Update 3/4/20. Arthro-7 is a supplement touted to “relieve joint support” and “promote joint mobility” in “as little as 7 days.” Those are some really interesting words to be sure. That and the fact that the product contained an ingredient that I normally dont see in many arthritis supplements made me want to review it. So, in this review, let's look at the research and ingredients in Arthro-7 and see if it might be right for you.
Arthro-7 Research
There are two studies on this arthritis supplement. Here is a summary of each.
Study 1
This study involved 64 people (31 men and 33 women) in China over the age of 50 who had osteoarthritis. The people were randomly given either Arthro-7 or a placebo for 12 weeks. People filled out questionnaires before and after to gauge improvements.
Results. Those taking Arthro-7 reported significant improvements in arthritis pain compared to those taking the placebo.
Three of the researchers were said to be “current or previous employees” of the company which makes the supplement. But it was also stated the company was not involved with study other than this.
Study 2
Another investigation also noted Arthro-7 might help arthritis. This study also took place in China. This study used the AR7 Joint Complex, which is at the heart of Arthro-7s arthritis benefits. See below for more on AR7 Joint Complex.
The study involved 89 people with arthritis who were randomly given either a placebo or the AR7 joint Complex for 4 months.
Results: Those taking the AR7 Joint Complex reported less pain and tenderness and better quality of life than those who took the placebo. Oddly though, x-rays, however, showed no changes in joints between groups.
Arthro-7 Ingredients
According to the product website, 2 capsule contains the following ingredients
Ingredient | Amount per 2 capsules | Percent Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Vitamin C | 140 mg | 234 % DV |
AR7 Joint Complext (composed of the following) | 1170 mg | N/A |
Collagen (from chicken) | ? | N/A |
Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) | ? | N/A |
Lipase 30 | ? | N/A |
Methylsulfonylmethane | ? | N/A |
Turmeric (curcuma longa extract, root, 95% curcumin) | ? | N/A |
Bromelain (from pineapple,2400 GDU) | ? | N/A |
Other ingredients, listed in order as they appear on the label, are:
- Gelatin (since replaced by hypromellose)
- Silicon dioxide
- Magnesium stearate
- Titanium dioxide
These other ingredients likely play no role in any arthritis effects of Arthro-7.
Let's now look at the arthritis research on each of its main ingredients next.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) does many things in the body including helping the body make collagen. Collagen is found in the joints and is broken down in people with osteoarthritis. Two veggie capsules of Arthro7 contains 140 mg of vitamin C.
One study noted that 1000 mg of vitamin C helped people feel less arthritis pain. This is a mega dose.
The AR7 Joint Complex
The supplement contains a proprietary blend of ingredients which are called the AR7 Joint Complex. The joint complex is composed of:
- Collagen
- Cetyl myristoleate (CMO)
- Lipase 30
- Methylsulfonylmethane
- Turmeric
- Bromelain
We are told that all the ingredients add up to 1170 mg (just over 1 gram). We can also assume that the ingredients at the top of the list make up most of the Ar7 Joint Complex. Let's take a look at some of the arthritis research for each of these ingredients next.
Collagen
The label tells us that Arthro-7 gets its collagen from chickens. Collagen is a component of cartilage and other connective tissues. There are some studies on collagen helping arthritis.
In this study, 80 people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee were given either a placebo or 2 grams (2000 mg) of hydrolyzed collagen from chickens for 70 days. In hydrolyzed collagen, the collagen is broken down into its individual amino acids to improve absorption.
After a month, people reported less arthritis pain compared to those who took the placebo. The people in this study used a product called Biocell Collagen.
Not all studies show collagen works, however.
See the review of Frog Fuel for more insights.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO)
Cetyl myristoleate is a type of fatty acid that is thought to help lubricate joints. It's pronounced “see-till-mir-is-toll-E-ate.” It
In one study, 64 people with osteoarthritis in the knees were given either a placebo or 350 mg of CMO for 68 days. People who took CMO reported better knee flexion than those who took the placebo. Neither group, however, appeared better at extending their knees.
In another study, 45 people with osteoarthritis in the knees were given either placebo cream or a CMO cream. People used the creams on their knees twice a day for 30 days. those using the CMO-containing cream were able to climb stairs faster compared to the placebo group. Better still, they were also able to walk downstairs too.
The studies used Celadrin. It's available in both pill and cream form.
Lipase 30
This is a fat-digesting enzyme. No arthritis research on this could be located.
