Update 10/18/21. Arthri D (also called Arthri D3) is arthritis and anti-inflammation supplement that you may have seen advertised in a 30 minute TV commercial. After watching the 30-minute infomercial, you may have wondered, does Arthri D work, or is it a scam? Well, one thing is this supplement contains an ingredient ―called N acetyl glucosamine ―that I don't see in many arthritis products. Does that ingredient make it better? It was this ingredient that made me want to review Arthri D3 in case you were wondering the same thing. Let's see if Arthri D is right for you.
What Does Arthri D Refer To?
The letters “arthri”is a reference to arthritis. The “D” in Arthri D3 refers to vitamin D3, the type of vitamin this supplement contains. Hence the reason it's also called “Arthri D3.” There are basically 2 different types of vitamin D:
- Vitamin D3, also called cholecalciferol
- Vitamin D2, also called ergocalciferol
Arthri D gives people 1000 IU of vitamin D3 in two capsules. While that's nice, it's possible that people may already be taking 1000- 2000 IU of vitamin D daily, given all the publicity this vitamin has been getting over the past several years. If not, I suggest getting vitamin D levels checked so you know what your levels actually are.
See the review on Vitamin D Facts.
Arthri D Research
Research conducted specifically on Arthri-D cannot be located. This doesn't not mean it does not work. Rather, it just means we need to look at the proof for its ingredients. Let's do that next.
Arthri D Ingredients
According to the ArthriD.com website, these are the ingredients in 2 capsules
| Vitamin C | 7 mg / 10%DV |
| Vitamin D3 | 1000 IU / 250 DV |
| Magnesium | 40 mg / 10% DV |
| Proprietary blend | 1027 mg |
| N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (NAG) | |
| Chondroitin sulfate | |
| Tumeric Extract | |
| Rice Flour | |
| Boswellia Serrata | |
| Ashwaganda | |
| Yucca (root) | |
| Bromelain | |
| Evening Primrose oil | |
| Perna Canaliculus (Green Lipped Mussel) | |
| Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) |
Let's take a closer look at the ingredients in Arthri D and see what the arthritis research says.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, besides being one of the most famous antioxidant nutrients around, also helps us make the protein collagen. Collagen is found in joints and is damaged in arthritis. So, it makes sense it would be in an arthritis supplement. There is not a lot of vitamin C in Arthri-D.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D – which is more like a hormone than a vitamin – does many things. Evidence suggests people with low levels of vitamin D (and that's probably many of us) tend to have more rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is different than osteoarthritis which is the more common type.
Rheumatoid arthritis is often said to be an autoimmune disease. Vitamin D does seem to help make the immune system smarter, so it makes some sense it might help. While vitamin D may help support the immune system, supplements don't seem to improve arthritis pain. The same is true for osteoarthritis pain too.
Two capsules of Arthri-D provide 1000 IU of vitamin D3. That is a good amount. Vitamin D3 is the version of the vitamin we make when we are exposed to sunlight.
See the vitamin D review for much more information.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Also called “NAG.” How much NAG is in Arthri D3? They don't tell us. They only say that the “proprietary blend” contains a total of 1027 mg (about 1 gram). Since NAG is listed first, it makes up most of this blend.
I don't see many arthritis supplements that contain this type of glucosamine. Most products contain either:
- Glucosamine HCL
So, does it work?
A study published in 2001 titled Oral polymeric N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and osteoarthritis. This investigation consisted of 10 people with osteoarthritis. People either received 1.5 grams of N-acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) or a placebo for 6 weeks.
It's important to note that this study did not specifically use N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) but rather a polymer complex of NAG, called “Poly Nag” produced by a company called Lescarden. This Poly Nag complex consists of both glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine.
Researchers noted those getting the Poly Nag supplement showed improvements in osteoarthritis pain scales compared to placebo.
This study actually stated there was a “significant improvement” in osteoarthritis pain. But, -unlike most studies – there is no mention of the statistics associated with this effect. Without getting bogged down in math, let me just say that the omission of statistics (like P values) is a big problem with this study.
