Millions of people across the country have begun looking for natural ways to decrease their knee and hip discomfort while simultaneously boosting their overall joint health and mobility. Health brands have caught on and started formulating supplements targeted to the 55 million Americans currently experiencing joint aches.1

These supplements generally employ plant extracts that have already been used to promote knee and hip comfort for thousands of years. Research suggests that these natural extracts can actually be just as effective as their synthetic counterparts.2

Unfortunately, manufacturers have taken advantage of the fact that many of us don’t know what to look for in an all-natural, clinically-studied joint health supplement. That's why Smarter Reviews compiled months of research to show you what to look for, what to avoid, and how a quality joint supplement can help you achieve better knees and hips in no time.

How to tell if you need a joint supplement?

  •  You experience discomfort in your knees, hips, or other joints
  •  You've noticed decreased mobility
  • Your hands or feet have started swelling 
  •  You get tired more easily than normal

What Are The Top Ingredients For healthier knees & hips?

During our research, we discovered that there are key ingredients clinically proven to help support joint well-being and boost overall health. They each have their own benefits, but when taken together, they pack a serious punch:

Turmeric Curcumin: This ancient spice is widely loved in medical circles for its ability to support and defend joint, bone, and physical wellness. One important note, however, is that the generic forms found in most mass-market supplements simply don't have the potency and absorption power needed to be effective. Trials of clinically proven curcumin suggest a daily serving size of 350 to 400 mg. If a supplement contains more than this, it suggests that the curcumin is probably not clinically proven and may not work as promised. 

Boswellia: This tree extract helps curb discomfort by moderating our bodies' natural inflammatory responses. It has even been shown to work better than an over-the-counter NSAID medication.4 However, like turmeric curcumin, generic forms may not give you the results you're looking for. Based on clinical trials, target potency ranged between 250 to 300 mg of boswellia per serving. 

Collagen: It's not only good for your skin, it also helps support your joint structure, specifically in the knees and hips, as well as your overall health. UC-II®, an undenatured type of collagen, is the market leader of supplements targeted toward relieving discomfort and enhancing joint mobility. Just 40g of UC-II® has been shown to be twice as effective as 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin, despite their hefty serving sizes. 

Generic vs. Clinically Studied

Many knee and hip supplements currently on the market include turmeric curcumin, Boswellia, and collagen... however, be aware that not all varieties of these ingredients have been clinically studied and proven to be effective. Unfortunately, many companies will simply opt for the cheaper, generic options in an attempt to cut costs... and their results reflect that. 

In fact, studies show clinically tested ingredients are 10 and sometimes even 100 times more effective than their generic counterparts. However, keep in mind that because of this, products using clinically studied ingredients will often be more expensive than the generic options -- yet with that you'll know you're paying for something that will yield results.

Note About Glucosamine, Chondroitin, & MSM

While they're popularly found in knee and hip supplements, there is no conclusive evidence that any of them directly improve mobility or discomfort.3,5 In fact, you would have to take a very high dose in order to see even a fraction of the results that you'd experience from the ingredients previously mentioned.

In large serving sizes, Chondroitin has been known to cause uncomfortable side effects like rashes, headaches, and diarrhea. Glucosamine is no better, with clinical trials showing that it's no more effective than a placebo.8 Its effects include upset stomach, fatigue and heartburn and MSM has been found to cause liver damage.

Clinically studied and safe ingredients are critical for the results you want, but they aren't the only characteristics to look for in a joint health supplement. Here are a few of the key factors we considered while selecting our top five products. 

4 things You need for better knees & hips

Taking all of the potent plant extracts listed above into consideration, we've boiled down a list of  four key characteristics you should always look for in a joint health supplement. Try to seek out all of these qualities:

The right combination

We wanted to find a supplement that included all of the health-boosting ingredients mentioned above. Why mix and match, or sacrifice a powerful ingredient altogether, when you can have them all in one simple daily supplement? Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to find boswellia, curcumin, and collagen all together in one product, but we found that it's worth the hunt. 

Powerful Potency

Any supplement that doesn't offer the serving sizes we mentioned above simply won't give you the results you need. This goes for both serving sizes that are lower and higher, as turmeric curcumin with a huge serving size is usually trying to compensate for a lack of absorption power. 

Doctor-formulated

During our research of hundreds of products, we found that the highest quality, most effective joint health supplements were all formulated by a respected doctor specializing in both nutrition and mobility. 

Clinically Studied Ingredients

It goes without saying—you want ingredients that have been clinically proven to work. Unfortunately, most supplements contain generic and unstudied forms of the ingredients they advertise. Make sure that the label lists ingredients that have been proven effective in clinical studies. 

2 THINGS TO AVOID

Generic ingredients 

Too many health brands have been cutting costs by using cheaper, generic ingredients. This is likely why you or someone you know have tried a turmeric curcumin supplement without any results. It's critical to find a supplement with 100% clinically proven ingredients.

Reviews On Amazon

Up to 60% of Amazon reviews are written by individuals paid to leave positive feedback. Risking your health with reviews that are likely false is too dangerous a game to play when you’re choosing an ingestible supplement.

Our specialized ranking system

At Smarter Reviews, we employ a comprehensive evaluation system to analyze and measure the full value of products, by looking at the ingredients, safety, projected effectiveness, return policies, and overall customer satisfaction. This method is known as the Smarter Reviews Ranking System.

THE 5 BEST knee & Hip health Supplements ON THE MARKET

Based on our own extensive research, the metrics provided by our Smarter Reviews Ranking System, and consideration of numerous reviews by Smarter Shoppers just like you, we've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in 
this category, on the market today.