Best Supplement for Osteoarthritis: A Pharmacist’s Opinion (2025)

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We evaluated 18 products sold online against 7 criteria, and selected these 3 dietary supplements for osteoarthritis:

Best pack for osteoarthritis 🥇
> Osteoarthritis Pack – Nutripure

Best collagen for joints
> Marine Collagen – Twenty DC

Best complex for osteoarthritis
> The Joint Formula – Nutri&Co

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Our selection criteria

• Active ingredients: list of active ingredients contained in the dietary supplement.
• Form: supplements can be in capsule or powder form, each format having its advantages and disadvantages
• Excipients: quality supplements have no artificial excipients (colorant, preservative, sweetener, flavors…)
• Certificates of Analysis: check for absence of heavy metals and suspicious solvents
• Price / day: this refers to the daily cost at the brand’s recommended daily dose.
• Customer reviews: these reviews are gathered from the brand’s website, review sites, or Amazon.
• Our review of the brand: following the testing of dietary supplement brands that we conduct every month.

Best natural anti-inflammatory for osteoarthritis: our opinion

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Best pack for osteoarthritis 🥇

We selected this osteoarthritis pack developed by Nutripure laboratories because it is particularly comprehensive (contains 3 different supplements).

Arthropure contains chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, and boswellia, agents recognized for their beneficial effects on osteoarthritis and studied extensively in scientific research.

Collagen powder protects against cartilage loss and helps relieve joint pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect. Here it is hydrolyzed, thus well absorbed by the body.

Finally, this pack contains curcumin, a key agent in the fight against inflammation. The form offered is highly bioavailable due to its innovative and patented format (39X better absorbed than a standard extract).

These 3 supplements are pure, without artificial excipients and particularly effective when used together. They can also be purchased separately.

Nutripure was co-founded by two brothers, a top-level athlete and an engineer. The ingredients offered by the laboratory are of high quality and minimize the use of food additives.

Manufacturing is French and prices are fair (see our full brand test).

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Best complex for osteoarthritis

This joint health complex is an excellent choice given the number and quality of its active ingredients.

It contains hyaluronic acid, present in cartilage, where it aids in shock absorption and affords some flexibility. The active ingredient used is premium: it is patented and has been the subject of clinical studies.

Two other patented ingredients complete this supplement: a boswelia extract particularly concentrated in AKBA, a molecule acting specifically on joint inflammation. And a mangosteen extract titrated in alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin, targeting inflammation from just 5 days of use.

In addition, vitamin C contributes to collagen formation in the body.

We are fond of the Nutri&Co brand because it is reliable and transparent (read our complete review here for more details). Furthermore, customer reviews are very positive.

This brand is based in Aix en Provence and places particular importance on the quality of its products’ active ingredients.

→ Surprise promo code = DARWINGIFT (minimum order 70€)

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Best collagen for joints

Twenty DC’s marine collagen is of excellent quality. It is hydrolyzed, which optimizes its absorption by the body (95% bioavailable).

Collagen helps strengthen joints, improve mobility, and makes hair silky and less brittle.

The first effects are visible and felt after 20 days of use, by taking one scoop of 10g of powder per day.

This collagen is available in neutral, strawberry, and caramel flavors, allowing for variety. It is made in France and sourced from sustainable aquaculture.

Twenty DC is a young French brand specializing in collagen dietary supplements. All its products are made in France from premium ingredients.

A discount of up to 10% is applied with the purchase of multiple products.

→ Free water bottle promo code = DARWINGIFT (be sure to add the bottle to your cart before entering the code – minimum order 70€)

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Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis

What are the causes of painful joints?

Joint pain can have multiple causes: osteoarthritis, gout, inflammation of tendons or ligaments.

These conditions are more common in older people, athletes, or in cases of overweight. 

Cartilage is a tissue surrounding the surface of bones in the joints. It contains chondrocytes, cells that produce collagen and enable joint resistance and elasticity.

