Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid plays a dual role in joint repair and inflammation. First, it is a necessary cofactor of the critical enzymes that are responsible for cartilage synthesis. Second, it is directly involved in reducing inflammation in the affected areas. Ascorbic acid can safely be taken in relatively large amounts without long-term side effects.

Boron

This mineral is actively involved in impeding the enzymes that cause inflammatory responses, thus reducing joint pain associated with arthritis. Very small amounts of boron are required to achieve this.

Glucosamine

In the sulfate form, this glycosaminoglycan is both a building block of connective tissue and is involved in the synthesis and repair of cartilage. This is especially helpful in those who suffer from osteo or rheumatoid arthritis. Glucosamine is extremely safe for oral consumption in relatively large amounts.

Chondroitin

Also in the sulfate form, this proteoglycan is found naturally in our bodies and plays a vital role as part of the makeup of articular cartilage, giving it elasticity by helping it retain water. Like glucosamine, it is extremely safe for oral consumption in relatively large amounts.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane is a small sulfur-containing molecule that does some pretty unique things for our bodies such as reduce inflammation and provide a natural form of sulfur for tissue building – namely connective and dermal tissues. Although the exact mechanism of action is unclear regarding its pain-managing abilities, it is thought to have influences on some of the processes that involve inflammation and oxidative stress at the cellular level. Like glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamin C, MSM is also safe for oral consumption in relatively large amounts.

Hyaluronic acid

Similar to glucosamine and chondroitin, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that is found naturally in all higher mammals in abundance. Supplementation with hyaluronic acid has shown to help moisten and soften skin, speed up wound healing, reduce joint pain and swelling, preserve bone strength, and many other interesting benefits. Like many of the other ingredients in the Joint Health formula, hyaluronic acid is also safe for oral consumption in relatively large amounts.

Glycine

This achiral amino acid (the one amino acid found in protein without an “L” in front of it) is both a prominent structural component of healthy cartilage and connective tissue and a moderately powerful anti-inflammatory. Glycine has also been shown to have anxiolytic effects.

L-Proline

This amino acid, when hydroxylated, in part of the structure of connective tissue. Along with other important amino acids, proline is one of the building blocks of articular cartilage and also has shown to aid in wound healing as well as mildly reduce inflammation in certain tissues.

L-Lysine

Apart from its amazing ability to rapidly heal cold sores, this amino acid is also involved, in the hydroxylated form, in the building of connective tissue, similar to proline and glycine.

D-Phenylalanine

The d-enantiomer of this amino acid has shown in studies to have the unique ability to increase the amount of circulating endorphins and enkephalins (our body’s natural pain reliever). It does this by inhibiting one of the key enzymes who’s job it is to break down these natural pain relievers. This is especially helpful in people who suffer from various forms of arthritis.

Turmeric

This plant contains a class of active ingredients known as curcuminoids, that have been shown in research to be able to greatly reduce inflammation and even pain signaling. Like D-PA, this is especially helpful in people who suffer from various forms of arthritis.

Black Pepper extract

One of the caveats to consuming turmeric extracted to high yields of curcumin, is the low bioavailability of the curcuminoids (low absorption and utilization rates in humans). This problem can be overcome by concomitantly taking black pepper extract rich in piperine to aid in the bioavailability of curcumin.