Stronger Bones and Healthier Joints

by Eric Munson | May 29, 2026

Helping patients and clients maintain bone and joint health into their later years.

According to Grand View Research,1 the global bone and joint health supplements market is projected to reach $27.26 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.57 percent from 2025-2033. This growth is attributed to factors such as a rapidly growing population, the prevalence of orthopedic disorders and rising awareness of micronutrient deficiencies.

The World Health Organization (WHO), reports that approximately 1.4 billion people globally will be above age 60 by 2030. The population suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is expanding considerably in part due to increasing life expectancy, creating demand for bone and joint health supplements, the report said.

Since the prevalence of bone and joint issues increases with age, it is important for natural and integrative practitioners to address these health concerns.

“A lot of my clients are looking for ways to stay active and mobile as they age. They’re finding that their body doesn’t recover from exercise like it used to, and it’s easy to overdo and suffer soreness—or worse, injury—if they aren’t careful. In addition, women especially are concerned about preventing or treating osteoporosis, and many either don’t want to take, or can’t take, the bisphosphonates that are primarily used to treat the condition,” said Julie Kaur Kalair, MPH, RDN, a registered dietitian and ayurvedic practitioner based in Hammondsport, NY.

“While bone and joint support has traditionally been sought after for senior mobility as a reactive effect of aging, today’s consumers and patients are more focused on an ‘active aging’ model. They are looking for clinically validated solutions that can help them bounce back faster from daily activities and exercise,” added Brian Zapp, director of marketing at Applied Food Sciences (AFS, Kerrville, TX). “Curcumin, for example, while effective over time, often faces sourcing challenges and a slow onset. There is a noticeable shift happening away from legacy ingredients toward innovative botanicals that support a healthy inflammatory response without harsh side effects.”

Consumers and Patients

Kathy McIntee, vice president of Patient One MediNutritionals (Hauppauge, NY) said consumers are looking for reduced joint pain and stiffness, improved flexibility and range of motion, ability to stay active, scientific evidence and/or clinical studies, doctor recommendations or endorsements, natural alternatives to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or steroids, gentle solutions with long-term usability, and simple routines.

“Consumers are prioritizing simple, consistent wellness routines that support mobility and everyday function, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and convenient daily use,” said Slawek Gromadzki, nutritionist at California-based HealthAid America.

According to Jennifer Campbell, education scientist at Florida-based Life Extension, bone loss is strongly influenced by nutrition, lifestyle and aging, and early intervention with diet, supplementation and exercise is essential to maintain skeletal health and reduce future risk.

“At the same time, there is growing demand for comprehensive, multi-nutrient approaches, reflecting scientific understanding that bone health depends on nutrient synergy—particularly calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium and trace minerals working together,” Campbell said. “Published reviews support this shift, showing that combinations of nutrients involved in calcium metabolism (e.g., vitamins D and K) can improve bone quality and help maintain bone mineral density.”

Dr. Adam Kreitenberg, a board-certified rheumatologist and physician formulator at 1MD Nutrition (Los Angeles, CA), said patients are much savvier and more proactive than they used to be. They’re moving away from a palliative mindset meaning they aren’t just looking to mask pain or manage symptoms after they begin. They want proactive and preventative solutions that support long-term function, quality of life and structural integrity.

“There’s also a real demand for clinical transparency. My patients don’t just want to see a list of ingredients; they want to know those ingredients are provided in the same therapeutic dosages used in actual clinical trials,” Dr. Kreitenberg said. “They are also starting to grasp the interplay of various parts the body-recognizing that you can’t look at bone density in a vacuum without also considering joint lubrication, cartilage integrity and the muscle strength required to stay mobile.”

According to Cheryl Myers, chief of scientific affairs and education at EuroMedica (Green Bay, WI), people are looking for effective solutions that can be safely used for the long-term, if necessary, without worrying about the potential damage to the stomach and liver.

“In my experience, people know that conventional over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications for joint issues or even OTC pain relievers aren’t really a workable answer for any great length of time. And mostly, people would like to address the cause of joint issues—they want to fix them,” she said.

“Patients are looking for joint/bone solutions that allow them to move freely, without pain, for both activities of daily life and during and after exercising. Most patients do not want to rely on NSAIDs or other pain medications if possible,” added Céline Torres-Moon, senior scientist at Illinois-based Protocol for Life Balance.

Natural Products and Remedies

There are numerous products and remedies for practitioners to recommend to their clients. According to Kalair, abhyanga—an ancient practice of self-massage using oil—is an ayurvedic practice she commonly recommends. Traditionally, the body is massaged with oil, time is allowed to let it sink in (a few minutes to a few hours, depending on time available), and then washed off in a warm shower of bath.

“The heat from the water helps the oil to penetrate deeply, and my clients have found that this practice helps manage their joint pain and stiffness. Instead of applying oil to the whole body, which can be daunting for newbies, I often suggest my clients just apply it to the affected joint,” Kalair explained. “Use circular massaging motions over the joints, both front and back; for limbs, use long, sweeping motions moving away from the heart. The only tricky thing about abhyanga is finding an oil that suits; some oils are cooling, like coconut, and some are more warming, like sesame or castor.”

