Supplements for Arthritis: What Works?
Supplement scorecard
Numerous natural remedies have been touted as arthritis busters. But which ones really work? We scoured the latest research to separate the supplements that may be helpful from those that probably won't do you any good.
1 of 5
Omega-3 fatty acids
Do they work?
Yes
Early research suggests that they may reduce your risk of osteoarthritis. And even if that doesn't pan out, omega-3s have so many health perks that getting them in fatty fish or a supplement that contains DHA and EPA can't hurt.
2 of 5
Vitamin D
Does it work?
No
Popping D supplements doesn't appear to reduce the pain or progression of knee osteoarthritis, according to a Tufts Medical Center
study published in January 2013.
3 of 5
Glucosamine with chondroitin
Does it work?
Yes
Try taking these building blocks of cartilage together: In a recent study, 80 percent of people with osteoarthritis who popped 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine and 1,200mg of chondroitin a day noted pain relief.