So, before trying new supplements, consult with a healthcare provider first.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamineand chondroitin are supplements that some people use for joint pain.
Glucosamine supplements are often derived from shellfish.
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Some chondroitin comes from the cartilage of sharks or cows, and some are synthesized in the lab.
Both are available in the form of supplements, either separately or together.
What the research says:Some studies suggest that taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can improve cartilage health.
Side effects and interactions:Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may interact negatively with the blood-thinning drug warfarin.
You also can find this information by looking at the website associated with the brand or calling the manufacturer.
For this reason, some research has evaluated its use as a supplement for joint pain.
For treatment purposes, it is sometimes extracted from rooster combs or produced in a laboratory using bacteria.
As a bonus, they may even improve sleep quality.
How to take it:There is no medically-determined advisable dosage of hyaluronic acid.
Manufacturers recommend between 200 mg and 1,000 mg per day.
Clinical studies have often reported positive results with daily dosages of 240 mg or less.
It has also been shown to lower inflammation and possibly even reduce the risk of developing arthritis.
Most of the borate in foods is in the form of a sugar-borate.
Many people get less than this amount through food.
How to take it:MSM is generally well-tolerated at a daily dosage of up to 4 grams.
Future studies are needed to gauge the effects of combining alcohol with MSM.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is derived from food and sunlight.
How to take it:The U.S.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults under 70 is 600 IU (international units) per day.
For adults over 70, it’s 800 IU.
Side effects and interactions:A standard dose of vitamin D is not associated with significant side affects.
However, vitamin D is believed to cause harmful effects at dosages of 4,000 IU or higher.
It also is thought to relieve inflammation and act as an antioxidant.
How to take it:No official dosage is established for tamarind.
For this reason, some people use tumeric supplements for joint pain.
What the research says:Omega-3 is known to reduce inflammation and help reduce pain.
Therefore, some researchers have considered its use as a supplement for joint pain.
How to take it:There is no official dosage for omega-3 fatty acids.
It also appears to have some immune-system modifying properties.However, its effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases is still unknown.
Side effects and interactions:No significant side effects of astaxanthin have been reported in humans or animals.
In animal studies, high doses have led to skin redness and reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive rats.
Since joints contain cartilage, researchers have considered whether collagen supplements may be beneficial for joint pain.
This supplement is generally derived from the sternum cartilage of chickens.
How to take it:No standard dosage has been established.
Some studies have reported good results with 40 mg per day.
Side effects and interactions:Collagen is generally well-tolerated and isn’t associated with any major side effects.
Possible minor side effects include:
No negative drug interactions have been found.
However, they advise against most supplements for managing osteoarthritis, primarily due to insufficient evidence that they work.
Supplements are one way to support joint health.
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