Researchers in Japan, in 2006 noted a soy-milk beverage containing 1250 mg of NAG reduced arthritis pain in the knees more than just soy milk after 12 weeks of use.
In 2017 researchers in Japan noted NAG improved cartilage metabolism. This investigation involved healthy people who did not have arthritis and were given 500-1000 mg of NAG per day.
Other than these investigations, most other research located involves involved lab animals or were test-tube studies. Here is a summary of some of those studies:
- Suppressive effects of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine on rheumatoid arthritis mouse models. This is a mouse study
- Effect of glucosamine, a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis, on osteoblastic cell differentiation. This is a test tube study.
- Chondroprotective effect of N-acetylglucosamine and hyaluronate in early stages of osteoarthritis–an experimental study in rabbits. This is a rabbit study. NAG was injected into rabbits.
- Chondroprotective activity of N-acetylglucosamine in rabbits with experimental osteoarthritis. This is a rabbit study. NAG was injected into rabbits.
While lab animal research is nice to have, human proof is better.
While NAG does contain glucosamine, I believe there is more evidence for glucosamine sulfate than NAG supplements when it comes to arthritis pain.
Can Potassium Reduce Arthritis Pain?
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is popular in arthritis supplements, but it's difficult to say how effective it might be. Some studies have noted that chondroitin sulfate (alone and in combination with glucosamine sulfate) might help osteoarthritis (particularly knee arthritis). For example, this study:
On the flip side, other studies noted chondroitin sulfate does not help arthritis. Some of those studies include:
I'm on the fence when it comes to chondroitin sulfate helping arthritis. I' want to see more research. Men, talk to your urologist if you have prostate problems.
Turmeric
Also known as Curcuma longa and curcumin. This herb has anti-inflammatory effects. Since inflammation often accompanies arthritis, it makes sense that turmeric would be in arthritis supplements. Other supplements containing turmeric which have been reviewed include
One arthritis study located involved a supplement called “Meriva” which contains turmeric and Phosphatidylcholine which is said to boost the absorption of turmeric. On the Meriva website, they call this a “Curcumin Phytosome.” A “phytosome” is a man-made word used to describe something that is better absorbed, in this case, turmeric.
That said, one easy way to boost turmeric absorption is to add some black pepper. I've often added black pepper and turmeric to my smoothies.
Here are Turmeric Supplements on Amazon
Rice Flour
I am not aware of any arthritis research on rice flour.
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia (also called frankincense) has anti-inflammatory properties. So it makes sense to use it in arthritis supplements. There is also arthritis research on this herb also.
In one investigation, a Boswellia supplement called Aflapin (now called ApresFLEX) improved arthritis pain in 60 people with osteoarthritis after 30 days of use. The dosage used was 100 mg per day. There have been other studies on ApresFlex too showing it may help.
On the flip side though, researchers in 2008, looking at several other boswellia studies, noted that while boswellia appeared “clinically effective” and “encouraging” for a number of conditions like arthritis, Crohn's disease, asthma, etc., they did not feel the evidence was “compelling.” This lack of endorsement is likely the result of not enough good research on Boswellia.
Ashwagandha
Also called Withania somnifera. Human research suggests this herb may also reduce arthritis pain. Researchers in India, in 2016 noted that 500 mg of ashwagandha given for 12 weeks reduced arthritis pain and joint stiffness more than a placebo.
Other research suggests ashwagandha might help protect cartilage cells. Theoretically, this might help arthritis. Ashwagandha has been an ingredient in several other products I've looked at including
- 1 Db Goddess – a weight loss supplement
- Mdrive – a “for men over 40” supplement
- Protandim – an anti-aging supplement
See those reviews for more insights
Yucca
Also called Yucca aloifolia. Like several other ingredients in Arthri D, yucca might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but I can't find any conclusive proof it specifically helps arthritis in humans.
Bromelain
Also called Ananas comosus. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. It's a protein-digesting enzyme, ans also seems to have anti-inflammatory effects. The use of bromelain for arthritis is a bit controversial.
