Did you see the Joint Juice TV commercial with Joe Montana? I did, and that's what got me to thinking about Joint Juice. I've seen this product in my local supermarket before and while I have reviewed most of its ingredients previously, I have not specifically reviewed Joint Juice itself. That's what I want to do now, because I'm sure a lot of people will be wondering if Joint Juice is right for them because of the Joe Montana TV commercial.
What is Joint Juice?
The name Joint Juice is catchy because it immediately makes you think it's a supplement for the joints. Specifically, Joint Juice is a supplement that is supposed to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. This is the most common type of arthritis, so odds are, most people have this form.
Unlike many other arthritis supplements which are pills, Joint Juice is a drinkable supplement. The flagship product is just called Joint Juice but there is another type – called Joint Juice Hyal-Joint – that I'll touch on below. Right now Let's just look at the main type of Joint Juice.
Joint Juice Ingredients
The main active ingredients in Joint Juice said to be:
- Glucosamine HCI 1500mg
- Chondroitin Sulfate 200mg
- Green Tea Extract 120mg
Joint Juice also has 100% of the daily value for vitamin C and 25% of the DV for vitamin D as well as 10% of the daily value for calcium. For most people, the levels of these nutrients should have no therapeutic effect on arthritis, so let's focus on the 3 main ingredients.
Glucosamine HCL
If you currently take a glucosamine supplement, go get it and look at the ingredients. I will bet that you see glucosamine HCL listed. I'm saying this because when I survey glucosamine supplements, the majority of these products contain glucosamine HCL – but why?
The vast majority of glucosamine research -and proof – is not on glucosamine HCL, but rather glucosamine sulfate.
You may remember that glucosamine HCL is one of the main ingredients in the arthritis product called Supple, which is often advertised via its 30 minute TV infomercial.
I have already reviewed why I believe glucosamine sulfate is better than glucosamine HCL when I wrote 4 facts about glucosamine you don't know.
Why do supplement companies continue to put what I feel is an inferior product in their glucosamine supplements? I make this bold statement because of the research that has been done on glucosamine HCL.
For example, here is a study from 2006 published in the New England Journal of Medicine called the GAIT Study.
GAIT stands for the Glucosamine Administration Intervention Trial and it was one of the largest glucosamine studies done and involved 1583 people and used exactly the same concentration of glucosamine HCL and chondroitin sulfate as Joint Juice.
Basically, the GAIT Study noted that glucosamine HCL – either alone or in combination with chondroitin sulfate – had no significant effect on reducing arthritis pain. They were no better than those using a placebo.
Here is some specifics on the GAIT study if you want more information.
In 2010 a 24 month follow up to the GAIT trail was published. This study had 662 people. Unfortunately, this study also noted the lackluster effect of glucosamine HCL and chondroitin sulfate compared to placebo.
If glucsamine HCL is going to work, research suggests that it might be most effective for only mild forms of arthritis.
It's because of stuff like this that I call glucosamine HCL a “watered down version” of glucosamine sulfate.
Let me be clear, I am not totally endorsing glucosamine sulfate, because not all studies say it works either. But there is more proof overall for glucosamine sulfate than glucosamine HCL.
If these reports are to be believed, then it also means that the combination of glucosamine and chonddroitin are not better together.
Chrondroitin Sulfate
I'm guessing that most arthritis supplements contain chondroitin sulfate because of research noting that it might slow the reduction in joint space that accompanies osteoarthritis. In other words, chondroitin might slow the progression of osteoarthritis. That's good.
But, glucosamine sulfate still has far more proof that it might help osteoarthritis than chondroitin sulfate.
Until more is known, men should speak to their doctors before using chondroitin sulfate. The is some evidence that chondroitin sulfate may increase the risk of prostate cancer. The connection is based on a correlation; in other words, as chondroitin levels go up so too does prostate cancer risk. This doesnt mean chondroitin supplements cause cancer. But, its worth a discussion with a pharmacist or doctor to learn more.
Green Tea Extract
The makers of Joint Juice doesn't specifically say what “extract‘ they use, but I believe it may be EGCG. There is some evidence that EGCG may help reduce arthritis development. Most of the proof so far has stemmed from lab animals and test tube studies. Still, it's intriguing research.
But, how much EGCG might help arthritis and would EGCG help people who already have arthritis? These questions are not well known, which means adding green tea extract to Joint Juice might be jumping the gun a bit.
Since they dont tell us what extract they use, Its possible that the green tea extract might be caffeine. While the Joint Juice list of ingredients does not mention caffeine, I can somewhat understand why caffeine might be in an arthritis supplement. Research exists that caffeine can help reduce feelings of pain.
Caffeine has also been shown to reduce feelings of pain during exercise too.
That said, I am not aware of any study that specifically looked at caffeine helping arthritis pain.
