Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Best Vitamins for Joint Pain?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Taking certain vitamins may reduce the level of joint pain or even prevent the pain from occurring. Vitamins for joint pain include C, B3, B5, B6, D, and E. They may be consumed in the form of a supplement, as a part of a high-quality multi-vitamin, or from various food sources.

Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for joint pain. Found in citrus fruits, berries, and cantaloupe, this vitamin is believed to promote healing of damaged joints. It also creates collagen, which is a part of joint cartilage. Some research shows that vitamin C slows the disintegration of joints that are already slightly damaged due to osteoarthritis or other diseases.

Cantaloupe contains vitamin C, which is good for joints.
Cantaloupe contains vitamin C, which is good for joints.

Several of the B vitamins, such as B3, B5, and B6, are helpful for joint pain as well. The B vitamins work by relaxing the nervous system and thereby reducing pain. Vitamin B3, in particular, is believed to prevent osteoarthritis, a leading cause of joint pain. Although available in capsule form, the B vitamins can be found in a variety of food sources, such as salmon, asparagus, eggs, and whole wheat.

A man with joint pain.
A man with joint pain.

Since it can be absorbed from the sun, vitamin D is one of the easiest vitamins for many people to incorporate into their diets. It is thought to protect the joints and, when used in conjunction with calcium, it works to build new joint cartilage. People who suffer from osteoarthritis experience less joint pain when they have adequate vitamin D in their bodies than people who do not.

While not a vitamin, glucosamine is a natural supplement that can reduce joint pain.
While not a vitamin, glucosamine is a natural supplement that can reduce joint pain.

Vitamin E, found mainly in nuts, is a natural anti-inflammatory. This vitamin works to reduce the inflammation and pain that is associated with arthritis and other diseases that affect the joints. In fact, one research study showed that people with joint pain who consumed 600 mg of vitamin E had less pain in their joints than those people who only consumed a prescribed pain reliever.

Eating a diet with more salmon can help with inflammation.
Eating a diet with more salmon can help with inflammation.

There are some naturally occurring supplements that, like vitamins, work to reduce the amount of pain in the joints. These supplements include glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. They work to repair damaged joints and prevent future damage, as well as helping to reverse the effect of damaging conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Before using these supplements or any of the vitamins for joint pain, it is important for individuals to consult a medical professional to determine the cause of the pain.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

StarJo

I guess I shouldn't have a very high risk of developing joint pain, because my diet includes all of the vitamins mentioned in this article! I don't eat all my favorite foods solely for their vitamin content, but it just so happens that they are even more nutritious than I realized.

My favorite vegetable is asparagus. I could eat it every day, and I do eat it several times a week. I also love baked salmon with dill and lemon juice, and when I make this, I also make whole wheat toast as a side.

I often eat eggs for breakfast, along with an orange, so I get vitamin B and C then. I snack on almonds and get my vitamin E. The yogurt I eat at lunch is full of vitamin D.

Eating a healthy diet provides you with more benefits than you even realize. I never knew that my joints were being protected by the foods I was eating, but it's good to know!

OeKc05

I have a kidney disease that makes it impossible for me to take ibuprofen or any arthritis medicine for joint pain relief. So, I have to rely on natural food sources.

My doctor told me that consuming plenty of foods with vitamin E in them would help prevent my arthritis pain. I started eating spinach salads at lunch every day, and I discovered that with the right salad dressing, they are actually delicious!

I also began eating more bell pepper and snacking on almonds and sunflower seeds. Whenever I go to a restaurant, I order asparagus, which is a good source of this vitamin.

My joint pain is almost nonexistent now. In fact, because of this wonderful diet, my overall health has improved.

Oceana

@shell4life – My mother's doctor actually told her that she should spend about fifteen minutes a day out in the sun. She had a vitamin D deficiency and felt just awful because of it.

She is a bit of a hermit, and she would rather stay indoors and read a book than take a stroll out in the yard. However, she took the doctor's advice. She has a large yard with not very many trees, so she could easily soak up the sun.

She noticed that most of her joint pain went away after about a week of walking outside. The fresh air also did her some good, because she said she felt revitalized. Being cooped up in the house likely was making her feel cramped and stagnant.

shell4life

I'm not surprised that vitamin D can provide natural joint pain relief. I know how good my body feels after soaking in the warm sun for about fifteen minutes, and I imagine that's because I'm soaking up vitamin D along with the warmth.

During the winter months, I suffer from a lot more joint pain. I don't get out in the sun as much, because even on sunny days, the bitter cold hurts my skin.

I do take advantage of every pleasant day by sitting out in the direct sunlight, though. Nothing feels quite as soothing as having vitamin D shone through my skin by the rays of the sun.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cantaloupe contains vitamin C, which is good for joints.
      By: Malyshchyts Viktar
      Cantaloupe contains vitamin C, which is good for joints.
    • A man with joint pain.
      By: Shakzu
      A man with joint pain.
    • While not a vitamin, glucosamine is a natural supplement that can reduce joint pain.
      By: monamakela.com
      While not a vitamin, glucosamine is a natural supplement that can reduce joint pain.
    • Eating a diet with more salmon can help with inflammation.
      By: dulsita
      Eating a diet with more salmon can help with inflammation.
    • Vitamin C is the best vitamin for joint pain.
      By: chardchanin
      Vitamin C is the best vitamin for joint pain.
    • B vitamins may have some benefit for those with joint pain or stiffness.
      By: milosducati
      B vitamins may have some benefit for those with joint pain or stiffness.