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5 Supplements to Support Joint Health, Backed By Science

Key Takeaways:

  • Supplements such as omega-3’s, curcumin, and Solgar® No.7 can help to support joint comfort*.
  • Calcium Magnesium and glucosamine supplements can help support strong bones and cartilage, leading to healthy joints*.

Whether you’re an avid exerciser or not, joint support is important so that simple tasks are not difficult. And while regular exercise, lots of sleep, and an anti-inflammatory diet are great ways to support joint health, sometimes they need a little more TLC. Here are a few of our favorite joint-supporting supplements.

 

1. Omega-3 

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid which the body can’t create by itself. Omega-3 must be provided by food or supplements. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids are among the most well-known and widely-taken supplements.

What does omega-3 do for the body?

Omega-3 fatty acids are typically associated with cardiovascular health, and can even be important for the health of our skin, but they can also help to promote healthy joints.* Omega-3’s help to regulate the production of molecules that can affect joint health.*

Sources of omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be made in the body, and must come from food sources or supplements.

Fish is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids – especially cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, or tuna. Nuts and seeds and plant oils like flaxseed oil or soybean oil also contain some omega-3.

However, the easiest way to ensure you’re getting your daily dose is by taking an omega-3 supplement!

Our recommended omega-3 supplements:

Solgar® Triple Strength Omega-3 950 Mg is Solgar®’s highest concentration of naturally-sourced Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA from cold-water fish. It is molecularly distilled to remove mercury and helps support healthy joints!*

Solgar® Earth Source® Organic Flaxseed Oil is a vegan-friendly option providing a daily dose of Omega 3, 6, and 9. In order to maintain the oil’s integrity, the flaxseeds are pressed through a unique cold processing method and are processed without solvents. Our oil is filled under a nitrogen blanket to safeguard it from oxygen exposure, and then added to Solgar®’s signature amber glass bottles to maintain freshness, efficacy, and potency.

 

2. Curcumin 

Curcumin is the active component of the spice turmeric, an antioxidant-rich member of the ginger family, and is used in cuisine all over the world. From curries to lattes, the many uses of curcumin are no secret. But did you know that it is an excellent joint supporter as well?

What does curcumin do for the body?

Curcumin acts as an antioxidant, helping to fight free radicals that are naturally produced in the body.* Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress which is negatively associated with joint health.

Sources of curcumin

Turmeric is a highly accessible source of curcumin, but has poor bioavailability – meaning the body struggles to absorb all of curcumin’s benefits. For that reason, when looking for a curcumin supplement, it is important to choose one formulated for greater bioavailability, as in Solgar® products.

Our recommended curcumin supplement:

Solgar® Full Spectrum Curcumin Liquid Extract Softgels have better absorption than regular curcumin.◊ Each serving contains 40 mg of curcumin and stays in the body longer than native curcumin extract, giving you the all-day joint support you need.◊*

 

3. Solgar® no. 7

When you’re looking for an effective joint-supporting supplement, you want one that has been formulated with joint-comfort in mind.* Solgar® No.7 is just that. Solgar® No.7 is specially formulated to target multiple pathways that balance and temper joint enzymes that may negatively affect joints’ natural cushioning.* It also helps increase flexibility and overall mobility, and range of motion.*

Solgar® No.7 is made up of seven unique ingredients: 

  1. 5-LOXIN Advanced® (Boswellia serrata extract): Boswellia serrata is an herbal extract also known as Indian frankincense. The standardized Boswellia serrata extract found in Solgar® No.7 has been clinically-studied to support joint function and helps alleviate occasional joint stiffness.*
  2. UC-II® Standardized Cartilage Collagen: Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, helping to support comfortable joint movement and range of motion*
  3. Ester-C®: Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and supports your body’s collagen production.* Ester-C is less acidic than regular vitamin C making it gentle on the stomach.
  4. Turmeric root extract: A popular spice used in curry and with a long history of use in India.
  5. White willow bark: A special bark of the Willow tree that grows primarily in central and southern Europe and frequently used in herbal formulas.
  6. Ginger root: One of the world’s most popular spices with a long history of use.
  7. Pepper spice complex (cayenne powder, black pepper extract): Cayenne, a type of chili pepper, and black pepper are both popular spices that are frequently used in spicy and savory dishes.

 

4. Calcium Magnesium with Vitamin D3

If you were ever told to drink a glass of milk to “help you grow big and strong,” you are familiar with some of the benefits of calcium.

What does calcium do for the body?

Calcium is fundamental to building strong bones and teeth, and it is the most abundant mineral in the body, representing between 1.5-2% of total body weight.* Along with being needed for healthy and strong bones, calcium ensures muscles and nerves work correctly too.*

What does calcium have to do with magnesium and vitamin D3?

You’ll often find calcium and magnesium together in supplements because magnesium plays an important role in helping the body absorb the calcium.* Magnesium also plays an important role in protein formation and healthy muscle function.*

Vitamin D3 also helps calcium absorption, promotes strong bones and teeth, and supports immune function.* Without sufficient levels of vitamin D3, the body can’t absorb calcium effectively from what you eat.1

Sources of calcium

While calcium can be found in foods such as dairy products, fish with edible bones, and leafy green vegetables like broccoli and kale, the easiest way to make sure you’re getting enough calcium with optimal absorption is by taking a calcium supplement. Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites.

Our recommended calcium supplements:

Solgar® Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate with Vitamin D3: This formula provides calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 in a delicious and easy-to-absorb liquid form. Simply take one tablespoon daily – either directly or by mixing it in water. Available in strawberry, blueberry, or orange-vanilla flavors. 

Solgar® Calcium Magnesium with Vitamin D3 Tablets: Offering a highly absorbable form of calcium citrate, this formula promotes healthy bones, and supports nerve and muscle function.*

 

5. Glucosamine 

Glucosamine is a chemical compound naturally found in cartilage, the tough tissue that cushions your joints.

What does glucosamine do for the body?

Glucosamine can help support healthy joints by supporting cells called chondrocytes, which help maintain cartilage structure.*

Sources of glucosamine

Glucosamine is also found in some animal and other non-human tissues, including shellfish shells, animal bones and fungi. However, the best way to get glucosamine externally is through a supplement.

Our recommended glucosamine supplement:

Solgar® Extra Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM with Ester-C®: Specially designed to nourish your joints and cartilage, this formula helps bring fluid into the joints and maintain flexibility, mobility, and comfortable movement. This formula also contains Ester-C® to support joint health by helping to maintain enzymes necessary for collagen formation in their active state.*

 

Everything you knee-d

Supplements such as omega-3’s, curcumin, Solgar® No.7, calcium, or glucosamine can help support joint health and allow you to continue the active, healthy lifestyle you enjoy.* 

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Solgar® site.

◊These statements are based on a human study of NovaSOL™ curcumin in comparison with native curcumin extract, using an object measure (metabolite analysis).