How to Compare Joint Supplements

Joint supplement advertisements fill the television and radio programs, as well as magazines. It is really not surprising when so many people suffer from joint pain and stiffness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults." Compare joint supplements by reading up on the technical information, asking your pharmacist and reading reviews by consumers.

Instructions

• 1

  Find the specifications for each joint supplement you are comparing. Look for the information in magazine advertisements (in the "fine print" that accompanies such ads), on the manufacturers' websites, or if the details are not posted, email the manufacturers and ask for brochures. Your pharmacist may also have the specification sheets on hand.

• 2

  Compare ingredients. Look for proven components such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Some supplements have aspirin in them as well. Look up any ingredients you are not familiar with to find out what they are and whether they have been proven effective. The Joint Supplements Reviews website lists ingredients of some of what it holds to be the best joint supplement components, including MSM and Sam-e, and gives link to full lists of its favorites.

• 3

  Find out how the joint supplements could affect you over long-term usage. Check the literature or ask your pharmacist which joint supplement pills have been shown to help more over time. Read further to find out how fast you can expect the joint supplement to improve arthritis symptoms.

• 4

  Take note of the side effects. Even rare side effects will be listed in the product literature. Be aware that you might have an uncomfortable experience. For example, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists side effects of some main supplement ingredients. Both glucosamine and chondroitin can cause gastrointestinal distress, for example. Read consumer reviews to find out problems others have had with the supplements you are studying.

• 5

  Compare prices. Divide the total price by the number of pills to get cost per pill.