Nutritional Supplements can be used as a method to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and can also serve as a preventive method for osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine helps to build and maintain joint cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues.

Chondroitin helps to nourish and protect joint cartilage and maintain healthy synovial fluid that cushions the joint.

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a natural compound in the body which has anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting and pain-relieving effects.

This supplement is also beneficial for people with depression, it has a mild to moderate antidepressant effect.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is rich in organic sulphur and helps to improve osteoarthritis joint pain and swelling.

MSM promotes elasticity and flexibility of the connective tissues in the joint.

MSM has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it has an important role in producing collagen and glucosamine. Both are essential for healthy bones and joints and in producing immunoglobulins for immune system.

MSM can be found in fresh raw food such as fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Rosehip is a herbal medication that has anti-inflammatory properties. Rosehip is effective in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms and reduce joint discomfort.

Rosehip extract contains polyphenols and anthocyanins, which can ease joint inflammation and joint damage prevention.

It is also rich in vitamin C that has antioxidant effects. It can decrease the production of specific enzymes which potentially break down the cartilage.

Curcumin, a turmeric extract, acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Like the COX-2 inhibitor drug, celecoxib, curcumin blocks the same inflammation-promoting enzyme.

However, curcumin is difficult to be absorbed by the body. It needs to be taken with a source of fat. Black pepper also increases the absorption of curcumin.

Curcumin cannot be taken with blood-thinning medications, diabetes medications and antacids as it increases the effects of these medications.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and it reduces joint pain and improves flexibility.

However, turmeric cannot be taken with blood-thinning medications, diabetes medications and antacids as it increases the effects of these medications.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish. Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

The two types of omega-3 fatty acids that are present in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can help reduce inflammation which causes swelling and pain. DHA is found to be more effective at decreasing inflammation than EPA.

Additionally, Omega-3 can protect against heart disease and dementia.

However, omega-3 fats are claimed to work better for rheumatoid arthritis than for osteoarthritis.

Krill Oil may help relieve symptoms associated with mild osteoarthritis.

Krill Oil is not only high in EPA and DHA, but also a phospholipid omega-3 based oil which is more effective for joint health than fish oil.

Krill oil can significantly improve pain, stiffness, and functional impairment resulted from osteoarthritis. The improvements of the condition were not just temporary but were sustained.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide which is a major component of joint and connective tissue. HA slow down the degradation of joint and ease the pain caused by osteoarthritis.

HA will inhibit the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) which is the key element that causes joint destruction in osteoarthritis. MMP-13 will dissolve the cartilage thus leaving the joint space vulnerable to friction and unprotected from traumatic injury.

Astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid pigment, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It is beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Astaxanthin decreases inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which is an inflammatory trigger in osteoarthritis. Like HA, astaxanthin also inhibits MMP-13, thus preventing joint degradation caused by osteoarthritis.

Astaxanthin also has another benefit for joint health, it inhibits apoptosis (cell death), which is the result of many chronic, inflammatory diseases. Apoptosis causes significant cartilage loss in osteoarthritis.

Evidence has shown that krill oil formulation with HA and astaxanthin has benefits on joint health.

Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties; it has a major role in the generation and progression of diseases. A study indicated that magnesium could help narrow joint space. The nutritional supplementation of magnesium is beneficial for osteoarthritis.

Magnesium deficiency is a risk factor of osteoarthritis, low magnesium intake may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Magnesium also makes painkillers work better in relieving pain. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and when combined with magnesium, it can reduce joint destruction and pain. This combination can also inhibit the formation of bone spur and reduce inflammation.

Collagen is made from animal or fish materials. It is rich in amino acids which plays a major part in building of joint cartilage and anti-inflammatory properties. Amino acids have an important role in creating collagen. Type II collagen is one of the main proteins in cartilage.

Collagen hydrolysate supplements are rich in several amino acids. Collagen hydrolysate can improve osteoarthritis symptoms by stimulating production of joint collagen in the body.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights molecules that trigger joint inflammation. Vitamin C serves a role as a co-factor in collagen synthesis, the main protein in joint tissue and bone.

Vitamin D enhances absorption of calcium which is essential for strong healthy bones.

Vitamin K is also involved in cartilage structure. Both vitamins D and K are important for bone strength.