There are many joint pain relief products on the market right now, partly due to the fact that the ‘baby boomer’ generation is aging and thus suffering more joint aches and pains. Instaflex is an over-the-counter product that addresses this type of pain, whether a mild case (occasional inflammation due to overexertion etc.) or more severe, such as pain caused by arthritis.

Those interested in finding more information for Instaflex will find a reasonable amount on the company’s official website, which is also the only place to order the product. This means there is no room for competitive pricing and the product is very expensive, costing $74.98 for a one month supply. The manufacturers do offer a 14-day free trial, but the consumer should be aware that firstly, this may not be adequate time to properly judge this type of product and secondly, if the order is not cancelled promptly they will be enrolled in the auto-ship program and continue receiving and being billed for Instaflex every 30 days.

The Instaflex site contains many standard features such as brief, anonymous customer testimonials and a FAQ section, which only refers to the ordering process, not the product itself. According to the site, Instaflex is endorsed by an Olympic athlete, which does lend it some credibility.

Instaflex – Facts

The main active ingredients are listed for Instaflex with detailed explanations as to how they help with joint pain and inflammation. The full ingredient list is not shown however, and because it is a proprietary blend no individual ingredient amounts are known meaning it may not contain the recommended doses. However, the combination of Glucosamine, MSM and Hyaluronic acid contained in the blend means that the product should not only repair existing cartilage damage but also help to build stronger joints, decreasing the amount of friction and in turn, lessening inflammation. The latter ingredient also provides a lubricant that coats the cartilage, providing essential shock absorption.

Instaflex contains some natural substances such as Ginger, Boswellia Serrata and Turmeric for reducing inflammation, plus White Willow Bark and Cayenne pepper, two natural pain relievers.

Instaflex is to be taken at a dose of 3 capsules per day and has a cumulative effect meaning it gets more effective over time.

Instaflex – Positive Features

• Clinical studies have been performed on the main active ingredients
• Instaflex is designed to work in as little as one week
• A 14-day free trial is offered
• There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Instaflex has celebrity endorsement
• The product is available without a prescription
• The main ingredients are explained in detail
• Company contact information is provided
• Instaflex can be taken for prolonged periods

Instaflex – Negative Features

• No ingredient amounts are shown
• The free trial may not be enough time to test the product
• Not all the ingredients are listed
• No clinical testing was performed on the Instaflex formula
• The FAQ section is not helpful
• Instaflex is expensive and customers are subject to enrolment in the auto-ship program

Instaflex – Conclusion

It does appear that Instaflex has all the right ingredients to help relieve a certain amount of joint pain, but there is nothing about it that makes it unique from most other brands, or to justify the high price. If the joint pain is only mild and doesn’t require a prescription medication, there are superior brands available from retail pharmacies which will also likely cost a lot less.

New Chapter, the manufacturers of Zyflamend, produce a range of health supplements that are all presented on their attractive and informative website. The New Chapter company obviously prides themselves on the fact that they are ecologically-friendly and use sustainable, organic ingredients. The site provides a number of different sections that show the company’s mission statement, their commitment to the environment, general health and wellness articles and the research behind their products. Certainly New Chapter appears to have a good reputation in the industry and its products are recommended by several health care professionals.

Zyflamend is widely available and the New Chapter website provides links to retailers that carry the product. While the price of Zyflamend varies from store to store, it seems to average at approximately $35.00 for a 120 capsule bottle which, if taken at the recommended 2 capsules per day would last two months.

Zyflamend – Facts

Zyflamend is a product that is primarily to be used to treat joint pain and inflammation. It is a patented blend of 10 natural herbal extracts that are all included in what the company calls ’supercritical’ states i.e. they are the purest and most potent concentrations available.

The Zyflamend blend consists of Holy Basil, Turmeric, Ginger, Green Tea, Rosemary, Hu Zhong, Chinese Goldthread and Barberry, Oregano and Baikal Skullcap. The ingredients are accompanied by brief, but rather technical explanations of how they work, and the individual ingredient amounts are shown. Zyflamend is a Cox-2 inhibitor, Cox-2 being the enzyme responsible for causing inflammation in the body. By promoting a healthy inflammation response the user experiences less swelling and soreness, allowing them pain-free movement.