In a 2006 study, bromelain didn't help arthritis pain any more than a placebo did.
In another study from that same year, a specific type of bromelain supplement (Phlogenzym) appeared to help arthritis pain as much as an anti-inflammatory drug. But, this supplement contained more than just bromelain. So, how much of the effect was due to bromelain by-it-self is unknown.
Evening Primrose Oil
Also called GLA, Borage Oil, Oenothera biennis and gamma-linolenic acid. This is an omega 6 fatty acid and like many other ingredients in Arthri-D3, it has anti-inflammation effects.
In a study from the 1990s, researchers noted 2.8 grams of GLA helps rheumatoid arthritis more than placebo after 6 months of use.
Perna Canaliculus
Also called Green Lipped Mussel. This is an extract from a mollusk that seems to have anti-inflammatory properties. Whether or not Perna Canaliculus helps arthritis or not is open to debate. There are studies showing it might help arthritis and other studies noting that it doesn't help arthritis.
See the Omexa XL review. I do a deep dive into the green-lipped mussel /arthritis research there.
Hyaluronic Acid
Also called Glycosaminoglycan. Hyaluronic acid is sometimes found in arthritis supplements however the bulk of the research of it helping arthritis stems from injecting it into joints ―not taking it orally. Whether injections help varies from person to person.
But what about hyaluronic supplements? The research is inconsistent. Like injections, it's not known if everybody would be helped by this compound.
Arthri D Ingredients With Evidence
- Chondroitin sulfate
- NAG (maybe)
- Tumeric (maybe)
- Boswellia (maybe)
- Perna Canaliculus (maybe)
Of these 5 ingredients, it's chondroitin sulfate that has most of the evidence that it might help arthritis. The evidence for each of the other 4 ingredients is much weaker. Of course, it's possible all of these might have a better effect on reducing pain than any single ingredient.
Who Is Jim Shriner?
Jim Shriner, is the person I often see on Arthri D3 infomercials. He's a former American Gladiator (loved that show!) and the author of the books:
Arthri D3 Anti & Inflammation
From the ingredients, we can suspect one of the ways Arthri D3 is supposed to work is by reducing inflammation.
- Tumeric
- Boswellia
- Ashwagandha
- Yucca
- Bromelain
- Perna Canaliculus
Arthri D: Natural COX 2 Inhibitor?
In an infomercial for this supplement I saw, Jim Shriner (the main spokesperson for Arhri D) says that the ingredients in Arthri D3 contain natural COX 2 inhibitors. COX is short for “cyclo-oxygenase” (sigh-klo-ox-a-gin-ace). This is an enzyme that takes part in many things, including pain and inflammation. Many drugs you have heard of (like aspirin) inhibit the COX enzyme.
So, is Arthri D a natural COX 2 inhibitor? It's possible some of its ingredients are but it would take clinical proof to know if Arthri D3 inhibits the COX2 enzyme.
While I think Arthri D3 is safe, talk to your doctor if you take any medications or have health problems.
How Do You Take?
The company recommends taking Arthri D3 with food to minimize any stomach problems. They do say the supplement can be taken with or without food.
Arthri D Side Effects
The supplement is likely very safe in healthy people. I'm not aware of any side effects. Because we are all different, here are some things to consider before using this supplement. This list is not complete:
- Because N acetyl glucosamine (NAG) comes from shellfish, people who are allergic to shellfish may have allergic reactions. To their credit, the Arthri D website recommends not using the product if you have an allergy to shellfish.
- Glucosamine (and chondroitin) may make asthma worse. This may also be true for N acetyl glucosamine.
- Preliminary evidence hints chondroitin sulfate may increase the risk of prostate cancer. This evidence is not based on human proof. Whether supplements increase the risk is not known. Talk to your urologist if you have prostate problems. I'm sure urologists are aware of this and can guide you properly.
- Talk to your doctor if you take blood thinner medicine. Several of the ingredients in Arthri-D3 have blood-thinning effects.
