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An optimal state of joint health lets you have comfortable mobility, to run, walk, jump, play sports, and move about as you please, so it’s of utmost importance for everyone, especially for seniors, whose joints start to deteriorate as the years go by. 

Various dietary supplements are an effective way to promote joint mobility. Check out our top 5 picks for the best joint supplement for seniors below:

Understanding Joint Health in Seniors

The Aging Process and Joint Health

When it comes to the system of joints, the bones don’t directly go into contact with one another. Instead, the articular cartilage serves as a cushion that lines your joints, which are then surrounded by synovial membranes and are lubricated by the synovial fluid, which allows and enables mobility.

As people age, joint movement starts to become less flexible over time due to two main factors – the thinning of cartilage and the decrease of the synovial fluid. The ligaments also start to shrink and lose flexibility, effectively stiffening the joints further.

Common Joint Problems In Seniors 

Here are some of the more common joint conditions often suffered by older adults: 

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Bursitis
• Adhesive capsulitis

Senior Joint Health By The Numbers

Here are some statistics related to joint health in seniors:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) Prevalence: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects approximately 33% of people over the age of 65. From 2016 to 2018, an estimated 58.5 million US adults (23.7%) were diagnosed with some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Source: CDC – Prevalence of Arthritis in the United States
• Projected Prevalence: By 2040, it’s projected that 78.4 million (25.9%) US adults aged 18 years or older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
  • Source: CDC – Projected Prevalence of Arthritis in US Adults
• Prevalence by Age:
  • 7.1% of adults aged 18 to 44 years reported arthritis.
  • 30.5% of adults aged 45 to 64 years reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
  • 50.4% of adults aged 65 years or older reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
  • Source: CDC – Prevalence of Arthritis by Age
• Joint Replacement Surgeries: In the U.S., more than 790,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements are performed each year. The majority of these surgeries are for seniors.
• Impact on Mobility: 40% of seniors over 65 years report that arthritis affects their daily activities.
• Economic Impact: The direct medical costs for arthritis in the U.S. are estimated to be over $140 billion annually.
  • Source: CDC
• Physical Activity: Only 13% of men and 8% of women with knee osteoarthritis meet the national guidelines for physical activity.
• Obesity and Joint Health: Obesity increases the risk for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and hand. Nearly 31% of adults who are obese reported arthritis diagnosis.
  • Source: CDC – Arthritis Related Statistics

The Role of Nutrition in Joint Health

Nutrition plays a vital role in every aspect of human health, and it makes no exception for joints. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients can work wonders for one’s joint health by providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Opting for fresh whole foods instead of heavily-processed, artificially-flavored ones, in general yields health benefits. 

If you’re making a diet plan, make sure to select foods rich in these nutrients, minerals, and compounds, which are extremely crucial for joint (and bone) health:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Polyphenols
• Omega 3s fatty acids

The Science Behind Joint Supplements

Several studies have shown that joint supplements do provide effective relief against joint pain symptoms and help restore mobility. They are formulated with select ingredients, nutrients, and minerals that are beneficial to joint health…

Key Ingredients in Joint Supplements

The following ingredients are noted for their efficiency in providing joint pain relief:

• Glucosamine – Glucosamine relieves pain, improves muscle function, and promotes more mobility, making it a common ingredient used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis.
• Chondroitin – Chondroitin is composed of amino acids and glucosamine sulfate. It helps protect the cartilage in joints, prevents it from suffering further damage, and provides pain relief. It also inhibits enzymes that cause cartilage degradation.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – Methylsulfonylmethane is an organic compound that contains sulfur and is found in green plants, animals, and humans. Studies attest to its effectiveness in relieving joint inflammation and its role in the formation of connective tissues.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, which means the body can’t produce them on its own, so it has to get them from diets. They have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties like strengthening joint health.
• Bromelain –  Bromelain has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective at reducing swelling/tenderness, restoring joint mobility, and relieving pain.
• Turmeric/Curcumin – Turmeric, aside from being a kitchen spice, is a powerful medicinal ingredient whose properties it owes to curcumin, the substance that also gives it its rich yellow hue and flavor.
• Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic acid helps promote cell and tissue growth to ensure joint cartilage and bone growth and development.
• Collagen – Collagen is mainly responsible for maintaining healthy joints and the skin’s elasticity or stretchiness and provides structural support to the extracellular space of connective tissues.

Best Joint Supplements For Seniors – The List

1. Physio Flex Pro

Physio Flex Pro harnesses the power of natural anti-inflammatory substances that effectively restore joint mobility, flexibility, and comfort.

