By Robert Schinetsky

Chronic joint pain rates are one the rise, and an estimated 78.4 million (25.9%) US adults aged 18+ are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by 2040.¹ Most commonly, individuals report feeling discomfort in the knees, wrists, fingers, shoulders, and hips.

The first line of relief recommended by many physicians are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While these may help to temporarily block pain and decrease inflammation, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers don’t actually help fortify and nourish the critical structures that make up a joint.

Fortunately, a number of dietary supplements have been found to support joint health as well as offer several other benefits. While acute trauma accounts for a portion of joint dysfunction, the majority of joint degradation occurs slowly over time. A key way to preserve the health and performance of your joints is proper exercise form, quality daily nutrition and targeted supplementation. †

BEST JOINT NUTRIENTS

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing molecule that is known to support joint health in two distinct ways – supporting cartilage production and offering anti-inflammatory effects.² †

In fact, researchers note that “...incorporation of the ingested MSM-derived sulfur into the cartilage suggest an application of MSM for the prevention or treatment of inflammation-related joint diseases.”² †

A recent 12-week investigation in healthy participants experiencing “mild” knee joint pain found that daily supplementation with 2,000mg MSM improved knee conditions and systemic health condition compared to placebo.² †

These findings are noteworthy because this was the first clinical trial involving “healthy” individuals whereas previous MSM studies involved individuals with osteoarthritis.^3,4 †

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is one of the two most common and long-used dietary supplements for joint health (chondroitin being the other). It is a component of cartilage, and previous studies have suggested it may help improve joint comfort and support healthy joints.^5,6

 In addition to joint-support qualities, glucosamine has also been associated with other benefits, particularly in the realm of cardiometabolic health and all-cause mortality.^7,8,9 For instance, animal studies indicate that glucosamine administration may mimic the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet leading to an increase in life span.¹⁰ A recent cohort study including nearly 480,000 participants found that regular glucosamine supplementation was associated with a lower risk of heart failure regardless of genetic risk status.¹¹ †

Newer research is pointing to some brain health benefits as well. Previous studies have shown that glucosamine can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), where it may offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits.^12,13 †

A large UK Biobank study, including data from nearly 500,000 Brits, published in the highly respected BMC Medicine, investigated the relationship between regular use of glucosamine and the risk of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia.¹⁴ Over the roughly nine-year follow-up period, the researchers recorded 2,458 cases of all-cause dementia, 924 cases of Alzheimer’s disease, and 491 cases of vascular dementia. †

At the conclusion of the study, the team found that regular glucosamine supplementation was related to a 15% decreased risk of all-cause dementia, 17% for Alzheimer’s disease, and 26% for vascular dementia.¹⁴ Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key biomarker of systemic inflammation, was significantly lower in those who regularly took glucosamine.¹⁵ †

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is frequently supplemented alongside glucosamine, and the combination of the two is also known to report more favorable outcomes in regard to joint-support benefits than either used alone.¹⁶

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance that helps the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints. Previous studies we’ve highlighted indicate that chondroitin supplementation may improve joint comfort and overall quality of life.¹⁶

As was the case with glucosamine, chondroitin has also been found to offer additional benefits beyond joint health. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, similar to how arthritis is an inflammatory condition. Research indicates that chondroitin may inhibit certain inflammatory factors downstream of NFkB signaling, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2, as well as COX-2 expression.^17,18

A 2021 large-scale cohort study, including over 3.7 million people, found that use of chondroitin was associated with ~40% reduction in the risk of a heart attack.¹⁹ The findings are supported by much earlier research from the 1970s by Morrison and colleagues that first discovered the potential cardiovascular benefits of chondroitin.²⁰ †

Additional animal studies have also found that chondroitin may be able to reduce the size of plaque in blood vessels as well as repair damaged blood vessel walls.²¹ †

Boswellia Serrata

Boswellia serrata is a plant with a rich history of use in traditional healing practices, particularly for chronic inflammatory conditions. Researchers have identified one of the key bioactives present in boswellia, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), which has been found to inhibit inflammation and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway.^22,23,24 AKBA has also been documented to be the “... most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), an enzyme responsible for inflammation.”²⁵ †

