10 best vitamins for joint pain
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Caley Scott, ND
When facing joint pain, every bit helps. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and chronic joint discomfort know that physical therapy and stretching only go so far. Even lifestyle changes have their limits in terms of the results they deliver. That’s why so many are turning to supplements and vitamins that promote joint health from within.
Not only are vitamins necessary for immune function and overall wellness support, but they also promote strong bones, connective tissue, and more. These components all contribute to healthy, mobile joints, especially as we age and our priorities shift to pain relief and longevity.
Today, we’re covering some of the top vitamins for joint health and explaining how they work in the body. We’ll also offer some bonus supplement recommendations that can give your bones, ligaments, and tendons an extra level of support through the years.
1. Calcium
Many of us have heard about it since childhood — calcium is the mineral most commonly associated with strong bones and resilient joints.
With calcium, you’re getting significant support for bone strength and structure, but this mineral also helps cartilage remain strong and resistant to degeneration. You can find calcium in the usual sources like dairy products, but also leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium might not directly support strong bones and joints, but it goes a long way in supporting the nervous system and muscles that go hand-in-hand with joint health. Many users report that magnesium reduces tension and discomfort around joints thanks to muscle-relaxing properties, allowing you greater mobility and sustained physical activity throughout the day.
There are dozens of types of magnesium to choose from, so find supplements that contain several magnesium varieties to cover your bases. You can also increase your intake of veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to increase your dietary magnesium each day.
3. Vitamin E
As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E is packed with antioxidant properties that support your joints during exposure to oxidation. Even the healthiest joints can be stressed by free radicals, so taking vitamin E gives you extra protection on a cellular level.
In fact, many studies show that vitamin E supplementation is common in addressing arthritis pain and general arthritis symptoms. While you should always check with your healthcare provider for serious conditions, vitamin E may help you get a head start and keep yourself well.
Luckily, vitamin E is found in a range of foods, from fruits and veggies to fish like trout and salmon. Many fortified foods like cereals and juices also offer supplementary vitamin E when fresh produce isn’t on the menu.
4. Vitamin C
We usually think of vitamin C as the “immunity vitamin” that’s often used to combat illness. It has that reputation for a reason, but vitamin C is also central to collagen synthesis — because joint cartilage is primarily made from collagen, that means vitamin C is the building block you need for healthy joints at any age.
Vitamin C also plays a role in supporting proper wound healing and tissue repair, helping you bounce back from minor injuries and joint-related discomfort. Meanwhile, the immune support from vitamin C can help ease swelling in joints, helping you get back in the game faster than ever. In addition to a multivitamin, make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh citrus, berries, and veggies to get your daily vitamin C.
5. Vitamin D3
Calcium and magnesium are great on their own, but only with vitamin D3 can you fully absorb these minerals and make them work in your favor. Vitamin D3 is also key to muscle function, keeping your body strong when performing daily activities and strenuous physical tasks.
While many Americans are deficient in vitamin D — especially those in cold climates — supplementation and a balanced diet can help. Up your intake of fatty fish, eggs, and dairy products, and safely increase sun exposure throughout the week, even in wintertime.
6. Turmeric
While not necessarily a vitamin, the compound curcumin found in turmeric has long been known for reducing joint discomfort. This spice is rich in antioxidants and has been used in ancient medicinal practices to help with mobility, joint health, and more.
Not everyone is attuned to the taste of turmeric in food, but thankfully, it’s a part of many popular supplements today. It’s found in Sunmed’s Trim products alongside apple cider vinegar and cannabinoids, giving you a well-balanced approach to joint support in tincture or edible form.
7. Essential fatty acids
Another non-vitamin worth adding to your list, essential fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids are superfoods for your tendons, cartilage, and whole-joint wellness. Think of these compounds as extra cushioning and lubrication for the joints, allowing you to move more freely without discomfort and tension.
Essential fatty acids can be supplemented with products like fish oil, but whole food sources are also plentiful. Stock up on sardines, shellfish, and other seafood sources to keep the omega-3s flowing. These are some of the most important nutrients you can take for your joints, so don’t skip them.
8. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is typically part of a skincare lineup, but it is closely associated with collagen production that supports joints as well. It’s a one-two punch — look your best and feel your best. You can take this supplement along with your go-to stack of morning vitamins, or, our preferred choice of Supergreens Gummies, and wash it down with your tea or coffee for an extra boost.
If you’re especially interested in the benefits of hyaluronic acid, you can also use it directly on your skin to support a youthful and radiant complexion.
9. Glucosamine
It might not be a traditional vitamin, but glucosamine sulfate is one of the best compounds you can take for joint health right now. It assists in cartilage formation and helps heal damage around joints. Users find that glucosamine reduces stiffness, smooths mobility, and adds to overall quality of life by preventing cartilage breakdown.
Natural sources of glucosamine are found in bone broth and marrow, but plant-based eaters will want to find a vegan source that they can use in supplement form.
10. Chondroitin
You’ll often hear glucosamine and chondroitin grouped together, and that’s because they work together synergistically to support healthy joints and cartilage. Specifically, chondroitin is part of a protein molecule called proteoglycan, which contributes to the elasticity and flexibility of cartilage. This gives you an extra edge in mobility, fluidity, and overall comfort when moving around.
You can also find chondroitin in animal-based food sources, but most people get this compound in supplements. Glucosamine chondroitin combo supplements are widely available and can make a big difference in your daily routine.
How should you structure your vitamin game plan?
Your vitamin regimen should reflect your health goals and priorities, and any of the compounds discussed in this article can help. Consider using a multivitamin that includes all the major vitamins we outlined, then using a dedicated glucosamine and chondroitin source to fill in the gaps. A great place to start? Try Sunmed's Supergreens Gummies, rich in daily vitamins and minerals, along with 30+ superfood ingredients.
Meanwhile, if you need short-term relief for stiff or uncomfortable joints, consider using a topical form of CBD that can soothe target areas like the knees or elbows. Sunmed’s Full Spectrum Relief CBD Cream is a crowd favorite for that exact reason — as you ramp up your vitamin regimen and make healthy lifestyle changes, this cream gives you an extra layer of soothing comfort that goes a long way.*
After all, CBD is one of the best natural ways to ease tension and discomfort in joints, and this cream has much more than that. It also contains MSM and peppermint for cooling sensations and smooth shea butter to help it absorb faster. This is just the beginning of your joint health revival, so make it count with all the right tools.*
The bottom line
Joint health is a complex equation, but making the right changes in your life should be easy once you have a plan in place. We’ve detailed the top joint health supplements and vitamins that can help support your joints now and into the future.
Sunmed is always here with a full range of natural hemp extracts and supplements to help your body and mind, inside and out. This is your opportunity to revitalize your joints the natural way and get back to doing what you love most.
Sources:
Popular Supplements for Arthritis: What You Need to Know | Arthritis Foundation
Supplements for Joint Pain: Helpful or Harmful? | University of Maryland Medical
Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis | NIH
Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain | NIH