Methylsulfonylmethane
The other name for this is MSM. It's pronounced “methy-sul-phon-el-meth-ane.” MSM is found in many arthritis supplements such as
- Instaflex (read review)
- Australian Dream (read review)
- Tissue Rejuvenator (read review)
- Joint Juice (read review)
Clinal studies have noted MSM may help arthritis pain but to be fair, not all research shows favorable effects. Studies noting that MSM helps arthritis have used from 1500- 3000 mg per day.
Turmeric
Tumeric is what gives mustard its yellow color. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa. Turmeric contains a chemical called Curcumin, which has shown some arthritis benefits. While few Tumeric vs curcumin studies exist, its possible turmeric may have a better effect since it contains everything and not just curcumin.
In one study, turmeric was shown to be better than ibuprofen (Advil) in a study involving 367 people with osteoarthritis in the knees. To get these benefits, people took 1500 mg of turmeric for 4 weeks.
Other research has used a specific brand of curcumin called Meriva.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapples. The enzyme appears to reduce inflammation and this is likely why it's found in arthritis supplements. That said, since its a protein-enzyme, most is likely broken up in the stomach. How much enters the body is not known
Artho-7 contains 2400 GDU. The letters GDU refers to “gelatin digestion unit” and likely refers to the strength of the enzyme at digesting gelatin, a protein. Since collagen is also made of a protein, its possible the bromelain may also be used to better breakdown and absorb collagen.
What Are The Active Ingredients?
These are the ingredients that appear to have the most evidence for helping reduce arthritis pain.
Arthro-& Dosage
The directions are to take 2 capsules twice a day for 1 or 2 weeks. When feeling better, it's recommended to reduce intake to two capsules per day as a maintenance dosage.
Who Is Dr. Lisa Pavone?
Lisa Pavone,MD is feathered on an Arthro7 TV Commerical. She is Co-Medical Director – Livonia Vein Center, Troy Vein Center.
Who Is Dr. John Hahn, MD, ND
Dr. Hahn has also been featured on an Arthro7 TV commercial. He is a foot and ankle surgeon. He is also a doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND).
What's Arthro7 Sport?
This is another version of this supplement. As the name implies this product appears to be marketed to people who exercise. Here is a side-by-side comparison of both versions:
Arthro7 (2 capsules) | Arthro7 Sport (2 capsules) |
---|---|
Vitamin C 140 mg | Vitamin C 140 mg |
AR7 Blend1170 mg composed of the following: | AR7 Blend 1170 mg composed of the following: |
Collagen (from chicken) | Collagen (from chicken) |
Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) | Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) |
Lipase 30 | Lipase 30 |
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) | Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) |
Turmeric | Turmeric |
Bromelain | Bromelain |
Hyaluronic Acid 100 mg |
As can be seen, the only difference between these supplements is that Arthro7 Sport contains 100 mg of hyaluronic acid. This is a compound we make and it's also found in some arthritis and anti-wrinkle products.
At least one study has noted 200mg of hyaluronic acid improved arthritis pain better than a placebo when it was taken for up to a year.
Is Arthro7 Sport better? No head-to-head clinical studies could be located.
What Is Arthro7 Cream?
Arthro7 Fast Acting Cream has different ingredients than the capsules. The active ingredients in the cream are:
- Capsicum (0.6%)
- Lidocaine (0.1%)
- Menthol (3%)
All 3 of these ingredients are well known to temporarily relieve muscle aches and pains.
Most sports and arthritis creams, temporarily mask (replaces) feelings of pain with either sensation of heat or cold.
Also see the Australian Dream Review.
Who Makes Arthro-7?
The company is called US Doctors Clinical. Their website is USDoctorsClinical.com. They are located at 15568 Brookhurst St. Ste. 374 Westminster, CA 92683. This is the same address as “Mail Today,” a mailbox company.
Another company name is Robinson Pharma
The Better Business Bureau gives Robinson Pharma a rating of “A-.” See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Contact Arthro-7
Call customer service number: 800-914-0594. To contact Robinson Pharma, call 714-241-0235.
Arthro-7 Side Effects
In healthy people, the supplement is likely safe for most. Here are a few things to consider when taking this supplement. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before surgery
- If pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor
- if you take blood thinner medicine, speak to your doctor first
- Turmeric might aggravate gallbladder problems in high doses (more than the supplement contains).
- Vitamin C can increase iron absorption. This may be an issue for those with hemochromatosis (iron overload disease).
Does Arthro-7 Work?