If you try Joint Juice, it may take 8 weeks before you notice any significant effect.
Joint Juice Hyal-Joint
Joint Juice Hyal-Joint contains Hyaluronic Acid in place of chondroitin sulfate. As I first reported in my book about supplements, the evidence is that hyaluronic acid injections might help arthritis – not hyaluronic acid supplements. As such I don't think hyaluronic acid supplements help osteoarthritis at all.
Because we are all different, I ultimately I don't know if Joint Juice will help everyone or not. I'm sure for some people it will help them and I know Joe Montana means well when he talks about Joint Juice on TV. But when I look at the evidence for the ingredients in Joint Juice, I believe that its effects would be best felt in people with mild forms of osteoarthritis.
Here is Joint Juice on Amazon for those who are interested.
What do you think?
can this be taken if you have gout
Janet, Ive never seen anything on gout related to glucosamine or chondroitin. Id think it would be ok but can I suggest you ask a pharmacist or your doctor. They may be able to give you a better answer.
hmmm I’m real tall 6’2 female and I weigh 203 so I’m not overweight. I sit a lot on my job for about 12 hours. when I get up times to go do things my bones are sooooo stiff. Do you think this stuff will work to help with the stiffness in the joints and body?
Tracy, I’m not sure. If it does help, you should know in about a month. Also see my review of Tart Cherry Juice
Is it possible you to try some stretching? that might help also. Not sure if you are doing any physical activity (like walking) but that may help also.
Hi Joe,
Very compelling article. My wife would like to start on glucosamine sulfate, but is allergic to shellfish, which seems to be a common ingredient. Are you aware of a source for the glucosamine that doesn’t contain shellfish?
Jeff
Jeff, the idea of glucosamine sulfate and shell fish allergy is kind of controversial. I know its a warning they often give but I don’t think Ive ever heard of an allergic reaction to glucosamine sulfate as a result of shell fish allergy. As I understand it, the allergic reaction isnt to the shell but to proteins in the meat of shell fish. If you can find this study, it talks about this
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15341031?dopt=Abstract
That said I do think its wise to be careful with this because of possible contamination with the allergic ingredients. Id ask your local pharmacist if he/she is aware of any glucosamine sulfate products that don’t contain shell fish. next time Im at vitamin shoppe I’ll ask also.
You can get Vegan Glucosamine by Deva which is non-shellfish.
I have arthritis of my sacroilliac, the more I walk the more I hurt in my lower back and legs. just diagnosed , my doc recommends chiropractor or physical therapy but what difference will this make.
Donna, if the muscles around the joints can be made stronger, that will better protect them. this can help reduce pain. Exercise has been shown to help arthritis pain.
Hi joe, what joint supplement would you recommend for someone who is allergic to shellfish. I recently had a torn meniscus repaired and the Dr. Recommended a glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement.
Thanks,
Tavo, The idea of shellfish allergy and glucosmine is something several people wonder about but Im not aware of anyone having allergic reactions to glucosamine. There is some evidence that people with shellfish allergy can take glucosamine
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15341031?dopt=Abstract Ive heard that the allergy is due to a specific protein in shellfish and that quality products likely remove this compound. After you find a product, id call the company to ask them about this, just to make sure.
I think glucosamine sulfate alone is as good as glucosamine and chrondroitin for what its worth.
Hi Joe,
I got this from an article online about osteoarthritis.A person that seems to have good knowledge on this subject recommended a combination of ingredients for the treatment of arthritis.This is for a daily intake for at leased 6 weeks.
Glucosamine Sulfate-1500 mg
MSM- 2-3 grams
Chondroitin Sulfate-1200 mg
Multivitamin(powder supplement is best)
Boswelia-1000 mg
Willow Bark-(what ever bottle recommends)
Cherry-1 dozen
Fish Oil-(what ever bottle recommends daily)
Exercise for 20 minutes-swimming,walking or yoga
I want to know what are your thoughts on this recommendation?
Manny, my first question is where you diagnosed with osteoarthritis? if yes, I’d start with the least products first and see if that helps and then add another product. This way you reduce side effects and can better track down what might be the stuff that actually works.
for me, Id start with glucosamine sulfate. then if that doesn’t work, try MSM (1 gram). I don’t recommend men take chondroitin sulfate because I dont believe it works and because of the possible link to prostate cancer
The exercise sounds fine to me. let pain be your guide on how much is right for you.
Dear Joe, in regard to Rosie, who wrote to you above, is she seeing a Rheumatologist? I, too, have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I was referred to the RA specialist right away, and currently, they start RA patients on some pretty potent medications that can help prevent some of the destruction of joints.
If Rosie is to the point where she is on bed rest, that isn’t good for her at all. My doctor wants me to do therapeutic yoga or swimming/water aerobics. I’m on Enbrel and Methotrexate, plus folic acid supplements, which have helped A LOT.