In addition to providing joint support and inflammation reduction, Zyflamend can also benefit the cardiovascular system and recent studies at Columbia University have shown that it may help prevent certain types of cancer by reducing the growth of diseased cells.

Zyflamend is available in a number of different formulas: the original soft gel capsules, liquid, vege-caps and the smaller sized easy-caps.

Zyflamend – Positive Features

• New Chapter is an ecologically-friendly company
• All the ingredients in Zyflamend are natural and organic
• The full ingredient list is provided
• Zyflamend is a patented formula
• The product has undergone extensive clinical testing
• Zyflamend is affordably priced
• Zyflamend comes in several different formulas
• All the ingredients are highly concentrated and pure
• The New Chapter website is informative
• Zyflamend benefits a number of medical conditions
• Hu Zhong contains Resveratrol (equal to the amount found in six glasses of red wine)

Zyflamend – Negative Features

• No free trials are available for Zyflamend
• No money-back guarantee is shown
• Zyflamend contains no Glucosamine, Chondroitin or Hyaluronic acid

Zyflamend – Conclusion

Zyflamend would be a good choice for any consumer who prefers a more natural, alternative and organic product. As well as successfully supporting joint health, the fact that Zyflamend is rich in the anti-aging substance Resveratrol and may also help prevent some types of cancer means that it would be a useful supplement for anyone hoping to maintain good health in middle age and beyond.

While Zyflamend has not been known to have any side effects, as with any natural dietary supplement, it is wise to discuss with a doctor any possible medical complications or interactions beforehand.

The TripleFlex joint treatment is available in a number of various formulas all designed to provide ‘comfort, mobility and flexibility’. The product, manufactured by Nature Made, is marketed through the company website which provides good, basic information on all four formulas. The site includes a video of the TripleFlex commercial and a FAQ section. There is also a link to the main Nature Made website which showcases their whole range of products, articles on health and wellness and information regarding their rewards program, offering points redeemable for discount coupons.

The TripleFlex site is very easy for the consumer to use and all the links and sections are clearly labelled. A one-day sample of the new ’softgel’ TripleFlex is offered and the customer has the option for signing up for an emailed newsletter and future offers.

TripleFlex – Facts

The information regarding the four different TripleFlex formulas is somewhat confusing, but it appears that the main active ingredients in all products are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These two proven ingredients are often found together in many joint treatments, and are used to repair existing joint damage while helping rebuild and strengthen new cartilage. Some of the formulas also include Hyaluronic acid, a natural compound that helps lubricate the entire joint and produces thicker synovial fluid, the fluid that provides protection and cushioning.

TripleFlex 50+ formula is designed particularly for those who need the added benefits of Calcium and Vitamin D to help prevent certain degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis while MSM and White Willow Bark are used to support the connective tissues and provide pain relief.

Because the individual product labels are not shown it is not clear of the exact amounts in each formula, although it seems that the Glucosamine and Chondroitin are included in their optimal amounts (1500mg and 1200mg).

All four TripleFlex products are affordable, being in the range of $20.00 to $30.00 depending on the retailer.

TripleFlex – Positive Features

• TripleFlex is available in a range of formulas
• The softgels and caplets are smaller for easier dosage
• A free sample is offered
• TripleFlex is a partner of the Arthritis Foundation
• The Nature Made website provides general health information
• TripleFlex is designed to work within 7 days
• TripleFlex is affordable and widely available
• The website is user-friendly

TripleFlex – Negative Features

• No product label is provided
• No money back guarantee is offered
• The formula ingredients are unclear
• No customer testimonials are provided

TripleFlex – Conclusion

TripleFlex is a very standard joint treatment containing mostly proven ingredients that will provide long-term support for aging joints. Because the majority of consumers who would buy this product are over 50, it would make sense to recommend the 50+ formula over the other three although for some reason, it doesn’t include the beneficial MSM.

