Anti-Inflammatory

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This collection groups ingredients people often look for when they want to support recovery, joint comfort and general health, such as fish oil, turmeric and curcumin, glucosamine, NAC and quercetin. You will find capsules, softgels and powders from Condemned Labz, NOW Foods, Universal Nutrition, EVLution Nutrition and Renew Actives.

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Anti-Inflammatory: buying guide

Set realistic expectations

Supplements cannot treat inflammatory conditions, and the evidence for most of these ingredients in healthy, active people is still developing. If you have ongoing pain, swelling or stiffness, see a doctor or physio for a diagnosis first.

Common ingredients and what the evidence says

  • Turmeric and curcumin. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says there is not enough evidence to conclude that turmeric or curcumin helps for any health purpose, although early studies on joint pain are promising. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, which is why many products add piperine from black pepper.
  • Fish oil. The US NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS) says some trials suggest omega-3 supplements may help people with joint symptoms, but it is not clear whether they reduce joint pain, swelling or stiffness. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) lists fish oils and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in Group B: emerging evidence that deserves further research.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin. NCCIH says it is still uncertain whether they help joint symptoms, as study results have been inconsistent.

How to compare products

  • For turmeric, check how much curcumin each serve provides, not just the turmeric root weight, and whether it includes an absorption enhancer.
  • For fish oil, compare EPA and DHA per serve.
  • For joint formulas, check the amount of each ingredient rather than a combined total.

Safety

NCCIH reports liver damage in some people who took highly absorbable curcumin formulations. Stop and see your doctor if you notice tiredness, nausea, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. NCCIH also says turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy. High-dose omega-3s may cause bleeding problems with warfarin, and glucosamine and chondroitin have been linked to a higher bleeding risk in people taking warfarin, so check with your doctor if you take a blood thinner.

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Related categories

See joint support, fish oil, recovery and antioxidant supplements.

Sources: NCCIH: Turmeric; NIH ODS: Omega-3 fatty acids; NCCIH: Glucosamine and chondroitin.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

Anti-Inflammatory: questions and answers

Is turmeric worth taking?
The evidence is still early. NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to conclude that turmeric or curcumin helps for any health purpose, although initial studies on joint pain are positive and better studies are needed. If you want to try it, choose a product that lists its curcumin content, follow the label, and stop if you notice any signs of liver problems.
Why do turmeric supplements contain black pepper?
Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, is poorly absorbed on its own. NCCIH notes that combining curcumin with piperine, a compound from black pepper, is one way to improve its bioavailability. That is why many products add black pepper extract, often sold as BioPerine. NCCIH also notes that highly absorbable formulations have been linked to liver damage in some people.
Is fish oil good for joints?
Possibly, but the evidence is not clear. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says some trials suggest omega-3 supplements may help people with joint symptoms, but it is not clear whether they reduce joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness. Side effects are usually mild, such as an unpleasant taste or heartburn. High doses may cause bleeding problems in people taking warfarin.
Is glucosamine safe to take every day?
NCCIH says no major safety problems have been found in large studies of glucosamine and chondroitin. However, they have been linked to a higher bleeding risk in people taking warfarin, and glucosamine may raise blood glucose in some people. Little is known about use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check with your doctor first if any of these apply to you.

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