Best Joint Supplements for Knees According to Science

The knees, arguably the hardest-working joints in our bodies, bear the brunt of wear and tear throughout our lives. Reflect for a moment on the countless occasions we've relied on them, from our youthful adventures on playgrounds and active participation in sports to engaging in household chores and tending to our gardens as we age.

As a result, knee joint pain has become one of the most prevalent complaints among adults worldwide. This discomfort, stemming from years of strain, can vary from mild to severely debilitating. Factors such as age, weight, repetitive movements, injuries, and even genetics contribute to the gradual decline in knee joint health.

In this article, we will explore the best joint supplements for knees that can help alleviate this pain. Let’s get started.

The Best Joint Supplements for Knees

When it comes to choosing the best joint supplement for knees, consider powerhouse ingredients that can help build cartilage, vitamins that can boost joint function, and antioxidants that can support overall joint health. Let’s walk through a few of our most highly recommended joint supplements for knees.

Cartilage Builders: Essential for Joint Structure and Function

Cartilage is a major component of our joints and, without strong cartilage, our overall joint function can suffer. Luckily, scientists have identified a number of compounds that could help us  build and maintain strong cartilage:

• Glucosamine hydrochloride is a component of cartilage; it’s a building block for glycosaminoglycans, a critical cartilage structural element. Supplementing with glucosamine hydrochloride (or glucosamine sulfate) could improve joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis.  

• Chondroitin sulfate, like glucosamine hydrochloride, is another critical cartilage component. It helps cartilage resist and respond to compression forces,

• Collagen peptides (paired with exercise) can help improve joint functionality and reduce joint pain for people with degenerative bone and joint disorders.

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a common treatment for joint arthritis; HA is already present in our knee joints, and our bodies use it for joint lubrication. However, some early studies suggest that oral HA supplements could support joint function and prevent degeneration. 

Vitamins and Minerals

The compounds above could help support overall joint health. But what about more traditional vitamins and minerals? In your search for the best supplement for knee pain, consider blends with key compounds like:

• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant—a compound that can help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS, also called free radicals). Since ROS are key players in joint degeneration (and, thus, joint pain), supplementing with vitamin C could boost antioxidant function in the joints and help maintain structure. 

• Calcium – If you’re struggling with knee pain, remember that your bone health is just as important as your joint health. Consider supplementing with calcium (and vitamin D, which can boost calcium absorption) if you’re looking to improve overall bone health.

• Magnesium – Early studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium could help build chondrocytes, which are cartilage cells. Cartilage is a critical structural component of joints (including knee joints), so boosting cartilage development could help prevent joint degeneration and reduce pain.

• Zinc – Speaking of chondrocytes, zinc may help support cartilage cell growth and reproduction. Zinc deficiency, on the other hand, has been connected to decreased antioxidant activity in cells.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants bind to reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutralizing them before they can bind to (and damage) critical cells—including joint cells. When ROS bind to cells, it can cause oxidative stress, which is a key element of joint degeneration associated with some kinds of arthritis. 

While we mentioned antioxidants above, vitamin C isn’t the only free radical fighter you can use to boost overall joint health. Consider supplementing with additional antioxidants like:

• MSM powder – Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in animals, humans, and some green plants. It could help balance ROS quantity with antioxidant enzyme production; in other words, it might help reduce joint damage done by free radicals.

• Calcium fructoborate – Calcium fructoborate is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, and it provides the body with a soluble form of boron. While boron isn’t an antioxidant itself, it may have antioxidant effects. Plus, multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled trials indicate that boron (in the form of calcium fructoborate specifically) can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis—including knee pain.

• Boswellia extract – Boswellia—also called frankincense—is an herbal extract made from boswellia tree bark. While researchers have identified some antioxidant properties in this natural extract, they aren’t sure of the exact mechanism by which Boswellia reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite the need for more information, multiple studies have shown that Boswellia extract could improve joint function and reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis. 

• Bromelain – Bromelain is found in the pineapple plant, and it can target and bind to free radicals—thus reducing inflammation and joint pain.

• Turmeric – Turmeric is a source of curcumin: a bioactive compound that has reduced markers of both oxidative stress and inflammation. Since both are linked to joint degeneration and pain, supplementing with turmeric might help people with knee pain support overall joint health. 

• Grape seed extract – Grape seed extract is an excellent source of polyphenols: powerful antioxidants that can scavenge free radicals and inhibit the damage of ROS.

Best Supplements for Knees on the Market

Despite their benefits, taking all of the above compounds in individual supplement form wouldn’t be very convenient. So, let’s review some of the best supplements for knee pain: formulas that include as many of the above joint health compounds as possible. 

#1 Joint Vibrance

Vibrant Health’s Joint Vibrance offers next-level joint support, featuring multiple joint-friendly compounds from our list above. 