By the way, what supplements would you recommend for RA AND for the medications that treat it?2
Roseann, Im not sure if Rosie is seeing a rheumatologist or not but I would agree physical activity can definitely help RA. in terms of supplements RA, I would say anything that helps reduce inflammation might help such as fish oil/eating fish.
Hi joe! I have a question do you recommend joint juice for people with rheumatoid ?? Who are in bed rest?
Hi Rosie! you can try it but Im not sure it will help rheumatoid arthritis. Id say give it a shot for a month or so and see. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are different types of arthritis. Most of the research finds glucosamine sulfate helps osteoarthritis but I have occasionally met people who swore to me it also helped their rheumatoid arthritis too.
The the thing to remember is that joint juice does not contain glucosamine sulfate. It has glucosamine HCL. these two different forms are not the same. Glucosamine HCL has less proof than glucosamine sulfate.
Having said that if you want to start with joint juice, try it for a 4-8 weeks and see if it helps. if not, try glucosamine sulfate and see if that helps.
If it does help you, do let me know Rosie.
Rosie, is there nothing your doctor can do for you? Please do see your doctor. there are likely medications that can help reduce your pain so you you get out of bed. Its not good to be bed ridden. I will say a prayer for you Rosie.
Thanks so much!
Anytime Megan 🙂
I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee exactly a year ago. after the surgery I was told to take glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. I wasn’t given any suggestions on a brand or anything. I later tore my miniscus again while simply walking. I can’t really swallow the pills and we have tried some chewy supplements. None have helped. I was curious if there are any specifics I could try that you think would help because my doctor fails to specify when asked.
Thanks so much!
Hi Megan, most of these products come in capsules. you could always open the capsules and put the powder in juice and drink it. Id try “glucosamine sulfate” alone first – 1500 mg per day is what research usually uses. give it about 8 weeks and if it doesn’t help after that, then add the chondroitin. you can get each separately. I know health food stores (vitamin shoppe etc) carry each of them.
I have been on embrle for years and wonder what else you have found for psoriatic arthritis? I have been suffering for 20 years with this issue. A lot of joint pain. I am a single dad raising two kids since my wife passed 7 years ago and need to feel better and have more energy. Kids are 11 & 7.
Thanks
Chris, psoriatic arthritis is different from the osteoarthritis that Joint Juice is touted to improve. I did some resaerch on psoriatic arthritis but other than something called “Balneotherapy” I unfortunately did not turn up anything. Here is a study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11344827?dopt=Abstract
Sorry Chris, wish I could have been more help.
Hi Joe is there any supplements that help to keep you hydrated? I do drink alot of water but I’m taking some meds that dries you out. Thanks
Lynn, have you looked at coconut water? its pretty good. Do look at the color of your urine also. if its yellow, that might be a sign you are getting dehydrated. if its clear, you are probably doing ok.
Hi Joe,
Can you recommend supplements that contain
Placebo and EGCG green tea extract?
Ecna, you mean a supplement that contains a placebo? I dont think any supplements contain placebos, at least not on purpose.
So glad to see someone dedicated an article about this product. I switched to Joint Juice a few weeks ago and now am suffering badly from it (arthritis pain came back full force) I was using a different product prior which had Glucosamine HCI . However the cost of that product was much higher which enticed me to try Joint Juice. I guess you get what you pay for. And I can’t afford the pain.
Hi Joe, i have severe swollen knees right below my knee caps. Is there anything I can take/eat to reduce the swelling.
Mita’s, do you know what is causing your swollen knees? I think its best to know this first.
sigh…thanks
Is there anything for degenerating discs?
have you ever heard of Mesenchyme ?
thank you
Joy,
I have heard of it bur have not heard of mesenchyme supplements. I will have to think about degenerating disks. i dont know of anything off hand
what about extreme pain in the hands and fingers? Exercise and weight loss can’t help with that, can it?
Sonya, Id be interested what is causing the pain. if its arthritis, exercise has been shown to help the pain of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. since being overweight appears to increase total body inflammation, in theory weight loss may help too- by reducing inflammation – although I admit I dont know of ant research linking weight loss to less hand pain.
that said its best to know the cause of the pain. in some cases, working with a physical therapist or hand therapist may be a good way to get started.
what is the best product out there for helping osteo athritis?
Hi Tony, based on the research Ive read, Id say just regular glucosamine sulfate. Here is something on glucosamine that might help
http://supplementclarity.com/glucosamine-4-facts-you-dont-know/
Also, I would not recommend that men use any product that contained chondroitin sulfate
http://supplementclarity.com/chondroitin-sulfate-and-prostate-cancer/
I’d also point out that osteoarthritis pain can be improved with exercise and weight loss. Do consider these also if you feel they are warranted.