Although TripleFlex claims to be fast acting it will take time to reach its full potential meaning that the consumer may still want to use a topical joint pain cream for immediate relief when required.

The joint pain treatment Trigosamine is an over-the-counter product that is designed for long-term use.

The information found on the Trigosamine website is well presented and easy to understand. The site includes standard sections such as a FAQ’s and customer testimonial, although the main feature is information regarding the ordering process. Trigosamine is a little more affordable than some similar brands, costing $29.00 per bottle, and the company offers discounts on orders of two or more. All orders have a 90-day money back guarantee and the customer has the option to sign up for a free newsletter from Patent Health, the Trigosamine manufacturers.

Included in the information about Trigosamine are references to clinical studies that have been performed on the main ingredients, but no actual proof of this is shown. The product has been endorsed by a medical doctor who, being an employee of Patent Health is obviously biased in favor of the brand.

Trigosamine – Facts

Trigosamine is available in two formulas, Original Maximum Strength and Fast Acting. The original formula contains traditional joint health ingredients Glucosamine and Chondroitin. When used together these two ingredients provide the building blocks needed to repair and strengthen bone and joint cartilage, and have a cumulative effect in the body. The third active ingredient is Hyaluronate, a natural compound that has the ability to bind with water and provide lubrication to the joint, allowing for smoother movements that are less likely to cause damaging friction. All three ingredients are of premium grade and included in their optimum doses.

It is not known what other ingredients are in Trigosamine or the number of capsules needed daily. No side effects have been reported with the treatment, although it should not be taken by anyone allergic to shellfish or who is asthmatic.

Trigosamine – Positive Features

• Trigosamine uses traditional, proven ingredients
• Trigosamine is safe for long-term use
• Trigosamine causes no side effects
• The product has a 90-day money back guarantee
• Trigosamine is available in two formulas
• The website is informative
• Discounts are given on multiple orders

Trigosamine – Negative Features

• The full ingredient list is not provided
• People with shellfish allergies cannot take the product
• No free samples are offered
• The website focuses heavily on the ordering process
• The product is ‘endorsed’ by an employee of the manufacturing company

Trigosamine – Conclusion

There is nothing particularly special about Trigosamine that would make it preferable over any other Glucosamine/ Chondroitin containing brand, apart from the fact that it has a generous money back guarantee and is a little cheaper than many others.

Trigosamine would only really benefit those who wish to prevent future joint damage, for example, anyone with already reasonably healthy joints and who doesn’t already experience a lot of pain.

Reparagen is a natural supplement for joint health, manufactured by Parks Labs. The information found on the company website is fairly limited but does cover all the basics of the product and is presented in an easy to read way. The site is free of hype or gimmicky marketing and the company seems to pride themselves on being ethical, that is, not making any exaggerated claims about their products.

The Reparagen site includes a video presentation of the T.V. commercial and a good FAQ section. The product appears to have been extensively tested and the research is supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and the National Institute for Aging.

While no free samples or trial-size bottles are offered, the customer can take advantage of a ‘buy one get one free’ offer by enrolling in the auto-shipping program. By doing so, the cost of one bottle is also reduced from the normal price of $29.95 to $23.95. All products have a 30 day money back guarantee.

Reparagen – Facts

Reparagen is available in two formulas; the original and Reparagen plus Glucosamine. Both products contain Vincaria and RNI-249, extracts of Maca and Cat’s Claw respectively. The main function of Reparagen is to increase the natural cartilage repair gene IGF-1. Vincaria helps inhibit inflammation causing enzymes, which allows for a better range of motion and pain relief. The main ingredients in Reparagen are explained in detail although the language is very scientific and would be difficult for most consumers to understand.

Reparagen claims to help relieve arthritis symptoms within 7 days and should be taken at a dose of 2 capsules per day. Users can ‘kick start’ the treatment by taking up to 6 capsules a day if needed. While Reparagen has not been found to cause side effects, it should be noted that anyone allergic to shellfish should not take the Glucosamine formula.

