Our team of physical therapists and doctors have seen first-hand how knee pain can make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. But on the brighter side, it also feels gratifying when the treatments take effect and the pain finally subsides.
Along with the exercises and modalities we use, a lot of our clients also use supplements to accelerate their progress (with the approval of their doctors of course). And of the many products on the market, ProJoint Plus has been the most consistent in its results.
Our ProJoint Plus review below will highlight the following (tap on any of them to jump to their sections):
- How it can help with pain and other inflammation related symptoms
- Concerns on its safety and side effects
- Breakdown of its entire formula
- Instructions on how to safely take it
- The best and cheapest place to buy ProJoint Plus
- Should you take or avoid this supplement?
- ProJoint Plus alternatives
- Other questions you might have
Before all that, here’s an overview of what ProJoint Plus is all about:
What is ProJoint Plus?
ProJoint Plus is made with a blend of natural ingredients and herbal extracts that help manage knee and joint pain. Each ingredient has a type and dosage that not only makes it effective but also potent.
Ingredients include the ever popular glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, as well as other notable herbs such as boswellia and turmeric.
Here’s an overview of ProJoint Plus:
- Name and brand: ProJoint Plus from Vita Balance
- Who should be most interested in this supplement?: Those suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis and inflammation.
- Who should take this with caution?: Those with diets that require limited salt and those with shellfish allergies.
- Does it offer great value for money?: Absolutely. It’s effective, costs right around average, and gets you 20 servings per bottle.
- Where is the best place to buy it?: Direct from the manufacturer (ProJointPlus.net).
Our rating: 9.5/10
Pros
- Scientifically backed dosage and form of glucosamine
- Boosted anti-inflammatory and pro-cartilage properties
- Proven pairing of secondary ingredients
- Can help slow down the course of knee arthritis
- Safe with minimal risk for side effects
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Possible gastric side effects, especially if taken without food
- Not for people with shellfish allergies
- Take with precaution if you’re diabetic or on a salt-restricted diet
How does ProJoint Plus work?
ProJoint Plus works primarily through its glucosamine sulfate.
It is the most well-researched form of the supplement. And, at the dosage that ProJoint Plus has it in, it is going to be effective.
That being said, glucosamine is capable of boosting your body’s cartilage regenerative process and helping it fight off inflammation. While it won’t magically regrow lost cartilage (nothing does), it can slow down the progression of arthritis and improve joint health.
ProJoint Plus also has ingredients that augment glucosamine.
This includes boswellia extract, chondroitin sulfate, turmeric, and MSM.
These ingredients are often paired with glucosamine as they also have anti-inflammatory properties. But, of the many joint health supplements I’ve seen and tried, only ProJoint Plus has them all neatly packaged as one product (instead of separate supplements).
Overall, the anti-inflammatory and pro-cartilage benefits of ProJoint Plus should give you better joint mobility and less joint pain.
This will help you better tolerate walking long distances, climb the stairs with less discomfort, and just give you back the ability to do activities that you once took for granted.
Is ProJoint Plus safe? Are there any side effects?
The ingredients used in ProJoint Plus have all been deemed safe. However, you may get an upset stomach if you take more than the recommended dose.
However…
You should avoid ProJoint Plus if you have shellfish allergies, are diabetic, or are required to stay in a diet that’s low in salt.
- In supplement form, glucosamine is mostly taken from shellfish.
- The pairing of glucosamine and chondroitin can increase your blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic.
- The sulfate salts in glucosamine and chondroitin might not be in line with your nutritional requirements.
EYES HERE! If you’re unsure or are taking any other kind of medication, please consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
For further reading: 5 side effects of glucosamine chondroitin
ProJoint Plus’ natural ingredients
Glucosamine sulfate
Of the many studies about glucosamine, its sulfate form is by and large the most researched. On that note, the dosage here on ProJoint Plus, 1500 mg, is also what studies have deemed safe and effective. (1)
For knee pain, glucosamine sulfate has shown capable of reducing inflammation. It also helps boost cartilage regeneration which can help slow down the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
For further reading: Is glucosamine sulfate effective for knee pain?
Boswellia extract
Boswellia Serrata, the plant where this extract is taken from, is on our list for the best natural remedies for knee pain – and for good reason. A study shows how this plant contains several compounds that inhibit inflammation. This, in turn, helps with knee pain relief. (2)
The Arthritis Foundation recommends a dosage of 100 mg daily. This supplement carries 200 mg, so it’s more than adequate. Plus, herbal extracts such as these carry more of the plant’s anti-inflammatory compounds, making it more potent than the regular ground-up form.
Chondroitin sulfate
Like glucosamine, chondroitin is naturally found within your joints. Also similar to glucosamine, studies have shown chondroitin sulfate effective at slowing down the progression of knee osteoarthritis. (3)
The dosage here is lower than what’s generally recommended. However, chondroitin sulfate paired with glucosamine sulfate should still further augment this supplement’s pain relieving effects.
