Don't Go It Alone! Four Joint Allies You Can Count On
With so many nutrients available for joint health, it can be confusing to know which ones are right for you. Let’s explore some of the most popular science-backed ingredients for healthy joints.
1. Joint Comfort
Tart Cherry
Tart cherries strengthen vital collagen structures in connective tissue and help to metabolize uric acid, making them a valuable contributor to joint health. They support joint function and provide antioxidant support. You can eat tart cherries, but taking a supplement is more convenient.1
2. Mobility
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is found in every tissue of the body, concentrated in connective tissues such as cartilage and skin. It’s an integral part of joint fluid, where it serves as a lubricant for joints and a shock absorber to help support comfortable mobility. Oral supplementation of hyaluronic acid is a convenient way to obtain its joint-supporting benefits.2
3. Healthy Connective Tissue
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
As we age, cartilage can weaken and start to break down. Glucosamine and chondroitin are major building blocks of cartilage, and clinical evidence shows glucosamine supplements may support the health of this vital connective tissue. When combined, glucosamine and chondroitin are more effective in supporting joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are among the most popular options for joint health.3
4. Flexibility
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is a naturally-occurring form of the essential mineral sulfur. It’s easily absorbed in the body and supports connective tissue health including cartilage, collagen and hair.4,5,6 MSM promotes better joint flexibility, movement and physical function.7 It can be obtained from foods in their natural state such as tomatoes and leafy green vegetables, or obtained in supplemental form from tablets, powders, creams and more.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like 7 Supplements for Joints and The Science Behind How They Work and Glucosamine Overview: The Best Types (and Forms) for Joint Health. Also, be sure to sign up for Swanson Health emails to get expert advice and our best promotions delivered straight to your inbox.
About Amy Sunderman, MS, RD
Amy is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and author with more than 20 years of experience in the supplement industry. Amy is passionate about dietary supplements and the health benefits they offer. She enjoys working to find novel nutritional ingredients with strong clinical research behind them to drive innovation and provide health-promoting products to consumers.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
1. Efficacy of Tart Cherry. National Library of Medicine. Read source
2. Effect of Hyaluronic Acid. National Library of Medicine. Read source
3. Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. National Library of Medicine. Read source
4. Effects of Oral Supplementation with Methylsulfonyl. Natural Medicine Journal. Read source
5. Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane. Biomolecules & Therapeutics. Read source
6. Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). National Library of Medicine. Read source
7. The Influence of Methylsulfonlymethane. National Library of Medicine. Read source