Reparagen – Positive Features

• Reparagen has undergone successful clinical testing
• The product has a 30 day money back guarantee
• A ‘buy one get one free’ offer is available
• The website shows the Reparagen commercial
• Reparagen contains all natural ingredients
• Reparagen is more affordable than many brands
• The product is fast-acting and free of side effects
• The website includes a FAQ section
• The amounts of the main active ingredients are listed

Reparagen – Negative Features

• Some of the information for the ingredients is confusing
• No free trial of Reparagen is offered
• No allergy warning is given for Reparagen with Glucosamine
• No customer testimonials are provided
• Reparagen contains no lubricant such as Omega 3 fatty acids or Hyaluronic acid

Reparagen – Conclusion

Reparagen is a good alternative to traditional joint pain medications containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin. The product has proven to be just as successful and is suitable for anyone unable to take these two substances. However, if taking Glucosamine is not a problem, Reparagen with Glucosamine is likely to have an even more beneficial effect on the joints.

For a product that is so well tested, Reparagen is available for a very reasonable price and would be a good choice for anyone wanting to improve their joint health in order to stay active and pain-free in their senior years.

Osteo Bi-Flex is an over the counter brand of joint treatment, designed to repair existing damage and maintain healthy performance. The product is available in a number of different formulas, Advanced, Triple Strength, Plus MSM, Double Strength and Regular strength. All the basic formulas are identical apart from the amounts of the ingredients and various added vitamins and extracts.

There is an official website for Osteo Bi-flex which showcases the range of products and includes a video of the product’s T.V. commercial and information on Rexall, the manufacturers. It also includes a FAQ section, but no customer testimonials. Osteo Bi-Flex claims to be the #1 doctor recommended brand but shows no actual proof to back up the statement.

While the site is generally informative about aging joints, some of the sections are confusing and it can be difficult to navigate, particularly for the older age group for which the product is aimed at.

No free samples are available for Osteo Bi-flex, although the company does offer a $5.00 discount coupon on the site and there is an ‘Ambassadors Club’, basically a reward points program that entitles customers to redeem points for further discounts (i.e. 100 points for a $2.00 discount).

Osteo Bi-Flex – Facts

The Osteo Bi-Flex products are listed separately on the website, although it is not entirely clear which ingredients are included in the different formulas. It appears that in addition to Chondroitin and Glucosamine – the essential building blocks for joint and cartilage rebuilding – all the formulas contain Joint shield, a patent-pending blend that includes 5-Loxin, an extract of Boswellia Serrata Acid. An anti-inflammatory, Boswellia reduces swelling in inflamed joints, relieving pain fast and allowing the joint to repair itself more efficiently. Most of the formulas also include Vitamin C and MSM, both used to support vital collagen production, and Manganese which provides skeletal support.

Unfortunately the full product labels or ingredient amounts are not known for any of the formulas nor are dosage instructions included. While there are no guidelines regarding the best formula to take, it is assumed that more damaged , painful joints will require the Triple strength product, which is said to work in as little as 7 days.

Osteo Bi-Flex – Positive Features

• Osteo Bi-Flex is widely available in retail stores
• All formulas contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin, proven joint treatments
• Osteo Bi-Flex has received generally good independent reviews
• Discount coupons are offered
• The Rexall company is reputable and established
• Osteo Bi-flex is affordable
• Most of the ingredients are explained in detail
• Osteo Bi-flex is available in four different strengths

Osteo Bi-Flex – Negative Features

• The website is confusing and hard to navigate
• The ingredient information is not clear
• No product labels are shown
• No clinical study results are shown
• Osteo Bi-Flex is not suitable for shellfish allergy sufferers
• No customer testimonials are available
• No free samples are offered

Osteo Bi-Flex – Conclusion

Osteo Bi-Flex is an all-round good joint treatment although its main function is to maintain joint health rather than immediately relieve pain. Over time, it should allow those with aging joints to be able to enjoy the full active lives they are used to, without experiencing some of the gastrointestinal problems that some over-the-counter products can cause.

Osteo Bi-Flex is also a good choice for anyone with trouble swallowing pills, thanks to the smaller capsule size and it also features an ‘easy use’ cap, great for anyone with arthritic hands and fingers.

