Hui AY et al. A Systems Biology Approach to Synovial Joint Lubrication in Health, Injury, and Disease. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Sys Biol Med. 2012 Jan-Feb; 4(1): 15-37. We've included a mixture of other essential compounds such as Boswellia Serrata and Vitamin C, which can help contribute to the normal function of bones. Finally, a 2 1/2-year study in 407 women with overweight ages 50–60 found 1,500 mg/day of glucosamine sulfate to significantly decrease the risk of knee osteoarthritis compared with a placebo, suggesting that it may work as a preventive therapy ( 9). Chondroitin Glucosamine sulfate. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020.

As a viscous, non-Newtonian fluid with egg white-like consistency, synovia helps ease the bone-on-bone friction that occurs within the joint, keeping movement smooth and resilient to injury. These mixed recommendations may partially stem from the fact that the manufacturer and type of the supplements can result in different study results. For example, pharmaceutical-grade varieties appear more effective compared with over-the-counter options ( 4, 5). Summary Damlar İ et al. Effects of glucosamine-chondroitin combination on synovial fluid IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2 levels in internal derangements of temporomandibular joint. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2015 May; 20(3): e278-e283. In a 2014 review of 43 studies on the use of chondroitin for osteoarthritis, chondroitin taken alone or with glucosamine showed significantly lower pain scores — with a 10% mean difference — compared with a placebo. However, the overall quality of studies was low ( 11). With upward of 3.6% of the global population living with this debilitating condition, many people use or have tried using combined glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to alleviate osteoarthritis pain ( 2). SummaryGlucosamine may also be made from a fungus or fermented corn. And due to the animal origin of some ingredients, the supplements may not be suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian dietary pattern. Pitting oedema and itching are uncommon with turmeric, but have been reported in people who took turmeric orally. Taking turmeric in combination with blood thinners can strengthen their effects and increase the risk of internal bleeding. Blood-thinning medications include Tech Workers: texting, typing, tapping—though the life of a tech enthusiast seems fairly injury-free, tech usage does accumulate a significant amount of connective tissue strain. But these popular joint supplement ingredients differ, both structurally and functionally. Here’s a brief description of each Glucosamine and Turmeric:

Turmeric has been found to impact certain pain receptors in the body, particularly those in the chest, shoulders, and abdominal area. This means it may help reduce the severe pain associated with menstrual cramping, irritable bowel syndrome, and frozen shoulder. But compared to Boswellia, Devil’s Claw or any other supplement, turmeric usually works faster (at least in my case). Martel-Pelletier J et al. Cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandins in articular tissues. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Dec; 33(3): 155-67. After 6 months, chondroitin sulfate led to similar pain scores as celecoxib and significantly lower scores than the placebo. Thus, the authors concluded that chondroitin sulfate may be an effective pain remedy for those with knee osteoarthritis pain ( 10). It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect (the strongest of all herbs, in my opinion). It’s more potent even than:

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Glucosamine hydrochloride. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020. MSM is a naturally occurring compound and its effects on inflammation have been extensively studied. Fortunately, glucosamine (and other key joint support ingredients that we’ll cover below) don’t negatively interact with turmeric. Asher GN, Spelman K. Clinical utility of curcumin extract. Altern Ther Health Med. 2013;19(2):20-22

Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020.Curcumin present in turmeric is effective at being an anti-inflammatory, which is a natural remedy for the symptoms of arthritis and gout.