Newer studies suggest that AKBA may benefit the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as immune support.^26,27,28 †

A pair of recent studies by Wang and colleagues documented neuroregenerative benefits following AKBA administration in regard to sciatic nerve injury.^26,27 † Specifically, the researchers noted that:

…”at the molecular level, AKBA can increase neurotrophic factor expression through inhibiting myeloperoxidase expression and reducing inflammatory reactions, which could promote myelin sheath and axon regeneration in the injured sciatic nerve.”²⁶

Among the neurotrophic factors impacted by AKBA administration include brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) – two neuropeptides that regulate the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons.²⁶

Researchers also noted that AKBA can increase these neurotrophic factors (in part) by “reducing inflammatory reactions, which could promote myelin sheath and axon regeneration.²⁶

Turmeric

A staple ingredient of Asian cuisine, turmeric also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for its anti-inflammatory potential. In fact, A 2016 meta-analysis and systematic review found that turmeric was comparable to a popular OTC NSAID for improving symptoms of joint pain.²⁹ †

Curcumin, and other bioactives present in turmeric, modulate NF-κB signaling, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin production and phospholipase A2, COX-2, and 5-LOX activities.^30,31

While the joint support and comforting properties of turmeric/curcumin are well established, both in research and traditional use, new research continues to be conducted and published. Most recently, a turmeric-inclusive mixture “mitigated joint pain and improved musculoskeletal functions and joint motility in KOA [knee osteoarthritis] subjects.”³² Individuals received either placebo, 250mg of a turmeric/tamarindus indica, or 1,000mg blend of turmeric and Boswellia serrata extracts mixture for 30 days. Individuals receiving the turmeric/tamarind mixture improved physical function and experienced improvements in symptoms of joint pain and stiffness.³² †

Collagen (With Vitamin C!)

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it provides the structure and biological “glue” that holds your body together. Collagen is found in the hair, skin, and nails as well as bones, ligaments, joints, cartilage, muscles, and blood vessels.

While there are nearly 30 different types of collagen in the body, the most abundant types are: 

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III

The body naturally produces collagen (but as is the case with most things), the body’s ability to synthesize collagen declines with age. Supplementing with collagen offers an economical and accessible option for individuals seeking to increase their intake of collagen peptides.

Using a combination of bovine collagen peptides (rich in types I and III) plus UC-II (type 2 collagen) stimulates collagen production and supplies the key amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) needed to support collagen synthesis.^33,34

In addition to previous research demonstrating the joint support benefits of collagen supplementation, a 2018 systematic review concluded that combining vitamin C (a popular immune support supplement and antioxidant) with collagen “has the potential to accelerate bone healing after a fracture, increase type I collagen synthesis, and reduce oxidative stress parameters.”³⁵ †

It’s also worth mentioning that injury can lead to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C may help to reduce oxidative stress after injuries by “decreasing endogenous or exogenous ROS, signified by an improved tissue composition in ligaments, tendons, and bone.”³⁵

JOINT COCKTAIL: THE BEST JOINT SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT †

We’ve discussed the importance of joint health numerous times, and the rash of joint-related injuries that have significantly impacted the Women’s World Cup further underscore how critical it is to nourish your joints.

Advanced Molecular Labs Joint Cocktail contains an industry-leading combination of joint support supplements (including each of the ingredients discussed above plus many others) backed by human research. †

A serving of AML Joint Cocktail supplies 17 grams of ingredients. Most joint formulas on the market supply (at most) 3-4 grams of active ingredients.

To put this into perspective, if AML Joint Cocktail was in capsule form, you would have to take over 20 tablets or capsules to get the same clinical effective dosages found in one serving of our powdered joint supplement!

Choosing a powder joint supplement allows easier digestion as well as more efficient absorption and utilization. Furthermore, using a powder is ideal for individuals who have difficulty swallowing capsules, and there is a lag in digestion and absorption of ingredients in capsules on account of the body having to break down the capsule itself first before it can begin to utilize the active ingredients contained within it.

Quite simply, when it comes to advanced joint support, there is no better option than Advanced Molecular Labs Joint Cocktail. †

† These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

© Published by Advanced Research Media, Inc. 2023

© Reprinted with permission from Advanced Research Media, Inc.

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