Over time, multiple traumas, or with a genetic predisposition, molecules are synthesized less and their quality decreases.

Symptoms of joint pain, swelling, reduced flexibility, and mobility then occur.

How to preserve and strengthen joints? 

In daily life, engaging in sports prevents and reduces cartilage weakening. Be cautious, as overly intense activities like running or boxing can instead damage joints. 

Wear shock-absorbing shoes, avoid wearing high heels, and limit repetitive motions: painting, gardening…

Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet:

• focus on omega-3s (fish and vegetable oils)
• focus on nuts and seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, cashews)
• make sure to eat enough proteins, necessary for the production and strengthening of body tissues. 

Antioxidants, protectors of our cells, are essential for maintaining joint health. They are found in fresh vegetables and fruits, garlic and onions, spices like turmeric, and green tea.

Reduce salty and sugary intakes, such as pastries and cakes, and charcuterie. 

The Best Active Ingredients for Joints

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a cartilage substance, ensuring joint maintenance and elasticity. It is also present in tendons and the walls of our arteries. 

A review of trials of varying quality observed that chondroitin significantly improved pain in osteoarthritis patients compared to those taking a placebo. 

Another study concluded that chondroitin significantly reduced pain and increased overall mobility.

Glucosamine

It is often associated with chondroitin in dietary supplements. Glucosamine is naturally synthesized from glucose and glutamine, an amino acid.

It is a molecule present in the structure of cartilage, allowing joint lubrication. Its production decreases over time, leading to cartilage degeneration.

In one study, glucosamine was compared to ibuprofen, a conventional anti-inflammatory used for joint inflammation and osteoarthritis.

Among 200 patients with knee osteoarthritis, taking glucosamine sulfate for 3 months proved as effective as ibuprofen for symptoms, with fewer side effects. 

Hyaluronic Acid

It is a natural component of synovial fluid, the lubricant of joints. This compound fights osteoarthritis by indirectly blocking cartilage destruction.

It is regularly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, as an injection directly into painful joint areas.

A clinical trial observed that daily oral supplementation with hyaluronic acid improved the quality of life for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

Collagen

Collagen is a very abundant protein in our body, particularly in bones, skin, and cartilage. It supports the integrity of tendons and slows the onset of joint disorders. 

A clinical trial reveals that taking collagen by athletes for 24 weeks reduces joint pain at rest or in motion.

MSM

This molecule, still little known, seems promising for relieving osteoarthritis, and has the advantage of not causing side effects, unlike continuous use of anti-inflammatories.

MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane, is a micronutrient rich in sulfur, and is present in small quantities in some foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and seafood.

In a placebo-controlled trial, patients suffering from osteoarthritis for three months reported a reduction in pain and an improvement in physical function.

Devil’s Claw

Better known as devil’s claw, its roots have anti-inflammatory properties recognized by the European pharmacopoeia.

Devil’s claw contains harpagosides, unique molecules that can block the process of pain and inflammation.  

Numerous studies validate its effectiveness: daily intake of 2.4 grams of devil’s claw root extract for 12 weeks, among 75 patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, revealed a significant reduction in pain and improvement in mobility.

Boswellia 

Another key plant used in the treatment of joint inflammation: Boswellia serrata extract. This plant contains an active ingredient called boswellic acid, which inhibits the synthesis of the body’s inflammatory molecules. 

A meta-analysis (a set of several trials) evaluated the effects of Boswellia compared to a placebo, a non-therapeutic medication, among 545 patients.

Taking Boswellia for at least 4 weeks helped relieve pain, stiffness, and improve joint function.

Horsetail

Traditionally, other remineralizing plants, such as nettle or horsetail, are used in the treatment of joint pain. 

Horsetail has a considerable amount of silica (silicic acid and silicates) and flavonoids (antioxidants).

Silicon is a mineral that promotes collagen formation, an essential protein for our joint health.

Turmeric 

This spice contains curcuminoids, notably curcumin, with natural anti-inflammatory activity. This unique composition is used to relieve joint symptoms. 

