MSM

MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane: an organic sulfur compound. It occurs in small amounts in vegetables, fruit and milk. Sulfur is found in your body in certain amino acids and connective tissue, among other things. In a 2017 review study, researchers summarized the research on MSM and its safety (Source: PubMed).

Plantforce Vegan MSM contains 800 mg of MSM per capsule. No health claim has been approved for MSM in the EU.

Glucosamine and chondroitin

Two substances that occur naturally in cartilage. In supplements, they are usually derived from the shells of crustaceans or from cartilage. You often see them together with MSM, as in Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by Doctor's Best. No health claims have been approved for these either. Be aware if you are allergic to crustaceans.

Turmeric and boswellia

Turmeric is a yellow root from the ginger family. Boswellia is the resin of the frankincense tree. Both have been used for centuries in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India.

Curcumin, the best-known substance in turmeric, is poorly absorbed. In research, piperine from black pepper significantly increased absorption (Source: PubMed). That is why many turmeric supplements contain black pepper, or manufacturers opt for a special form. The health claims for turmeric and boswellia are still being assessed in Europe. View the range in the Turmeric collection.

Enzymes: serrapeptidase and Neprinol

Serrapeptidase is an enzyme that breaks down proteins. It was originally discovered in a bacterium in the gut of the silkworm. Today, it is produced through fermentation. A 2022 review article describes the background and research (Source: PubMed Central).

Serretia by Arthur Andrew Medical contains 250,000 SPU serrapeptidase per 2 capsules. Neprinol AFD combines serrapeptidase with other enzymes, such as nattokinase and bromelain. No health claims have been approved for these enzymes. View all variants in the Serrapeptidase collection.

Collagen and bone broth

Collagen is the protein that cartilage is largely made of. You can read everything about collagen, vitamin C and bone broth in Collagen for your joints: what does science really say?

1. What does my foundation look like? Do you exercise every day and eat enough protein, vegetables and fruit? Start there.
2. Do I want a nutrient with an approved claim? Then choose vitamin C, for example Pure Marine Collagen with 160 mg of vitamin C per daily dose.
3. Powder or capsule? You stir powder into a drink or soup. Capsules are easy to take with you. MSM and enzymes are available as capsules, while collagen and bone broth come as powders.
4. Am I taking medication? Then always consult your doctor or pharmacist first.

Start with one product and give it time. You can find all the products from this theme of the month in the Muscles & Joints collection.

Fancy something warm with turmeric? Try our golden milk with turmeric, ginger and black pepper.