- Stop taking Arthri-D3 at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
When in doubt, talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
Who Makes Arthri D?
The website states Arthri D is distributed by Arthri-D LLC, Beverly, MA 01915. The company is located at 100 Cummings Center Suite 354B Beverly, MA 01915-4316 .
When this review was updated, the Better Business Bureau gave the company an A rating. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
The company address is the same as another company, called Blue Vase Marketing LLC. This appears to be the company that either markets Arthri D or produces the infomercial. When this review was updated the BBB gave Blue Vase Marketing a rating of A+. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Androzene, a male enhancement supplement is also listed for Blue Vase Marketing.
What Is CloiXonné?
It's possible the bottles you have may contain the name CloiXonné. This is another company that helps produce and distribute Arthri D supplements. They are a direct-to-consumer advertising company. They are also involved with the testosterone supplement Androzene. See that review for more insights.
Contact Arthri-D3
There are 2 contact numbers
- 800-329-8576
- 978-253-0163
Arthri D Recall
In January 2018, the company alerted the FDA they were recalling a specific lot of the supplement (Lot#1701-092 / manufactured March 2017) because it might have been contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria which can be dangerous especially in those with weak immune systems.
This contamination was noted after routine testing by the company and was only found to occur in 1 bottle. The company promptly halted production and addressed the situation.
Sometimes recalls like this happen with both supplements and even food. It sounds like the quality control is very good and the company caught this before it got out of hand. This is a good sign the company is doing a good job to ensure a safe supplement.
Buy Arthri D
I did not see Arthri D listed for purchase at local health food stores the last time I checked. It does not seem to be sold at Target, Walmart, Wegmans, BJs, Costco, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, or Sams Club. It can be purchased at its website (ArthriD.com). In the past, I have also seen it sold on Amazon and eBay.
Arthri D Price
So how much is Arthri D3? Here is the cost of the supplement listed on the company website (arthrid.com)
- 1 bottle: $115.49 (plus 10.49 S/H): $125.98
- 1 bottle (monthly subscription): $104.99 (plus 10.49 S/H): $115.48
- Buy 2 Bottles/ get 1 free: $230.98 (plus $18.89 S/H): $249.87 (no monthly subscription)
- Buy 2 Bottles/ get 1 free (monthly subscription): $230.98 (plus 18.89S/H): $249.87
On another page of their website it's mentioned you can get a bottle $89.99 plus $7.99 shipping and handling ($97.98 total) when you sign up to their monthly replenishment program (auto-ship program). To be sure what the price you pay is, call the company and ask their customer service.
For what it's worth, I think Arthri D3 is expensive. Notice from the price list, the cost is the same whether you buy 2 bottles and get 1 free with a subscription or just purchase them 1 time only.
It may be on Amazon
It may be on eBay
Arthri D Purchase Policy
The purchase policy page of Arthrid.com, states when you buy Arthri D from the product's websites, the credit card used will be charged on the day the product is bought.
If you buy Arthri D from the product's website, you may be enrolled in a “Monthly Replenishment Program.” This means that your credit card will be charged each month as more of the product is shipped to you. Be sure to ask customer service about this if you want to opt out of this program.
Arthri D Return Policy
According to the Arthrid.com purchase policy page, each 30 day supply of Arthri D comes with a 30-day return policy. The 30 days begins on the day the product is received. If you purchase a 90 day supply, you have a 90-day money-back guarantee.
To return Arthri D, follow these steps as is outlined on the ArthriD.com purchase policy page:
1. Call their Customer Satisfaction Department at 800-609-7247. Ask for a Return Authorization Number (RA number). Ask customer service for the address to return the product to. The RA number must be placed on the outside of the package.
2. Include a copy of your original invoice AND provide a reason why you are returning the supplement. Use Fed Ex or UPS to return the package so you have a record that it was sent and received.
3. Return Arthri D within 10 days of getting the RA Number. ALL returned bottles and empty bottles (and refused bottles) will be subject to a $10 restocking fee. So, for example, if you bought 3 bottles, $30 will be deducted from your refund. Note. Refunds are only given to bottles that are returned. It can even be empty bottles.
