This joint-boosting supplement may help your heart, too

Korin Miller

·Writer

July 20, 2019 at 3:03 PM

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Joint-boosting glucosamine may help your heart, too (Photo: Getty)

Glucosamine is a supplement that’s been used to support joint health for years, but a new study has found it could give your heart health a boost, too.

The study, which was published in the BMJ, analyzed data from more than 466,000 people and found that those who took glucosamine for osteoarthritis pain had a 15 percent lower risk of developing a cardiovascular event in a seven-year period. People who took glucosamine habitually had a 22 percent lower risk of having a heart disease-related death, an 18 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, and a nine percent lower risk of stroke.

It’s not entirely clear why this is the case, study co-author Lu Qi, MD, PhD, director of the Tulane University Obesity Research Center, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. However, he says, “some previous studies suggest glucosamine may inhibit inflammation and mimic a low-carb diet, which may be partly contribute the beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.”

If you have osteoarthritis, this could be a “double win” for your health, Jamie Alan, PhD, an assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “I’ve seen this work very well in patients if they take it on a regular basis, but there have been mixed results in studies,” she says.

Glucosamine is a supplement and it’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which is why Alan recommends looking for tablets that have the USP verified mark for safety. Interested in trying out glucosamine? Here are a few to check out:

Nature Made Triple Flex

This supplement contains a range of ingredients to help nourish your joints, , including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM. It’s also free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and gluten.

Shop it: Nature Made Triple Flex, $30, walmart.com

Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Glucosamine

Kirkland Signature’s glucosamine supports joint health and mobility. And, at 1,500 milligrams a tablet, you’re getting a solid dose in one go.

Shop it: Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Glucosamine, $22, walmart.com

Spring Valley Glucosamine Chondroitin

These supplements come in a twin pack, and are made to boost joint health in active people. The brand’s “triple strength” formulation is designed to give you a serious dose of glucosamine.

Shop it: Spring Valley Glucosamine Chondroitin, $33, walmart.com

Sundown Naturals Glucosamine Chondroitin

Sundown Naturals’ caplets also contain calcium and vitamin D3 to give your bones and boost. Certified gluten-free and Non-GMO.

Shop it: Sundown Naturals Glucosamine Chondroitin, $20, walmart.com

Bio Schwartz Glucosamine

This supplement contains MSM and chondroitin for joint health, along with Bio Schwartz’s patented Fruitex-B calcium fructoborate to boost bioavailability. Free of gluten, soy, milk, dairy, egg, corn, wheat and peanuts.