Move Free Advanced is manufactured by Schiff, and is available in three different pain-relief formulas. The official Move Free Advanced website is a wealth of information, containing not only facts about the products themselves but numerous links to other areas of interest. Their target consumer group is obviously the ‘baby boomers’ i.e. those reaching their senior years that still wish to live long and active lives and many of the articles included on the site are aimed at this particular age group.

Move Free Advanced seems to have built a good reputation among the array of other joint pain relievers on the market and is sponsored by the Arthritis Association and, according to the company, recommended by 9 out of 10 doctors. The product certainly has clinical evidence to prove that it works as well as promised, and the site provides several studies that have been performed on the Move Free formula.

While the information contained on the site is excellent and detailed, there are almost too many different categories and sections to be navigated and is not particularly user-friendly.

Move Free Advanced – Facts

Move Free Advanced is available in the original triple strength formula, original plus MSM and Vitamin D or original plus MSM. All contain the same basic patent-pending ingredient Uniflex, a free-radical fighting anti-oxidant that is comprised of the plants Chinese Skullcap and Black Catecho. Being an anti-oxidant Uniflex helps protect the joints from future degeneration, while the Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the formula work to repair and rebuild the broken cartilage. The fourth component is Joint Fluid, a lubricating substance made of Hyaluronic acid that ‘oils’ the entire joint, provides thicker synovial fluid and cushions and protects the entire area.

The product labels for all three formulas are provided as are lengthy descriptions of each ingredient and the function it performs. Move Free Advanced is simple to take, requiring 4 capsules a day to ‘kick start’ the treatment, then reducing the amount to 2 per day indefinitely to maintain health.

Move Free Advanced – Positive Features

• The Move Free Advanced website is informative
• The capsules are smaller than many other brands, making them easy to swallow
• Schiff offers a ‘Loyalty Rewards’ program
• Move Free Advanced is available in three different formulas
• The website offers useful health articles
• Move Free Advanced is affordable and widely available in retail stores
• The product treats the entire joint (bone, cartilage, synovial fluid)
• The full product and ingredient label is provided
• Move Free Advanced performed well in clinical trials
• The dosage can be reduced over time

Move Free Advanced – Negative Features

• Move Free Advanced is not suitable for those allergic to Glucosamine
• The website sections are confusing and repetitive
• No free trial or samples are offered
• No advice is given to help choose the most suitable formula
• No customer testimonials are shown

Move Free Advanced – Conclusion

While Move Free Advanced can help reduce the amount of existing joint pain, its main function is to repair and maintain joint health, enabling those in their senior years to remain active and able to continue leading a full, pain free life. If choosing Move Free Advanced it would be wise to discuss with a doctor or pharmacist which of the three formulas is most suitable and find out if it is compatible with any other medications currently being taken.

One of the best aspects of this product is that it is widely available in retail stores and has ample proof to show that it lives up to its reputation.

There is a lot of information available about the joint health treatment Lyprinol, a product that the manufacturers call a ‘miracle from the sea’. As well as a ‘central’ Lyprinol website, there are several distributor sites, all containing good information and detailed explanations of the product and its many uses.

According to the websites, Lyprinol has been in development for over 10 years and has undergone extensive clinical testing and studies, many of which are referred to on the site. In addition to being used as a treatment for joint pain, inflammation and stiffness, it is also administered to help with breathing, heart and skin conditions.

The North American official Lyprinol site contains a video presentation about the substance, customer testimonials and a comprehensive FAQ section. At the time of writing, not all the section links were working and there seemed to be a lot of repetitive information on the page.

Lyprinol is widely available, either from the individual distributors or independent retailers. If ordering directly from the site, customers can take advantage of a ‘buy one get one free’ offer, but only if they also enrol into the auto shipping program. Lyprinol is reasonably priced, with one bottle selling for $39.95.