4. Return shipping and handling costs are non-refundable.
Arthri D vs. The Competition
How Does this supplement compare to other arthritis supplements? Here's a quick rundown:
Arthri D vs. Provailen
Provailen contains different ingredients. Specifically, it contains reishi mushrooms (ganoderma lucidum ) as well as capsicum and Lonjack Tongkat Ali. No studies have compared these supplements to each other to see which might be better.
See the Provalen review.
Arthri D vs. Anatabloc
Anatabloc was once the hottest selling arthritis supplements in America. Because of problems with the FDA and some other entanglements, it is no longer sold in the US.
See the Anatabloc review.
Arthri D vs. Omega XL
Im sure everybody has seen Larry King talking about Omega XL on TV. Omega XL contains green-lipped mussel extracts which some research finds may help arthritis pain. While no study has compared Omega XL to Arthri D, the supplement does contain green-lipped mussel.
See the Omega XL review.
Arthri D vs Omax 3
Omax 3 is a fish oil supplement you may have seen advertised on TV. It contains EPA and DHA (fish oils). There is no EPA or DHA in Arthri D.
See the Omax 3 review.
Arthri D vs. Australian Dream
Australian Dream is an arthritis cream you may have seen game show host Chuck Wollery discussing on TV. Australian Dream contains an interesting ingredient which when applied to the skin may temporarily relieve arthritis pain.
See the Arthritis Dream review.
Arthri D vs. Arthro 7
I often confuse these supplements because their names sound alike. Arthro 7 has a few ingredients in common – like bromelain and turmeric – but it also has other ingredients such as Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) not found in Arthri D. No studies appear to have pitted these supplements to each other.
See the Arthro 7 review.
Arthri D vs. Instaflex
Instaflex is a popular arthritis supplement that is sold at GNC and other health food stores. Instaflex shares several ingredients in common with Arthri D such as turmeric, Boswellia and hyaluronic acid.
See the Instaflex review for more information.
Arthri D vs. Zyflamend
Zyflamend is a very interesting joint supplement that has several clinical studies to support its use. Zyflamend has even been tested to see if it helps cancer too. Most of its ingredients are different than Arthri D.
Read the Zyflamend review for more insights.
Arthri D. vs Supple
Supple is an arthritis supplement drink that has been around for several years. You may have seen its TV commercial which featured a doctor. Supple contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Supple is not a pill but rather a powder you mix with water or juice. There is also a ready-made supple drink too.
Arthri D vs. Joint Juice
Like Supple, Joint Juice is another liquid glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplement. It's widely available online and in stores.
See the Joint Juice review.
Arthti D. vs Tart Cherry Juice
Tart Cherry Juice got a lot of publicity when it was featured on the Dr. Oz show. Some studies suggest the antioxidants in tart cherries can reduce pain and even help you sleep better. How it stacks up to other arthritis supplements is not known.
See the Tart Cherry Juice Review.
Arthri D. vs Cissus Quadragularis
Most people have probably not heard of Cissus quadragularis. Its an herbal supplement that can be purchased by itself and it may appear alongside other ingredients too. The herb has been promoted for many reasons including arthritis. There is some research on cissus and some people do swear by it. I'd like to see more research.
Arthri D Pro And Con
This review was very big and detailed. To help you put things in perspective, here's a quick review of what I liked and didn't like about this supplement:
| Liked | Didn’t Like |
| Good quality control | Expensive |
| Sensible ingredients | No research on supplement |
| Been around a long time | |
| Refunds on empty bottles |
These are my opinions. What matters to you may be different.
Does Arthri D Work?
It will take research on Arthri D3 to know for sure if it works. To me, Arthri D looks like an NAG and chondroitin supplement. It has other ingredients too and it's possible those additional ingredients might bolster its effects. While results with the supplement will probably vary according to how bad your arthritis pain is, my guess is if it works, you should feel results in 30-90 days.
Here's Arthri-D on Amazon