Arthritis Supplements Lack Active Ingredients

Some dietary supplements may not relieve arthritis pain effectively and the reason may surprise you. In an analysis of ingredients in 20 joint supplements for people and pets, 40 percent failed to contain what was on their label. ConsumerLab.com selected the supplements and independent labs tested them. Of eleven brands of supplements which claimed to contain chondroitin, eight brands didn’t measure up to their claim. Chondroitin is said to inhibit enzymes that break down the cartilage in joints. Some brand names such as Nature’s Plus Ultra Maximum Strength Chondroitin 600 had no chondroitin at all. Another brand for pets contained less than one percent of the amount of chondrotin on the label and less than half the amount of glucosamine.

The problem, according to experts, is well-known and has been for a long time. So why hasn’t there been an expeditious solution? Dietary supplements are not monitored and regulated like prescription medications.

• The Facts of Dietary Supplements
• The Facts of Botanical Dietary Supplements
• What Dietary Supplements are You Taking?
• Herbal Supplements and Arthritis Drugs Can Be Dangerous Mix

MSNBC offers a list of which supplements did meet claims on their labels and which specific supplements failed. Remember that you should always:

• Buy a brand name supplement.
• Purchase it from a reputable retailer.
• Make sure the bottle is stamped USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com (indicating the manufacturer submitted the product for quality testing).

More Related Resources:

• Natural Arthritis Remedies
• When Your Pet Has Arthritis
• Turmeric Shows Health Benefits for Arthritis
• Fish Oil Reduces Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

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