Physio Flex’s carefully formulated blend utilizes compounds that help restore joint movement and muscle strength – ingredients like glucosamine, ginger, turmeric, and methylsulfonylmethane contain potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect the joints from degradation, while bromelain, chondroitin, and selenium citrate help repair and protect key connective tissues and keep the joints flexible and lubricated.

All product batches are free from soy, additives, bulk, and fillers in cGMP-approved, FDA-registered facilities. The brand also uses lab-tested A-1 grade GMO-free active ingredients and compounds carefully extracted from natural sources. 

This is the only joint supplement we’ve found that contains this mix of ingredients.

Recommended Dosage

Take two (2) capsules daily with food with a glass of water. Consume them after a meal. 

Pros 

• Uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients
• No additives, fillers, or preservatives
• Soy-free
• Manufactured in FDA-compliant facilities
• Fast and tracked USA Shipping
• 60-day Money Back Guarantee

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Not vegan-friendly
• Unsuitable for users with milk or egg allergies.

Price

• 2-Month Joint Protection Course – $114.00
• One-Month Purchase – $58.00

2. Turmeric X39 – Vitaliv

Using the wonders of turmeric, Vitaliv’s Turmericx39 helps restore optimal joint mobility and flexibility and a strong, healthy cartilage formation.

Studies have shown that Turmeric X39 is 52.5 times more bioavailable for total curcuminoids than C-95, thanks to Vitaliv’s featured ingredient, Curcugen®, which is a clinically studied, highly-concentrated, and highly bioavailable whole turmeric extract absorbed by the body faster. It’s responsible for turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and helps ensure maximum joint and inflammation relief.

Recommended Dosage

Take 1 to 2 capsules with a big glass of water twice daily, about half an hour before a meal.

Pros 

• Norway-formulated
• Clinically-studied formula
• Fast shipping
• 180-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Slow results
• Not vegan-friendly

Price

• Subscription Price – $41.65
• One-Time Purchase – $49.00 

3. MoveWell Plus – Live Conscious

Live Conscious’ MoveWell Plus highly-potent ingredient formula helps decrease oxidative damage and stress on joints to improve joint health and achieve better mobility and flexibility.

Movewell Pius’ formula combines the power of Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin, clinically-proven omega-3s fatty acids sourced from krill oil, and hyaluronic acid, which restores lubrication. Both are potent, highly absorbable ingredients working symbiotically to prevent oxidative stress, maximize mobility, comfort, and flexibility in the joints, and improve overall joint and bone health. 

Recommended Dosage

Take one (1) soft gel capsule daily with a meal and 8 oz of water.

Pros 

• Uses sustainably-sourced omega-3s
• Free from soy, gluten, wheat, nuts, and dairy
• Non-GMO
• Easy to swallow
• Free shipping (U.S. only)
• 1-year money-back guarantee

Cons

• Has a weird aftertaste
• Not vegan-friendly

Price

• Subscription Price – $28.99
• One-Time Purchase – $31.99 

4. Glucosamine Chondroitin – Essential Elements

Essential Elements Glucosamine Chondroitin helps you attain optimal joint flexibility and mobility by targeting joint-related problems and restoring mobility and flexibility.

The supplement’s titular ingredients, glucosamine and chondroitin help repair damaged cartilage and relieve joint pain and support healthy joint cushioning. Other compounds such as hyaluronic acid, curcuminoids, methylsulfonylmethane, and Boswellin® Super effectively restore joint lubrication,  flexibility, and mobility.

Recommended Dosage

Take one (1) capsule after every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) (3 capsules a day) 

Pros 

• Uses globally-sourced ingredients
• Free from soy, gluten, wheat, nuts, and dairy
• Non-GMO
• Free shipping (U.S. only)
• 1-year money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not vegan-friendly
• May require longer, more consistent usage to see results

Price

• Subscription Price – $20.99
• One-Time Purchase – $22.99 

5. MoveMD Joint Support – 1MD Nutrition

MoveMD Comprehensive Joint Support delivers clinically studied ingredients in one comprehensive joint health supplement to restore optimal joint health and mobility. 

1MD Nutrition’s formula features key patented ingredients – AprèsFlex® and Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin. AprèsFlex, a bio-enhanced form of boswellic acid, targets and relieves joint pain, while Zanthin helps reduce oxidative damage and stress. Other ingredients like eggshell membrane and chicken collagen formulas restore joint lubrication and mobility.

