Ingredients Catalog

This catalog presents information about natural ingredients commonly studied or discussed in relation to joint health and wellness. Each ingredient is presented with educational context about its sources, traditional uses, and scientific exploration.

Educational Purpose

This catalog is for informational purposes only. Information is not medical advice, a recommendation to use any product, or a guarantee of effectiveness. Consult healthcare professionals before using any new supplement or ingredient.

Botanical Extracts & Compounds

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Source: Rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant

Active Compound: Curcumin

Traditional Use: Used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries

Scientific Interest: Researchers have studied curcumin for its potential antioxidant properties and role in supporting overall wellness. Studies examine how it may support general health and comfort in daily activities.

Common Forms: Powder, extract, supplements

Note: Bioavailability of curcumin is enhanced when combined with black pepper (piperine)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Source: Rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant

Active Compounds: Gingerols, shogaols

Traditional Use: Widely used in cooking and traditional wellness practices across many cultures

Scientific Interest: Researchers study ginger for its potential to support general wellness and comfortable movement. It is explored for its properties related to digestion and overall health.

Common Forms: Fresh root, dried powder, tea, supplements

Note: Generally recognized as safe for most people when used in culinary amounts

Glucosamine

Source: Shellfish shells or plant sources

Form in Body: Component of cartilage and joint fluid

Scientific Interest: A subject of extensive research examining its role in cartilage maintenance and joint function. Studies explore its potential to support comfortable movement and joint health.

Common Forms: Glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride supplements

Dosage Range: Typically 1500 mg daily in research studies

Note: May take several months to notice potential effects

Chondroitin

Source: Cartilage of animals, often bovine

Form in Body: Component of cartilage matrix

Scientific Interest: Often studied alongside glucosamine for joint health support. Research examines its role in cartilage structure and resilience.

Common Forms: Usually combined with glucosamine in supplements

Dosage Range: Typically 400-1200 mg daily in research

Note: Often used in combination formulations with glucosamine

Collagen

Source: Bone broth, fish, collagen peptides

Function: Primary protein in cartilage and connective tissues

Scientific Interest: Research explores how collagen supplementation supports connective tissue health and mobility. Type II collagen specifically relates to cartilage.

Common Forms: Hydrolyzed collagen (peptides), bone broth, whole collagen

Types: Type I (skin, tendons), Type II (cartilage), Type III (connective tissue)

Note: Hydrolyzed collagen has better bioavailability than whole collagen

Boswellia (Frankincense)

Source: Resin from Boswellia trees

Active Compound: Boswellic acids

Traditional Use: Used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for centuries

Scientific Interest: Researchers study boswellia for its potential to support joint comfort and mobility. It is explored for its role in supporting overall wellness.

Common Forms: Resin extract, supplements

Dosage Range: Typically 300-650 mg daily in studies

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

Source: Naturally occurring in plants, supplemented form is synthesized

Function: Source of sulfur for connective tissue synthesis

Scientific Interest: Studied for its potential role in supporting joint structure and flexibility. Research explores how it may contribute to cartilage and collagen health.

Common Forms: Powder, capsules, often in combination supplements

Dosage Range: Typically 1000-3000 mg daily

Note: May take 2-3 weeks to notice potential effects

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Source: Fish (EPA/DHA), flaxseed, chia, algae (ALA)

Function: Support cell membrane health and general wellness

Scientific Interest: Extensively studied for overall health support, including joint comfort and general wellness. Omega-3s support numerous body systems.

Common Forms: Fish oil, algae supplements, food sources

Dosage Range: Typically 1000-2000 mg EPA+DHA daily for health support

Note: Plant-based ALA is less bioavailable than marine EPA/DHA

Vitamin D

Source: Sunlight exposure, fatty fish, fortified foods, supplements

Function: Essential for bone health, calcium absorption, immune function

Scientific Interest: Extensive research documents vitamin D's crucial role in bone and joint health, overall immunity, and general wellness.

Dietary Sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, sunlight exposure

Recommended Levels: Generally 1000-2000 IU daily for most adults

Note: Many people have insufficient vitamin D levels, especially in northern climates

Vitamin C

Source: Citrus fruits, berries, vegetables, supplements

Function: Essential for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection

Scientific Interest: Well-established role in collagen formation and connective tissue health. Also supports immune function and general wellness.

Dietary Sources: Citrus, berries, bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi

Recommended Intake: 75-90 mg daily (RDA)

Note: Water-soluble, excess is excreted; excess intake may cause GI discomfort

Calcium & Magnesium

Source: Dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, supplements

Function: Essential minerals for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling

Scientific Interest: Fundamental to skeletal health and overall wellness. Research documents their critical roles in multiple body systems.

Dietary Sources: Dairy, leafy greens, almonds, seeds, fortified foods

Recommended Intake: Calcium 1000-1200 mg; Magnesium 310-420 mg daily

Note: Often depleted in modern diets; magnesium aids calcium absorption

How to Use This Catalog

For Education

Use this catalog to learn about ingredients, their sources, and what science explores regarding their properties.

For Research

Use as a starting point for further research. Cross-reference with scientific databases and professional sources.

For Consultation

Share this information with healthcare providers when discussing potential supplements or dietary changes.

Important Reminders

Not Medical Advice: This catalog is educational information only, not medical advice or product recommendations.

Consult Professionals: Before using any supplement, discuss with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

Quality Varies: Supplement quality, purity, and dosage vary significantly among manufacturers. Look for third-party testing and reputable brands.

Individual Response: People respond differently to supplements. What works for one person may not work for another or could cause adverse reactions.

Ingredient Combination Approaches

Many of these ingredients are studied in combination, as they may work synergistically:

Glucosamine + Chondroitin

Frequently combined in supplements designed to support joint comfort and mobility. Often studied together in research.

Turmeric + Black Pepper

Black pepper (piperine) enhances curcumin absorption from turmeric, improving bioavailability of the active compound.

Collagen + Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, so combining them may enhance potential benefits for connective tissue health.

Questions About Ingredients?

Are all these ingredients safe?
Most are considered safe for most people when used appropriately, but individual responses vary. Interactions with medications can occur. Always consult healthcare providers before using supplements.
How do I know if a supplement is high quality?
Look for third-party testing certifications (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab), transparent labeling, reputable manufacturers, and avoid suspiciously cheap products.
Should I use supplements or food sources?
Food sources are preferred when possible, as they provide additional nutrients and fiber. Supplements are useful when food sources are insufficient or not available.
How long does it take to feel effects?
This varies greatly. Some people notice changes within weeks; others may take months. Consistency matters more than expecting immediate results.
Can I combine multiple supplements?
Some combinations are beneficial; others may cause interactions. Professional guidance from a pharmacist or healthcare provider is essential when combining multiple supplements.

Educational content only. No promises of outcomes.