While the research on most supplements for joint pain is mixed, and the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin are among those that may help manage it.

Dozens of supplements claim to treat joint pain, in addition to typical pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, but which ones actually work? Here, we look at 9 options and what existing research says about them.

Before trying supplements

Supplements are not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. Speak with your doctor and a registered dietitian before taking any and only buy from trusted sellers.

Turmeric is one of the most popular supplements for treating pain, including joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA).

Its pain-relieving effects are attributed to a chemical compound in turmeric called curcumin. Curcumin may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Although research on turmeric for joint pain is limited, a 2021 research review of 10 studies found that supplementation with turmeric or curcumin extract improves knee OA joint pain compared to a placebo.

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More research is needed on the dosing, frequency, and formulation of these supplements. But 500 to 1,500 milligrams (mg) daily for 3 months has shown promising results in research.

Fish oil contains 2 omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory effects:

A 4-month, randomized study published in 2020 found that fish oil supplements significantly reduce OA-specific pain and improve well-being. But more research is needed.

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 1,600 mg dailyTrusted Source for men and 1,100 mg daily for women.

Glucosamine is a natural component of cartilage, a substance that prevents bones from rubbing against each other and causing pain and inflammation. It might also help prevent the cartilage breakdown that can happen with arthritis.

Many joint pain supplements contain glucosamine (as either glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride), one of the most well-studied supplements for osteoarthritis. Despite this research, findings have been inconsistentTrusted Source.

A 2018 research review of 29 studies cited some studies that found glucosamine improved knee OATrusted Source pain and others that found little to no improvement in joint pain.

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Glucosamine sulfate is typically taken once daily in a dose of 1,500 mg. If this upsets your stomach, spread it out over 3 doses of 500 mgTrusted Source each.

Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of cartilage. It may also help prevent cartilage breakdown from OA.

Many studies have found that chondroitin may reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation in people with OA. Chondroitin sulfate may also slow the progression of OA by limiting joint space narrowing.

Joint supplements often combineTrusted Source chondroitin with glucosamine. But it’s still unclear if taking a combination supplement is any better than taking one or the other alone.

A 2018 research review found that glucosamine or chondroitin supplementation reduced joint pain when taken separatelyTrusted Source and not in combination.

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Chondroitin recommendations can vary from 800 mg to 1,200 mg. You may take this as a single dose or in 400 mg doses 2 to 3 times.

Your liver naturally produces S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) from an amino acid called methionine. It has several functions, including:

  • enhancing mood
  • improving brain function
  • increase joint mobility
  • liver detoxification

Current research on the benefit of SAMe for joint pain is lacking, and the existing research is inconsistent. A 2009 clinical trial of Korean participants found that SAMe didn’t Trusted SourcerelTrusted SourceieveTrusted Source pain more than another treatment after 8 weeks.

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In past studies, SAMe was often taken in doses of 800 mg daily. It may take some time to notice the results.

Boswellia, or Indian frankincense, is commonly used to treat arthritis pain. Its extract contains chemicals called Boswellia acids, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects.

A 2020 animal study found that Boswellic acids relieve OA painTrusted Source and protect cartilage. More human research is needed to further support its use for joint pain.

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The NIH recommends 250 to 500 mgTrusted Source of Boswellia serrata 2 or 3 times daily.

Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs) refer to an extract from avocado and soybean oils that may help prevent cartilage breakdown and repair it.

A 2018 study in rats found that treatment with ASU lessened joint pain. These findings point to the use of ASUs for joint inflammation and pain associated with end stage OA, but more research in humans is needed.

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300 mg of ASUs daily may be a good starting dose.

Devil’s claw, also called harpagophytum, contains a chemical called harpogoside, which may have anti-arthritic and anti-osteoporosis effects. A 2022 mouse model study found that it may slowTrusted Source bone erosion from inflammatory arthritis.

An older study published in 2000 found devil’s claw worked aboutTrusted Source as well as an anti-inflammatory drug called diacerein.

However, recent human research on this supplement for osteoarthritis is lacking, so more high quality studies are necessary.

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It’s recommended to take 500 to 1,5000 mg of devil’s claw dried root capsules 3 times daily.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may have anti-inflammatory effects. In a 2023 study of 88 participants in Japan with mild knee joint pain, 12 weeks of MSM supplementation led to significantly improved conditions.

Specifically, the study found that taking five 200 mg MSM tablets with breakfast and dinner improved knee and overall well-being compared to a placebo.

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Some studies have used 1,500 mg of MSM for 3 months, and others have used up to 2,600 mg.

Many joint pain supplements contain multiple ingredients. A long ingredient list doesn’t always mean a better product, and the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, so read labels carefully.

Added ingredients don’t always have proven benefits for joint health. Others might contain multiple beneficial ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

However, little evidence supports that supplements containing multiple ingredients are more effective than supplements containing a single ingredient. Some products have too little of one or more ingredients to be beneficial.

Before choosing a supplement, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medications you’re taking so they can check for potential interactions. Some joint health supplements can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.

Supplements may help relieve joint pain from arthritis. A few include turmeric, glucosamine, and fish oil. But the FDA doesn’t regulate them, so it’s important to read labels carefully and only buy from trusted sellers.

You should speak with your doctor, a registered dietitian, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may interact with them.

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