Scientific evidence indicates that 8 to 12 weeks of treatments with turmeric extracts (average of 1000 mg/day of curcumin) reduce arthritis symptoms and improve symptoms similarly compared to conventional anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen. 

In what form

In capsules and tablets

Most joint supplements are found in these forms. They allow for sufficient concentrations of active ingredients and good preservation.

The administration is easy and prevents non-compliance during long-term treatments, especially in cases of osteoarthritis where intake is generally for several months.

In powder form 

MSM and collagen are found either in capsules or powder form. This form is easily absorbed, and a daily intake is generally sufficient.

Athletes frequently use it in their energy drinks, it dissolves in water or a beverage. 

In drinkable solution

To be diluted in water using a measuring cap, concentrated solutions contain plant extracts that are sources of minerals (horsetail, nettle, bamboo), or directly minerals like silicon. 

Collagen is also available in drinkable sticks. Be careful, this form contains very variable concentrations and quality in active ingredients. 

In infusion

Infusions are an effective way to use remineralizing and anti-inflammatory plants: horsetail, nettle, blackcurrant.

Tea has the advantage of being simple to prepare and pleasant to drink, and provides hydration to the body. 

Infusions require multiple intakes, generally two to three cups a day, to hope for a significant effect.

Criteria to consider

1. The origin of the active ingredients

Some active ingredients present in dietary supplements are of animal origin: synthetic chondroitin comes from bovine, porcine origins, or can be derived from shark rays.

Glucosamine comes from crustacean shells.

Collagen is of marine, bovine origin, or from hydrolyzed egg membrane.

2. The form 

The form used influences its absorption. For glucosamine, prefer the sulfate form, which is cheaper and more effective than the hydrochloride form.

For collagen, prefer the hydrolyzed form: collagen is a very heavy protein, not assimilable by the body. Choose collagen with a weight between 2000 and 6000 Daltons, better assimilated by the body.

For hyaluronic acid, the mention “low molecular weight” guarantees good absorption.  

The form of plants used in dietary supplements directly affects the effectiveness: opt for a standardized plant extract, ensuring a sufficient content of active ingredient. 

3. The content of active ingredients

Chondroitin and glucosamine should have respective concentrations of 1200 mg and 1500 mg distributed throughout the day in 2 to 3 intakes. 

The content also varies depending on the form used: for collagen, it is recommended to take 2.5 to 10 g for powder, and 2.5 to 3 grams for capsules.

For plants, check that the main active ingredient is sufficiently present. For example, harpagophytum extracts should contain 1.2 to 2% harpagosides (or providing a dose of 50 to 100 mg of harpagosides per day).

 Standardized Boswellia extracts should contain 65% boswellic acid. 

4. The presence of excipients

Many additives can slip into dietary supplements, especially when the product contains several different active ingredients.

Choose a supplement without additives, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial colors, or flavors. It should be as natural as possible.

Precautions for use

If you are on medication, seek medical advice before self-medicating, especially with plants.

Harpagophytum, for example, is contraindicated during pregnancy, in cases of ulcers, gallstones, and gastric disorders.

Glucosamine is not recommended in cases of diabetes, asthma, or shellfish allergies. 

Some side effects have been reported with chondroitin intake: itchiness, liver disorders. 

Finally, as a precaution, due to the lack of hindsight on its use, MSM is not recommended during pregnancy, chemotherapy, or in cases of kidney disorders. 

In summary

To ensure you choose quality joint supplements, check:

1. The origin of the active ingredients: they are often of animal origin.
2. The form: sulfate for glucosamine, hydrolyzed for collagen, low molecular weight for hyaluronic acid, standardized extract for plants.
3. The content of active ingredients: for harpagophytum, 1.2 to 2% harpagosides are needed, for example.
4. The presence of excipients: choose a supplement without additives, preservatives, sweeteners, artificial colors or flavors

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Best pack against osteoarthritis

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Best complex against osteoarthritis

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Best collagen for joints

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