Some evidence suggests Arthro7 may help reduce arthritis pain in the knees. The ingredients in the supplement seem logical for the most part. the improvements you see may depend on how bad your arthritis is as well as the type of arthritis you had. The good news is that the product label says most should see results after about 1 month.
Here it is on Amazon if you want to see what others are saying.
What Do You Think?
John Murdock says
Since osteoarthritis often results from deterioration of cartilage in the joint which is visible on X-rays, it seems to me it would be easy to do a before-and-after peer reviewed study using X-Rays and MRI to demonstrate visually whether using this product (or any similar cure) brought the cartilage back to life. Why are there no such studies?
Joe says
John, interesting idea. I don’t know.
Concerned says
Do you think that I should take the risk in using Arthro7?
Joe says
Hi Concerned, when you say “should I take the risk” do you mean for safety reasons? If you are healthy I dont think there any problems with Arthro7. If you mean take a chance a buy it, well I cant say that either way. As their ad says, if its going to work you should feel a difference in a could of weeks. If you try it, let us know what happens.
Bev says
Any products recommended for my 94 year old Mother for arthritic pain in her shoulder and now her fingers are causing her pain. She is presently taking Tylenol/Arthritis pills and Glucosamine/Chronditin pills but needs to stay on it for at least a month. Thought there may be another product recommended for her hands. thank you for your time.
Joe says
Hi Bev, several people have said that Australian Dream has caused temporary relief of arthritis. Its not a supplement but a cream. Here is the review of Australian Dream. Take a look at the comments on that review also.
If your mom tries it I hope you will let me know what happens. I only personally know one person who has tried it so I’m curious.
Ashley Johnson says
I have hip of dysplasia I was born with it which caused rhematoid arthritis and osteo arthritis I’m 31 yrs old and I’m in good shape but I have pain in hips, shoulders and knees which supplement should I use I refuse to take pills
Joe says
Hi Ashley, are you doing any type of physical therapy or exercise? Exercise can help RA symptoms. There is some research on fish oil helping RA symptoms. There has been some research on glucosamine sulfate (traditional used for OA pain). I’ve met a few people who said it helped their RA pain although I have not seen much research on it. Boswellia is an herb that is in some arthritis supplements. If you use the search box on this site for “Boswellia” you can see the research on it I found previously.
Eating more veggies may help RA pain. A good book to read which has info on this is called How Not To Die.
Ashley Johnson says
Thank you so much I really appreciate it
Joe says
Ashley, you are very welcome.
Khaled Khamees says
Hi Joe,
My brother overseas has osteoarthritis and his main problem is with knees.
He has asked me about supplements sold in the USA to send to him.
I have been reading about many of these supplements and couldn’t reach much of a decision. Can you help me in recommending one of these products so I can send it to help him?
You seem to be trust worthy.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions
Joe says
Hi Khaled, is your brother overweight? if yes, weight loss can be one of the best things for his knees. Other than that, there is some evidence for glucosamine sulfate (if your brother is a diabetic, speak to his doctor first as it might raise blood sugar). Some people with OA report good results with turmeric as well. The spice might be better than pills. As for topical stuff many people report temporary relieve from a product called Australian Dream. Here is my Australian Dream where you can see what others are saying about it.
John Houston says
Amazing that none of the makers of thousands of quack remedies have the guts to submit to FDA testing or any other proper testing procedures. Americans squander billions on junk like this, no wonder despite living longer, they end up so sick later in life.
Joe says
Hi John, I dont know if the FDA does testing of supplements (unless they suspect there are issues with it) but there are 3rd party companies that do test supplements like consumerlab, NSF and others.
David Webber says
Sad that products that claim to be healthy contain toxins Titanium dioxide.
Norm says
Titanium dioxide is far, far from a toxin. It is a powdered ceramic with a very bright, white color. It’s the main coloring in white paint and is used in clothes to make white shirts and bridal gowns brighter and whiter.
It is NOT a toxin in any way, shape or form.
charles wadkowski says
Titanium dioxide is a known carcinogen. Eat real food to avoid it in your food. Contact the manufacturer if you are concerned td is in vitamins and personal care products.
Joe says
Here are a couple of studies that discusses the cancer causing issue of titanium dioxide:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4374469/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
Elisa says
I appreciate how you evaluate so many different considerations in your analysis on this site. Your site is my new go-to!
Joe says
Hi Elisa, that is very kind of you to say. I’m really happy you found me and I’m able to help 🙂