Joint Vibrance is:

• Easy to use – Just mix a scoop with water, shake it, and sip. It’s the perfect addition to a morning routine, a midday snack, or a pre-workout shake. 

• Packed with key nutrients for joints – Joint Vibrance’s blend includes cartilage builders (like collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate), antioxidants (including MSM, calcium fructoborate, bromelain, and more), and vitamins (like vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium). 

• High-quality – Containing ingredients at effective potencies, this blend is continuously refined based on scientific research and emerging clinical outcomes. In other words, Vibrant Health is always working to improve the formula for even more joint benefits. 

Joint Vibrance is dairy-, soy-, gluten-, and GMO-free. Plus, the orange-pineapple flavor is sure to keep you coming back for more. 

The only disadvantage is that this product is popular—be sure to sign up for the Subscribe & Save option to stay on top of restocks!

 

 

#2 Physio Flex Pro

Physio Flex Pro is designed to support overall joint comfort. Popular among people with fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and various types of arthritis, this product features a number of joint-friendly compounds. 

The ingredient list includes:

• Glucosamine

• Turmeric

• MSM

• Bromelain

While some people might find a capsule form more convenient, this product might not be right for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable swallowing large capsules, you might be better suited to a stir-in product like Joint Vibrance. Plus, it doesn’t cover all of your bases. You may still need to supplement with calcium, collagen, and other joint-boosting compounds to support your knee health. 

#3 Transparent Labs Joint Support

Joint Support from Transparent Labs offers a simple, carefully dosed blend of joint-friendly ingredients.

This easy-to-take supplement contains: 

• Circumin 

• Calcium fructoborate

• Boswellia extract

• Chicken collagen

• Black pepper extract

Available in capsule form, this product doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, fillers, or dyes. Plus, it’s tested for purity in a third-party lab. 

However, like Physio Flex Pro, this formula isn’t as comprehensive as some other joint support supplement blends (although it does offer some of the knee health compounds we’ve explored above). 

What to Look for in a Joint Supplement for Knees

As you search for a new joint supplement for your knees, keep an eye out for:

• Formulas with multiple ingredients – There are many different compounds that can support overall joint health. Search for formulas that contain as many of these helpful ingredients as possible to provide maximum support for your knees.

• Science-backed blends – Not every supplement brand is committed to making science-backed products. Opt for companies that leverage science to make the best possible wellness products. 

• Non-proprietary formulas – You should know exactly what’s in your supplements—transparency is a must when looking for a joint supplement. If a brand doesn’t divulge what’s in its proprietary blends, you’ll have no way of knowing what you’re really taking. 

• Subscribe and save options – Brands that care about your wellness will make it as easy as possible for you to consistently access and use your supplements (and even save money in the process). Once you find a supplement you like, choose a subscription option for simple restocking. 

Joint Supplements for Knees FAQs

What else should you know before adding a joint supplement to your routine?

Are There Any Natural Methods That Could Help With Knee Pain?

A few other methods that could help with knee pain include:

• Physical therapy

• Weight management

• Eating a good diet (more below)

• Warm and cold compresses

• Acupuncture

• Massages

• Wearing proper footwear

• Avoiding high-impact activities

How Long Does Knee Pain Typically Last?

The duration of your knee pain will depend on a few factors:

• Injury – If you’re in pain because of an injury, it may take time for your injury to heal. 

• Chronic conditions – If you’ve received a diagnosis for a type of arthritis (like osteoarthritis), your knee pain may ebb and flow throughout your life. For people with chronic conditions, management techniques (like eating well, supplementing as needed, and other holistic approaches) are especially important. 

• Unknown causes – If you’re not sure what’s causing your knee pain—your uncomfortable work shoes, your new workout routine, an unknown injury, or something else—it’s hard to say when your pain will subside. However, you can take steps to alleviate your pain right now no matter what the cause may be. 

Can Diet Affect Knee Pain?

Your diet can definitely impact your knee pain—especially considering that diet can impact joint health. Take a look at the list of compounds, vitamins, and antioxidants we explored above. Nearly all of these joint-supporting ingredients are found in food. 

However, if you can’t get all of the joint-supporting compounds you need in your diet, supplementing with a high-quality, joint-focused blend could help you reach your goals and support your overall joint function. 

Can Knee Pain Be Hereditary?

While anyone can experience knee pain, some causes of knee pain (like arthritis) can be inherited. 

Relieve Knee Pain With Vibrant Health

Knee joint health is paramount to maintaining an active and pain-free lifestyle. By understanding the root causes of knee discomfort and selecting the right supplements, we can take significant steps toward supporting and even restoring joint function. The best joint supplements for knees are those backed by science, offering a blend of cartilage-building ingredients, essential vitamins, and powerful antioxidants.

If you seek for a comprehensive solution, consider Joint Vibrance to support your journey toward better joint health and a more vibrant life.