The Ultimate Guide To Joint Care Supplements

Your joints keep you going every day, from bending your knees to climbing stairs. But as we age or put extra strain on our bodies, our joints can start to feel stiff, sore, or inflamed. Whether you suffer from arthritis or just general bone and joint pain, supplements can help reduce stiffness and support mobility.

With so many joint supplements available, it can be hard to know which is best for you. This guide breaks down each type, explaining what they do and who they’re for, making it much easier to choose the right one.

🕒 10 min read

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage, the tissue that cushions your joints. A glucosamine supplement may help maintain cartilage health and reduce wear over time. It may also reduce joint stiffness and discomfort, especially for people with osteoarthritis. These are best for adults experiencing early signs of joint wear, stiffness or anyone looking to maintain long-term mobility. Read more in our glucosamine guide.

Benefits of glucosamine include:

• Supports cartilage structure and elasticity
• May help reduce mild joint stiffness
• Works synergistically with other supplements for added support

ChondroMax® Advanced Joint Support

No. 1 best-selling glucosamine and chondroitin formula with added vitamin C for joint cartilage.

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• Max strength 1,800 mg daily dose
• Glucosamine and chondroitin combined
• 80% of people saw reduced joint discomfort after one month
• Vitamin C to support joint cartilage

2. Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a key component of cartilage, helping to retain water and maintain elasticity in your joints. Chondroitin supplements may support cartilage repair, improve cushioning, and help reduce joint discomfort. These are best for individuals with long-term joint protection or mild to moderate joint stiffness.

Benefits of chondroitin include:

• Maintains cartilage elasticity and hydration
• Supports joint cushioning
• Works well alongside glucosamine for synergistic support

Read more: Chondroitin benefits and uses.

Optiflex® Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Two perfect joint health partners providing glucosamine HCl and chondroitin with added vitamin C for cartilage support.

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• 500 mg glucosamine HCl per tablet
• 100 mg chondroitin per tablet
• The building blocks of joint cartilage
• Vitamin C to support your joints

3. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric supplements may help reduce joint swelling and stiffness by inhibiting inflammatory molecules in the body. These are best for anyone experiencing inflammation-related joint pain or stiffness, and those seeking natural support for recovery from exercise.

Learn more: Four science-backed benefits of turmeric for joint health.

Benefits of turmeric include:

• Helps reduce joint inflammation and stiffness
• Supports recovery from exercise or overuse
• Provides antioxidant protection for joint tissues

Opti-Turmeric®

Fast-acting, highly absorbable liquid curcumin capsules with added vitamin C for joint and immune health.

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• 185x better absorbed than standard turmeric powder
• 7x faster acting liquid capsules
• Added vitamin C for cartilage support
• No turmeric works faster

4. Collagen

Collagen is the main structural protein in cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Collagen supplements may support joint flexibility, cartilage repair, and connective tissue health. These are best for older adults experiencing age-related collagen decline, athletes seeking recovery support, or anyone wanting to maintain strong joints.

Benefits of collagen include:

• Promotes cartilage repair and elasticity
• Supports joint flexibility and comfort
• Contributes to the health of connective tissues

Read more: Collagen for joints.

Super Strength Marine Collagen Complex

High-strength collagen peptide complex with added type II collagen, copper, manganese and vitamin C.

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• 1,000 mg collagen peptides per tablet
• Type II collagen for joint support
• With copper, manganese and vitamin C
• One-a-day formula

5. Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and certain plant oils, are essential fats with anti-inflammatory properties. An omega-3 supplement may help reduce joint inflammation, supporting comfort and mobility. These are best for individuals with inflammatory joint conditions or anyone seeking systemic anti-inflammatory support.

Benefits of omega-3 include:

• Reduces joint inflammation
• Supports overall joint comfort
• Benefits heart and brain health

Read more: Omega-3 fatty acids – the benefits for heart, brain and eye health.

Glucosamine & Omega 3

An exclusive blend of shellfish-free Optiflex® glucosamine HCl and omega-3 fish oil for joint, brain and heart support.

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• Shellfish-free glucosamine HCl
• High quality omega-3 fish oil
• Supports joint health and mobility
• Added benefits for brain and heart

6. MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that supports joint health and connective tissue function. MSM is also seen to be combined with manganese, which contributes to bone health and helps support extra cartilage. These are best for adults with stiffness or those seeking general support for cartilage and connective tissue. Learn more in our guide to MSM benefits and uses.