Lyprinol – Facts

Lyprinol is a type of Omega 3 fatty acid, extracted from the New Zealand Green-lipped mussel. While this substance is used in other brands of medications, Lyprinol claims to be superior due to its patented stabilization method. In the case of treating joint pain, Lyprinol inhibits the flow of inflammation-causing Leukotrienes, which in turn reduces aching, friction and swelling in the joints.

A full list of ingredients in Lyprinol is not provided, nor are the ingredient amounts. The dosage for the product is for 4 capsules to be taken daily for an initial period, then reducing the dose to 2 per day to maintain performance. While Lyprinol has not been known to cause side effects, it is warned that some users may experience an increase in their symptoms at first, but this should subside eventually.

Lyprinol – Positive Features

• Lyprinol has undergone extensive clinical testing
• Lyprinol does not cause side effects and is generally allergy-free
• The product uses a patented manufacturing process
• Lyprinol is widely available in retail stores
• The website has a ‘buy one get one free’ offer
• Lyprinol is affordable
• The ingredients are all natural
• Lyprinol treats a number of medical conditions
• The website includes customer testimonials

Lyprinol – Negative Features

• Some of the information on the website is repetitive
• To receive the free bottle offer, the customer must enrol in the auto-ship program
• Lyprinol may cause an initial increase in symptoms

Lyprinol – Conclusion

There is no doubt that Lyprinol is an effective treatment against joint pain and is a good alternative for anyone unable to take the more traditional ingredients, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which can sometimes cause allergic reactions.

Because the use of the Green-lipped mussel is relatively new, it would be wise for the consumer to discuss with their doctor whether it would interfere with other medications they may be taking.

Joint MD is a brand of joint pain reliever and cartilage supporter, manufactured by MD Products. According to the product website, Joint MD is superior to other brands on the market due to the fact that it works up to 3 times faster than traditional Glucosamine-containing joint treatments.

All the information for Joint MD is contained on the MD Products’ website, a company that also produces a wide range of health and wellness supplements. The Joint MD page is fairly brief but the basics of the product and its formula are covered and it includes a diagram showing exactly how it works in the joint. Several customer testimonials are included on the site and there is a short FAQ section. Joint MD is guaranteed to work within 14 days, although there are no ‘terms and conditions’ available regarding the offer. The product is only available through independent retailers which allows for it being subject to discounts and sales prices.

Joint MD is a doctor-developed product, and further information about the MD Products Advisory Board members is provided.

Joint MD – Facts

The Joint MD formula contains two patented proprietary blends and some of the individual ingredients have undergone clinical testing. Together the blends help to inhibit the flow of inflammation-causing immune cells, reducing swelling and stiffness and support healthy cartilage. The Joint Guard complex contains a milk protein, Sierra Sil, C12 peptin and fatty acid carbons. EZ-Move blends MSM, Curcumin root, Bromelain, Green Tea Leaf, Hyaluronic Acid and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Although the ingredients are listed, none of them are explained in detail and the individual amounts are unknown.

The dosage for Joint MD is for 2 capsules to be taken twice a day until a certain level of comfort is achieved. After this, a maintenance dose of 2 capsules once a day can be followed.

Joint MD – Positive Features

• Joint MD is designed to work faster than Glucosamine formulas
• Some of the ingredients have undergone clinical trials
• The MD Products website is easy to navigate
• Customer testimonials are included
• Joint MD is affordable and subject to retailer’s discounts and specials
• A maintenance dose can be followed indefinitely
• Joint MD relieves joint pain and prevents future cartilage damage
• Joint MD is guaranteed to work within 14 days
• The product contains two patented formulas
• Joint MD should not cause allergies or side effects

Joint MD – Negative Features

• No free trials or samples are offered
• The ingredients are not explained sufficiently
• No ingredient amounts are shown
• No terms and conditions regarding the guarantee are shown

Joint MD – Conclusion

Joint MD is a good, very affordable brand for anyone who wants to take preventative steps towards joint health. While it may relieve existing pain, it is definitely designed for long-term use, building up the cartilage so it is able to absorb shock and withstand wear and tear. It would also be a smart choice for people who have allergies to the shell-fish derived Glucosamine or who experience gastrointestinal problems with some pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.