For further reading: Chondroitin for relieving knee pain
Turmeric
Traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have long since used turmeric to manage the symptoms of arthritis. The spice’s active compound, curcumin, has shown capable of reducing inflammation the same way modern painkillers (i.e. NSAIDs) do.
The benefit of using turmeric, though, is that it’s natural and therefore comes with less risk for side effects.
Recommended: Turmeric as a natural alternative for knee pain relief.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a polyphenol naturally found in many plants including citrus fruits, onions, and berries.
For knee pain, a study shows how it can possibly fight inflammation and give your immune system a boost. However, the study is also done in a lab dish, so it may or may not be effective. Nevertheless, it is a safe compound to take. (5)
Methionine
Methionine is an essential amino acid. Meaning, our bodies are not capable of making it. Thus, the need for food (from dairy, fish, or meat) or methionine supplementation.
A study suggests that it might be capable of inhibiting inflammation. This, in turn, can relieve knee pain, arthritis, and improve joint health. (6)
MSM
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, completes another popular pairing with glucosamine sulfate. Studies say taking both is more effective than taking just one of each. (4)
MSM also plays a similar role when it comes to knee cartilage, so it will also help halt the progression of osteoarthritis. It also has benefits on inflammation.
Recommended: Glucosamine and MSM – is this combo effective for knee pain?
Bromelain
Bromelain is found in the stem of pineapples. This enzyme has shown anti-inflammatory properties (among others) that may help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and other ailments. (7)
Dosage and Instructions
Simply take 3 capsules a day. You can either take these capsules at the same time or take 1 for every meal. The entire bottle should fetch you 20 servings (60 capsules).
Vita Balance also says that for the first 2 weeks, you’re allowed to take a total of 6 capsules a day as its loading phase. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, I would recommend sticking to 3 caps per day.
Regardless of how you take these 3 capsules, though, I recommend taking them with food to minimize the risk for gastric side effects.
Where can I buy ProJoint Plus?
The best and cheapest place to get ProJoint Plus is directly through their website, ProJointPlus.net.
Moreover, Vita Balance offers packages of 1, 2, or 3 bottles. This matters because the more bottles you buy, the bigger the discount the brand gives you. Plus, you save on shipping this way.
Ordering directly from them also grants you their return policy. Should you need to, Vita Balance allows you to return unopened bottles within 5 months.
Should you take or avoid ProJoint Plus?
ProJoint Plus will work great for you if you’re dealing with joint inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Not only will it help with pain but it can also help delay cartilage degeneration.
However, aside from precautions regarding shellfish allergies, diabetes, and low-salt diets, ProJoint Plus won’t also be ideal for fresh injuries. It won’t act as quickly as you would need it to.
An Alternative to ProJoint Plus
- Turmeric Curcumin Plus – Another product from Vita Balance but it focuses mainly on Turmeric for its knee pain relief. Compared to glucosamine, turmeric also has antioxidant properties and works similar to the painkillers you can buy from the pharmacy.
FAQs:
What is ProJoint Plus used for?
ProJoint Plus is designed to help promote joint health and to help us with joint issues. Its primary ingredient is glucosamine sulfate dosed at 1500 mg.
Does glucosamine work for arthritis?
According to studies, yes, it does. Glucosamine has anti-inflammatory properties that help with pain. It can also boost cartilage regeneration to help slow down the progression of arthritis.
Is glucosamine better than turmeric?
They both are effective for relieving knee pain but they do so in different ways. Turmeric acts faster and has antioxidant properties whereas glucosamine is a natural component of your joints and supplementation may help slow down the progression or arthritis.
My verdict: ProJoint Plus will be your go-to supplement for knee pain
For one, I can’t find another product that offers the same value for money. Its effectiveness exceeds its cost, especially if it’s bought in bulk.
Second, I love how it primarily uses the anti-inflammatory and cartilage regenerative powers of glucosamine sulfate and then boosts those powers with other ingredients.
And last but not least, it’s safe. With any supplement or medication, safety is and always will be a huge concern. Though it may have risks of side effects, you can safely manage through them by eating before taking the pills.
Although, as always, check with your doctor if you’re taking other medications or are experiencing any other ailments.
Resources
- Zhu, Xiaoyue et al. “Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research vol. 13,1 170. 6 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5
- Mahtab Z. Siddiqui. “Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview.” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 73(3):255-61. May 2011, doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507
- Hochberg, M. (2010). Structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 18, S28–S31. doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2010.02.016
- Andri M T Lubis et al. “Comparison of Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfate with and without Methylsulfonylmethane in Grade I-II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.” Acta medica Indonesiana vol. 49(2):105-111. April 2017
- Li, Yao et al. “Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity.” Nutrients vol. 8,3 167. 15 Mar. 2016, doi:10.3390/nu8030167
- Yamagishi, Yoshie et al. “Evaluation of the effect of methionine and glucosamine on adjuvant arthritis in rats.” Experimental and therapeutic medicine vol. 4,4 (2012): 640-644. doi:10.3892/etm.2012.668
- Brien, Sarah et al. “Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 1,3 (2004): 251-257. doi:10.1093/ecam/neh035