Benefits of MSM include:

• Supports connective tissue health
• May reduce joint discomfort and stiffness
• Helps maintain flexibility

MSM 1,000mg with Manganese

High-strength MSM with added manganese to support connective tissue, cartilage and joint health.

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• 1,000 mg MSM per tablet
• Supports connective tissue and joints
• With added manganese for bone and cartilage
• Vegan friendly

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone mineralisation. It may help maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures. Vitamin D supplements are best for older adults, those with low sun exposure, or anyone looking to support long-term bone health. Read more about why we need vitamin D in our helpful guide.

Benefits of vitamin D include:

• Supports calcium absorption for bone health
• Helps maintain strong bones
• Contributes to overall skeletal integrity

Super Strength Vitamin D3

One-a-day super strength vitamin D3 to support bones, teeth, muscles and immune health.

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• 25 µg vitamin D3 per tablet
• Supports bone and muscle function
• Helps maintain healthy teeth
• Easy-to-swallow one-a-day tablets

8. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, critical for cartilage and connective tissue health. These supplements are best for adults who maintain strong cartilage and connective tissues. Taking a vitamin C supplement may support joint repair, protect cartilage, and improve tissue resilience. Read more in our guide to why vitamin C is essential for immunity, healing, bones, cartilage and skin.

Benefits of vitamin C include:

• Supports collagen production for joints
• Acts as an antioxidant to protect cartilage
• Helps maintain cartilage structure

Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl 1,325mg with Vitamin C

Maximum level of pure, plant-based glucosamine with added vitamin C to support joint health and collagen formation.

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• 1,325 mg glucosamine HCl per tablet
• Sustainable plant-based source
• Vitamin C for collagen and cartilage support
• Vegan friendly

9. Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 works with vitamin D to direct calcium into the bones and support healthy bone formation. A vitamin K2 supplement may help maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of calcium buildup in arteries. These are best for adults over 40 or anyone supplementing with calcium and vitamin D. Learn more about the benefits, foods and supplements in our guide to what vitamin K is.

Benefits of vitamin K2 include:

• Supports bone mineralisation
• Works synergistically with vitamin D
• Helps maintain overall bone health

Vitamin K2 75µg

Pure, active vitamin K2 (MK-7) to support normal blood clotting and bone health, ideal alongside vitamin D.

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• 75 µg vitamin K2 per tablet
• Supports normal blood clotting
• Helps maintain healthy bones
• Vegan friendly

10. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports muscle function, bone strength, and nerve health. Check out our guide to read more about why you need magnesium. For joint care, magnesium supplements may help prevent cramps, improve muscle recovery, and support joint and bone health. These are best for adults with low dietary magnesium or those seeking overall musculoskeletal support.

Benefits of magnesium include:

• Supports muscle relaxation and function
• Maintains bone strength
• Helps reduce joint and muscle stiffness

Magnesium 375mg

High-strength magnesium tablets to support muscles, energy levels, bones, teeth and the nervous system.

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• 375 mg magnesium per tablet
• Supports normal muscle function
• Helps reduce tiredness and fatigue
• With added B vitamins

11. Green-lipped mussel

Green-lipped mussel extract is a marine-derived source of omega-3 and glycosaminoglycans containing acidic and amino sugars. These are crucial for skin hydration, collagen, and elastin in joints. Taking this supplement may support joint lubrication, cushioning, and comfort, and it’s best for adults with stiffness or those seeking natural joint support.

Benefits of green-lipped mussel include:

• Promotes joint lubrication and cushioning
• Supports flexibility
• May reduce inflammation

Green-Lipped Mussel

Quality green-lipped mussel extract with vitamin C to support bones, cartilage and joint comfort.

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• Marine-sourced green-lipped mussel
• Supports bone and cartilage health
• Added vitamin C for collagen support
• Ideal partner to Optiflex® glucosamine

12. Rose hip

Rose hip, derived from the Rosa canina plant, is rich in vitamin C and natural antioxidants. A rose hip supplement may help support collagen production, cartilage formation, and overall joint health. These are best for adults looking for a natural, vitamin C-rich option to support joint resilience and flexibility. Learn more in our guide to how rose hip can help with joint pain.

Benefits of rose hip include:

• Supports collagen formation and cartilage health
• Provides antioxidant support
• May help reduce joint stiffness

Rose Hip

Rose hip tablets with added vitamin C to help maintain healthy, flexible joints and cartilage.

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• Equivalent to 5,000 mg whole rose hips per tablet
• Helps maintain flexible joints
• With added vitamin C

13. Bromelain

Bromelain is a pineapple enzyme that may help reduce inflammation and joint discomfort. Taking a bromelain supplement may support recovery after injury or strenuous activity. These are best for adults looking for natural anti-inflammatory support.