Recommended Dosage

Take one (1) capsule daily, with or without food, or as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Pros 

• Uses globally-sourced ingredients
• GMP-certified
• Free from peanuts, wheat, and shellfish
• Free shipping (U.S. only)
• 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not vegan-friendly
• May require longer, more consistent usage to see results

Price

• Subscription Price – $39.99
• One-Time Purchase – $44.99 

Criteria for Choosing A Joint Supplement

• Ingredient quality – Always take the time to go through a product’s label or research the ingredient profile to make sure you’re compatible and safe with all its ingredients. Read more about harmful chemicals, possible allergens, and dietary no-nos, and how they affect your health. 
• Individual health needs – Make sure the supplement of your choice suits your health needs/conditions well. Check if the product is safe for any existing health conditions you might have or if they interact with any medications you might be currently taking.
• Affordability – Always check if the product price fits well into your monthly budget. That way, it will help you take the supplement with more ease and consistency. 

How to Use Joint Supplements Safely

Recommended Dosage & Timing

Always follow the recommended dosage on the supplement packaging, or as recommended by your healthcare provider. Taking more than the recommended dosage doesn’t increase its effectiveness and can lead to side effects.

Potential Interactions

Certain ingredients may interact with any medication you might be currently taking:

Glucosamine 

• Acetaminophen
• Warfarin

Chondroitin

• Anticoagulants
• Warfarin

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 

No known interactions

Omega-3 fatty acids

• Blood thinning medications
• Corticosteroids
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Cyclosporine
• Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Bromelain

• Antibiotics
• Anticoagulants
• Sedatives

Turmeric/Curcumin

• Anticoagulants
• Anti-diabetes medications
• Anti-tumor medications
• Anti-cancer medications
• Estrogen

Hyaluronic Acid

No known interactions

Tips For Better Joint Health

1. Consult Your Doctor 

Before trying out any new supplement regimen, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions, taking other medications, or don’t know where to start. That way they can recommend better treatment or supplement options suited to your health needs.

2. Start with a Healthy Diet

Supplements should always be secondary to a healthy balanced diet. Start incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium into your meals. Replace heavily-processed, artificially-flavored foods and beverages with fresher whole food sources to prevent inflammation.

3. Stay Hydrated

Since water makes up a large portion of joint cartilage, staying hydrated can yield better joint health. Always drink up to 8 glasses of water daily and try to lessen your alcoholic or carbonated beverage intake for a while. You can substitute them for green tea or fresh fruit juices. 

4. Give It Time

Everyone has a different response to medications and supplements, and joint supplements could take weeks to months of consistent usage to show effects, so don’t fret if you don’t experience immediate results. Continue with the regimen as you normally would and track down your progress and changes.

5. Exercise Regularly

Regular low-impact exercises like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga can help strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve joint mobility and flexibility.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Eating foods high in fats, sugars, grains, and other carbohydrates can activate pro-inflammatory substances and result in weight gain, which can strain the joints. Losing some weight and maintaining a healthier figure can help relieve the pressure.

7. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a popular treatment for joint conditions, which helps improve strength and flexibility in the knee and helps prevent future injuries. Physical therapists usually recommend exercise plans for knee and hip osteoarthritis to strengthen the hip muscles and restore knee function.

8. Get Enough Rest

The daily grind can take a toll on your joints if you don’t get enough rest after strenuous work activity. Getting enough rest during the day and at night helps the body recover from knee pain flare-ups and symptoms.

9. Surgery

Surgery is usually the ultimate recourse when all the other treatment options haven’t yielded any positive results, Orthopedic surgeons will usually recommend the following procedures:

• Arthrodesis – Involves the permanent fusing of the joints
• Joint replacement – The replacement of the joints in the hips and knees with artificial ones made of metal or special types of plastic. 
• Osteotomy – The removal of a small piece of bone to realign the knee.

Expert Opinions & Interviews

Maryland-based epidemiologist Dr. Chris D’Adamo highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of glucosamine and chondroitin, adding that they have cartilage-protecting effects through different mechanisms. While Dr. Tai Cheh Chin believes that hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective non-surgical option to relieve joint pain and eliminate swelling.

Scottish nutritionist Sonnda Catto says that eating an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fresh whole foods rich in nutrients, fiber, compounds, and phytochemicals helps reduce oxidative damage/stress on the joints and restores mobility and lubrication

You can also check out what medical experts have to say about joint health and the power of supplements:

On hyaluronic acid:

On glucosamine and chondroitin:

On the benefits of turmeric:

On bromelain:

On collagen:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Recap

• Joint movement starts to become less flexible as a person ages.
• Supplements can provide pain relief, strengthen bones, and help restore mobility. 
• Nutrition is key to optimal joint health. Opting for fresh whole foods instead of heavily-processed, artificially-flavored ones, does the joints good. 

Conclusion

The aging process can take a toll on one’s health and diminish many functions like joint mobility and flexibility. Supplements, when taken simultaneously with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can help restore joint function to help you get you back on your groove.

Always consult with your healthcare provider to better keep track of your joint recovery progress and let you in on the best tips on how to maintain optimal joint health.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.