joint supplements to ease arthritis pain in 2025, according to experts

Yahoo

07-07-2025

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness that can make everyday tasks feel like major hurdles. While there's no known cure, managing symptoms is often possible through a mix of lifestyle changes, medications and — in some cases — supplements. The best joint supplements can help alleviate inflammation, ease pain and support joint mobility, making them a popular complementary option alongside traditional treatments.
However, it's important to stay grounded in the facts: Supplements for arthritis and joint pain aren't magic bullets, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. "There isn't much evidence-based universal support for any arthritis supplement," says Dr. Leia Rispoli, a double-board-certified interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist at DISC Sports & Spine Center.
Still, if you're curious to see whether a supplement could help soothe aches and pains — and your doctor has given you the green light to do so — some supplements may be worth a try. To help you navigate your options, we spoke with five health care professionals, including three dietitians and two doctors, then reviewed top products based on formulation, ingredient quality, cost and tester feedback. Read on to discover the five best joint supplements to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment.
Best arthritis and joint pain supplements for 2025
Factors to consider when shopping for joint supplements
How we chose
FAQs on natural remedies for arthritis and joint pain
Meet our experts
A note on supplements
The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
According to dietitian Jamie Lee McIntyre, omega-3 fatty acid supplements — including fish oil — are among the most researched and effective options for helping ease both rheumatoid- and osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation. "Omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA) have natural anti-inflammatory properties. They work by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals (like prostaglandins and cytokines) that contribute to joint pain and stiffness in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis," she says.
A group of studies looked into how omega-3 fatty acid supplements might help people with osteoarthritis, and found that taking omega-3 supplements significantly reduced arthritis pain and improved joint function compared to a placebo.
For targeting joint pain and inflammation, McIntyre recommends looking for a fish or algal oil supplement with at least 1,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA omega-3s. To ensure label accuracy, she also says it's best to choose a product that's third-party tested for purity and potency. An easy way to check for this is by looking for an NSF or International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) certification on the product's packaging.
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Turmeric is a golden-yellow spice often used in cooking and has long been used as a natural remedy to help reduce inflammation and ease aching joints. In particular, its main active component — curcumin — is well known in the wellness sphere for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. "Curcumin reduces inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines and scavenging free radicals that damage cells," says Vanessa Imus, a dietitian and owner of Integrated Nutrition for Weight Loss in Bothell, Wash.
Like many supplements used for arthritis, more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to fully confirm turmeric's benefits. That said, the existing research is promising. One review found that turmeric supplements were linked to significant improvements in both pain and physical function among people with knee osteoarthritis. Interestingly, in three studies where turmeric was compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), turmeric supplements performed just as well.
Another review, which analyzed 29 studies, also found encouraging results, with turmeric supplementation associated with reduced pain severity across five types of arthritis — including ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and gout. It's worth noting that effective doses ranged from 120 mg to 1500 mg daily, so you'll want to talk with a health care professional about the best starting dose for your needs.
Expert tip: As a dietitian myself, I know that turmeric on it's own isn't well-absorbed by the body. Luckily, pairing it with black pepper extract (piperine) or oil — like in a liposomal supplement formulation — can help.
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Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring compounds in cartilage — the tissue that cushions joints. These supplements have become increasingly popular for people with osteoarthritis, as they may help slow the breakdown of cartilage. But despite their popularity, research supporting their effectiveness is mixed. For instance, one review found that people taking a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin scored better on a key arthritis test compared to those taking placebos. However, for other measures, like pain scores, the results were less clear or not significant.
Research currently suggests an effective dose of 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin. However, because studies on the subject are mixed, it's best to talk with a health care professional about if and how much glucosamine and chondroitin to take.
It's also important to note that glucosamine and chondroitin aren't safe or appropriate for everyone, including those with shellfish allergies, asthma, diabetes, prostate cancer, glaucoma or those taking anticoagulant medications (like warfarin).
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Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy joints and may be especially beneficial for those managing arthritis. Found naturally in the body, collagen is a protein that helps build cartilage to support smooth, pain-free movement. With arthritis, cartilage can break down over time, leading to pain, stiffness and inflammation. While more research is needed, taking collagen supplements may help replenish the body's natural supply and support joint health, potentially reducing discomfort and improving mobility.
Research suggests that taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements — aka supplements where collagen is broken down into smaller pieces that are more readily digested and absorbed — may stimulate the production of new cartilage and reduce joint pain over time. Plus, collagen is easy to incorporate into your routine, whether through powders, capsules or collagen-rich foods like bone broth.