Benefits of bromelain include:

• Reduces inflammation
• Supports joint comfort
• May help with post-exercise recovery

Read more: Bromelain benefits and uses.

Bromelain

Naturally sourced bromelain extract with added vitamin C to support joints, bones and recovery.

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• 500 mg bromelain per tablet
• Supports joints and bones
• Helps with post-exercise recovery
• Vegan friendly

14. Devil’s claw

Devil’s claw is a plant extract traditionally used to ease joint and muscle discomfort. These are best for adults with arthritis or age-related joint stiffness. Learn more in our guide to devil’s claw.

Benefits of devil’s claw include:

• Supports joint mobility
• May reduce mild joint discomfort
• Provides natural anti-inflammatory effects

Devil's Claw JointAid

A traditional herbal remedy used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain and general aches.

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• 450 mg devil’s claw root extract
• Traditional joint and muscle support
• Ideal for age-related stiffness

15. CBD oil

CBD is a compound derived from the hemp plant that may support joint comfort and reduce inflammation. CBD oil capsules, drops, or balm may relieve any mild discomfort or pain, according to a 2016 study. CBD for joint pain is best for those seeking a natural alternative for joint health. Check out our guide to what CBD is and what it does.

Benefits of CBD oil include:

• May help reduce joint inflammation
• Supports comfort and flexibility
• Provides natural pain-relief support

CBD Oil Capsules 450mg

High-strength CBD oil capsules with added vitamin D to support muscles and immune health.

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• 15 mg pure CBD per capsule
• 450 mg CBD per pack
• Enriched with vitamin D

Other joint supplements

Several other supplements and ingredients may ease joint pain and inflammation. However, the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and long-term safety for joint care. These include:

• Avocado soybean unsaponifiable (ASU): A plant extract that may help protect cartilage and reduce inflammation in the joints.
• Borage oil: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it may help ease joint stiffness and support flexibility.
• Boswellia serrata: A natural herb that may reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility.
• Cat’s claw: A tropical vine extract with anti-inflammatory properties that may support joint comfort.
• Diacerein: A plant-derived compound that may slow cartilage breakdown and reduce joint discomfort.
• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): A sulfur-based compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, especially in topical gels or solutions.
• L-carnitine: Studies show this amino acid improves mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation, decreasing pain and enhancing cartilage healing.
• Passion fruit peel extract: Contains antioxidants that may support collagen production and joint function, reducing pain and stiffness.
• Pycnogenol: A pine bark extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for joint health.
• S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe): Supports cartilage repair and may help improve joint comfort.
• Hyaluronic acid: Helps lubricate and cushion the joints for smoother movement but provides more short-term symptom relief.

For more, read our guide to the most important vitamins and minerals for bone health.

Important considerations before starting joint supplements

Before adding joint supplements to your routine, there are several important factors to consider to ensure safety and effectiveness:

• Consult a healthcare provider: Always speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before starting new supplements.
• Diet and lifestyle matter: Supplements are designed to complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory foods supports joint health alongside supplementation.
• Set realistic expectations: Supplements can support joint comfort and cartilage health, but they are not guaranteed to cure arthritis or joint degeneration. Individual results vary and it may take 8–12 weeks to notice benefits.
• Look for trusted certifications: Independent testing and certifications can reassure product quality and ingredient accuracy. Joint supplements from Healthspan undergo rigorous quality checks to meet these standards, ensuring quality and safety.

How to choose the best joint supplement for you

Selecting the right joint supplement depends on your needs and joint health goals. Think about:

• Health needs: Different supplements target different issues, whether you’re looking for relief from stiffness, inflammation, or cartilage health.
• Combinations: Many supplements combine joint-supporting nutrients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamin C.
• Age: Older adults may benefit from fast-absorbing formulas with additional vitamins D and calcium.
• Lifestyle: Athletes might need higher-strength options to support recovery from high joint loads.
• Dietary needs: If you follow a vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-conscious diet, check product sources.

To help you decide, we’ve got a comparison table below:

Healthspan’s joint care supplements

Keeping your joints healthy is key to staying active and comfortable every day. From glucosamine and collagen to plant-based options like turmeric and rose hip, our supplements provide targeted support to reduce stiffness, protect cartilage, and improve flexibility. Backed by over 25 years of expertise, our joint supplements combine high-quality, science-backed ingredients with rigorous UK testing to ensure purity and effectiveness, helping you move freely and confidently at every stage of life.