Joints & Cartilage – Supplements for Sports and Everyday Life
Joints, cartilage and connective tissue are regularly put under strain during sports. This is especially true in bodybuilding, strength training, boxing, Muay Thai and other intensive sports. At Vikingstore, you’ll find a range of supplements containing ingredients such as collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
When it comes to joint supplements, a long ingredient list does not automatically mean a better product.
What matters is which ingredients are actually included and how much of each is provided per daily serving.
Joints and Sports
Our joints allow us to move while also absorbing and handling physical loads.
Depending on the type of sport, certain areas can be particularly exposed to stress:
- knees during squats, running and jumping
- shoulders during boxing and strength training
- wrists during combat sports and weight training
- elbows during pushing and pulling movements
- hips during squats, lunges and running
- ankles during boxing, Muay Thai and endurance sports
Dietary supplements can be part of your daily nutrition, but they cannot replace proper training technique, sensible load management and sufficient recovery.
Which Ingredients Are Used in Joint Supplements?
Products for joints, cartilage and connective tissue can differ considerably in their composition.
Common ingredients include:
- collagen
- hydrolysed collagen
- collagen peptides
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- MSM
- hyaluronic acid
- vitamin C
- various minerals and micronutrients
Not every product contains all of these ingredients – and it doesn’t need to.
More ingredients do not automatically mean a better product.
Collagen
Collagen is a structural protein and a component of various tissues in the human body.
Collagen supplements are available in different forms, including:
- powders
- capsules
- tablets
- liquid shots
- combinations with other ingredients
When comparing products, check how much collagen the recommended daily serving actually provides.
Hydrolysed Collagen and Collagen Peptides
With hydrolysed collagen, collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides.
This is why you will often see terms such as hydrolysed collagen and collagen peptides on supplement labels.
When comparing products, don’t just look at the large gram number on the front of the package. Check how much hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides are actually provided per daily serving.
Vitamin C and Collagen Formation
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
Vitamin C also contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
This is why vitamin C is commonly included in products containing collagen or other ingredients aimed at joints and cartilage.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar and a well-known ingredient in many joint supplements.
It is available both as a single ingredient and in combination with other substances.
When comparing glucosamine products, check:
- which form of glucosamine is used
- how much glucosamine is provided per daily serving
- where the glucosamine comes from
- which additional ingredients are included
Glucosamine can, for example, be derived from shellfish. Anyone with relevant allergies or who wants to avoid animal-derived ingredients should therefore check the product information carefully.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine.
Many combination products also contain MSM, vitamin C, collagen or other ingredients.
Again, check the actual amount provided per daily serving.
A huge ingredient list means little if every ingredient is included only in tiny amounts.
MSM
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane.
MSM is an organic sulphur compound and a well-known ingredient in many dietary supplements for athletes.
It is available on its own or in combination with glucosamine, chondroitin and other ingredients.
When comparing MSM products, check how much MSM the daily serving actually provides.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is also used in various dietary supplements.
It is sometimes combined with collagen, vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM.
With these combination products, it is particularly useful to look at the amount of each individual ingredient.
A product advertising six different ingredients is not automatically better than a product containing three sensibly formulated components.
Joint Complex or Single Ingredient?
Both options can have their advantages.
A joint complex combines several ingredients in one product. This can be convenient if you don’t want to use several different tubs and packages.
A single-ingredient product allows you to select a particular ingredient more specifically.
Before buying, consider:
- Which ingredients do I want?
- How much of each ingredient is provided?
- How many capsules or tablets make up the daily serving?
- Am I already getting some of these ingredients from other supplements?
- How many daily servings are in the package?
More Ingredients = Better?
No.
Especially with joint complexes, a long ingredient list can look impressive at first.
Ten, twelve or even more ingredients can make a product sound particularly comprehensive.
But this tells you very little about the actual formulation.
If the individual ingredients are only included in very small amounts, the impressive-looking list is of little use when comparing products.
Check the label – not marketing terms such as “Ultra Joint Matrix”, “Maximum Joint Formula” or “10-in-1”.
Joint Supplements for Bodybuilding and Strength Training
During bodybuilding and strength training, joints are regularly exposed to mechanical loads.
This is particularly true during exercises such as:
- squats
- deadlifts
- bench press
- shoulder press
- rows
- leg press
A supplement cannot compensate for poor training planning.
Sensible progression, proper technique and sufficient recovery remain the foundation.
Joint Supplements for Boxing and Combat Sports
In boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing and MMA, various joints are also subjected to considerable loads.
The wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles are regularly involved in fast and explosive movements.
Proper equipment is therefore also important in combat sports.
For boxing, for example, the basics include:
- correct punching technique
- suitable boxing gloves
- properly wrapped hand wraps
- appropriate training intensity
No supplement can permanently compensate for poor technique or unsuitable equipment.
Joint Pain Is Not a Supplement Problem
If a joint is persistently painful, swollen or has restricted movement, simply buying a joint supplement and continuing to train is not the answer.
Dietary supplements are not a treatment for injuries or joint diseases.
Persistent, severe or sudden joint problems should be professionally assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional or physiotherapist.
What Should You Look for When Buying Joint Supplements?
When comparing supplements for joints, cartilage and connective tissue, check:
- Which ingredients are included?
- How much is provided per daily serving?
- How many capsules or tablets make up one daily serving?
- Does the product contain collagen or collagen peptides?
- Is vitamin C included?
- Does it contain glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM?
- Is hyaluronic acid included?
- Are there allergens or animal-derived ingredients?
- How many daily servings are in the package?
- What is the manufacturer’s recommended use?
The longest ingredient list doesn’t win. What matters is what is actually in the product and how much of it you get.
Buy Joint & Cartilage Supplements at Vikingstore
At Vikingstore, you’ll find a range of supplements for joints, cartilage and connective tissue for sports, fitness and everyday life.
Depending on the product, you’ll find ingredients such as:
- collagen
- hydrolysed collagen
- collagen peptides
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- MSM
- hyaluronic acid
- vitamin C
- various combination products
Don’t compare products simply by counting the number of ingredients. Pay particular attention to the formulation and amount provided per daily serving.
This makes it easier to decide which product best matches your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joints & Cartilage
Which Supplements Are Available for Joints?
Common ingredients include collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
What Does Vitamin C Have to Do with Cartilage?
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
What Is Hydrolysed Collagen?
Hydrolysed collagen is collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides. It is commonly used in dietary supplements and collagen powders.
What Is MSM?
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane. It is an organic sulphur compound used in various dietary supplements.
What Is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar commonly used as an ingredient in joint supplements.
What Is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin is an ingredient used in various joint supplements and is commonly combined with glucosamine, MSM and other ingredients.
Is a Joint Complex Better Than Individual Ingredients?
Not automatically. What matters is which ingredients are included and the actual amount provided per daily serving.
Are Joint Supplements Suitable for Strength Athletes?
These supplements are commonly used by strength athletes. However, they cannot replace sensible training planning, proper technique or sufficient recovery.
Do Supplements Help with Joint Pain?
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Persistent, severe or sudden joint problems should be professionally assessed.
Can Dietary Supplements Replace a Balanced Diet?
No. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