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Vitamin D plays a vital role in both immune function and bone health, and not getting enough of this sunshine vitamin may be contributing to your aches and pains. While those already meeting their vitamin D needs may not see additional benefits, one review found that adults with arthritis and widespread pain were more likely to have insufficient vitamin D levels. In a smaller study, adults with knee osteoarthritis who hadn't undergone knee surgery experienced modest improvements in knee pain over five years if they took vitamin D regularly and maintained adequate levels for at least two years.
Beyond supporting joint and bone health, adequate vitamin D intake has also been linked to other benefits for healthy aging, including a reduced risk of falls and chronic disease. The optimal dose to support arthritis and joint pain ultimately depends on your current vitamin D status, with higher doses often necessary for those with a confirmed deficiency.
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'Before adding any supplement to your routine, its important to talk with your doctor or a qualified health care provider for personalized guidance. Once you've done that, keep these key factors in mind when choosing the best arthritis supplement:
Manufacturer reputation: Choose brands with a strong reputation for quality and transparency.
Third-party testing: Look for supplements that are independently tested for purity and potency to ensure you're getting what the label claims.
Ingredient transparency: Opt for supplements with clear labeling and minimal fillers or additives.
Research-backed ingredients and dosage: While research into supplements for arthritis and joint pain is still evolving, some ingredients are supported by stronger evidence than others. When evaluating a product, in addition to clinically-backed ingredients, check for doses that have been shown to be effective in research.
Other active ingredients: It's important to be aware that some supplements touted as being beneficial for arthritis — like red yeast rice, chaparral and cat's claw — aren't well-supported by research and may be dangerous when taken regularly. While some ingredients, like vitamin D, may be safe and even helpful for joint pain, make sure you're not already getting them from another supplement, like your multivitamin or protein powder.
Medication interactions: Always check with a health care professional before taking any new supplements to ensure they wont interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you're currently taking.
Dietary restrictions: If you have allergies or other dietary preferences or restrictions, make sure to carefully read the ingredient list to choose a supplement that aligns with your needs.
Price: High-quality supplements are available at a variety of price points. While it's important not to sacrifice quality for cost, the most expensive option isn't always the best one either.
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To identify the best supplements for arthritis and joint pain, we conducted an in-depth review of the most up-to-date research and consulted medical professionals and dietitians to understand which ingredients are most effective — and which ones to avoid.
For specific product recommendations, we combined these expert insights with hands-on tester feedback, prioritizing formulations backed by scientific evidence and real-world experience. The result: a list of supplements that are both research-supported and user-approved.
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Research on supplements for joint pain is limited, and the best supplement for arthritis depends on your specific symptoms and health needs. Fish oil, turmeric and collagen are among the most well-researched options. It's a good idea to talk with a health care professional to determine which supplement may work best for you.
Green tea may be helpful for those managing arthritis thanks to its impressive antioxidant profile — including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Tart cherry juice may also be beneficial, with some studies linking it to improvements in pain and overall quality of life among those with knee osteoarthritis. That said, one of the best ways to support joint health is by staying hydrated.
Rispoli says an overall healthy lifestyle is key for managing arthritis pain. She highlights eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and engaging in non-impact exercise, like yoga or swimming, as being particularly helpful. She also notes the importance of understanding your symptoms, advising to "[Get] educated on what pains might be more severe than normal."
Amidor agrees that diet plays a significant role in managing joint pain. She points out that certain foods may be particularly helpful thanks to their anti-inflammatory benefits. These include fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), nut, seeds, olive oil and berries.
CBD (cannabidiol) has gained attention for its potential to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. "Some people have reported relief with CBD locally," says Dr. Nora Singer, director of the Division of Rheumatology at MetroHealth.
"CBD [may] help arthritis pain because there's usually a natural anti-inflammatory component and maybe a menthol or lidocaine component which distracts some of the nerves from feeling pain," says Rispoli. Still, it's important to note that CBD isn't safe or effective for everyone, and it's crucial to exercise caution by purchasing only from reputable, well-vetted manufacturers.
When it comes to arthritis, research on NAD+ is promising, but ultimately scarce. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a tiny but mighty molecule found in every cell of your body, helping to keep things running smoothly. One of its many roles is helping to repair your DNA and support your body as it fights off damage over time. However, as we age, the levels of NAD+ naturally decrease, which can make us more prone to issues like inflammation and other age-related health problems.
While NAD+ may have potential therapeutic benefits for arthritis and joint pain thanks to its role in reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair, there's currently a lack of human studies to support its effectiveness.
"Taking a warm bath or shower to get moving can be helpful and can help lubricate stiff joints," says Singer. She also suggests paraffin wax hand treatments for patients with hand stiffness and avoiding prolonged immobilization.
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Leia Rispoli, double-board-certified interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist at DISC Sports & Spine Center in Southern California
Jamie Lee McIntyre, MS, RDN, nutrition consultant
Vanessa Imus, MS, RDN, dietitian and owner of Integrated Nutrition for Weight Loss in Bothell, Wash.
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, award-winning nutrition expert
Nora Singer, director of the division of rheumatology at MetroHealth and professor of medicine and pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.