To help support bone health, Kalair typically recommends both calcium and vitamin D supplements taken separately so the dosage can be more exact.

“Individuals should have their vitamin D levels checked in their lab work prior to supplementing, and a simple food recall or diet record can help me assess dietary calcium intake. I find that most clients end up requiring between 500-1,000 mg of supplemental calcium daily, and 2,000-5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day,” Kalair said.

EuroMedica’s Collagen Joint Complex provides a combination of anti-inflammatory, joint-protecting and restorative nutrients such as type II collagen, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, hyaluronic acid and boswellia extract (standardized to acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic-acid or AKBA).

“While these nutrients are selected to work synergistically, each has their specialty as well. For instance, type II collagen makes up to 90 percent of the collagen in articular joints, so it is critical. For at least 20 years, researchers have investigated the role of supplemental type II collagen in people with joint pain (typically knee pain) due to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and overall, results have been impressive,” Myers said.

HealthAid’s Joint Active features green lipped mussel extract as a key ingredient valued for its naturally occurring marine compounds that support comfort and mobility.* It’s combined with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, collagen and turmeric to help maintain joint structure and flexibility.*

Patient One CR Joint Care supplies a blend of traditional herbs along with flavonoids and enzymes that support joint function and comfort. It uses turmeric, boswellia, ginger, devil’s claw and yucca extracts alongside quercetin and bromelain. Black pepper is included to support enhanced absorption of bromelain. These complementary ingredients are formulated to promote soothing support and help maintain a healthy inflammation response, according to McIntee.

Life Extension’s Bone Restore formulas provide highly absorbable calcium combined with vitamin D3, which is required for calcium absorption, along with magnesium, boron, zinc, manganese and silicon to support bone density, structure and mineralization. ArthroMax is a comprehensive formula designed to support joint comfort, mobility and cartilage integrity.

Protocol for Life Balance’s Proto-Flex is a dietary supplement that combines glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and AprèsFlex—a proprietary, clinically validated Boswellia serrata extract.

“With glucosamine sulfate, an essential building block for the formation of the main components of cartilage tissue, and hyaluronic acid, an important constituent of joint fluid that serves as a lubricant and helps resist compressive forces, this product promotes the maintenance of healthy joint structures,*” Torres-Moon explained. “AprèsFlex is standardized to 10 mg AKBA per capsule. It has been included to support joint health and help relieve occasional minor pain from overexertion or stress.* With this combination of ingredients, Proto-Flex provides a long-term solution to support healthy joint function and comfort.*”

AFS has Oligen, a premium, patented olive polyphenol extract, uniquely dual-standardized to 5 percent combined oleocanthal and oleacein.

“These powerful active compounds are responsible for the targeted health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, long touted by the Mediterranean diet,” Zapp explained. “We utilize a proprietary extraction process to capture a complete, highly concentrated polyphenol profile that provides precise support for joint comfort and mobility. In fact, a single 400 mg capsule of Oligen delivers the active equivalent of about a quarter-cup of extra virgin olive oil, without the caloric density.”

Dr. Kreitenberg is the formulator of 1MD’s OsteoMD. He created the product because he saw a gap between standard over-the-counter calcium supplements and what the body needs for effective bone remodeling.

“My formula focuses on four gold-standard ingredients that work synergistically, like an orchestra. We use calcium hydroxyapatite, which is the mineral form found in human bone. It’s significantly more bioavailable than the standard calcium salts you see in most supplements,” Dr. Kreitenberg said.

OsteoMD also contains vitamin D3 to improve absorption and a clinically studied dose of MenaQ7 (vitamin K2) to help make sure calcium actually gets to where it needs to go. Dr. Kreitenberg explained vitamin K2 “acts like a traffic cop,” directing calcium into the bone matrix and keeping it out of arterial walls.

“I also added Calzbone, a specialized botanical that research suggests can actually stimulate osteoblast activity, essentially supporting the body’s natural bone-building process. It’s designed for the person who needs a more sophisticated approach than diet alone can provide,” he said.

Diet and Lifestyle

According to Kalair, a diet rich in calcium sources—not just dairy—can help support bones. Including foods such as beans (legumes) and nuts not only help boost calcium but are also good sources of magnesium. She also recommended prunes, which are a good source of vitamin K. For joint health, she recommended boosting omega-3 fats in the diet since they can help reduce inflammation in the body and have the potential to manage osteoarthritis.

“Aside from diet, weight bearing exercise is also essential for strong bones. Walking is the most simple and easy to incorporate for most of my clients, though even certain yoga poses like tree pose held for at least 30 seconds and practiced daily have been shown to be effective at supporting bone mass,” she said.

Dr. Kreitenberg said he emphasizes that dietary choices are just as foundational to a treatment plan as any medical intervention. It is important to focus on nutrient density to create a biological environment that support the skeletal matrix. He typically recommends anti-inflammatory proteins, mineral-dense greens, collagen co-factors and weight-bearing and resistance exercise.

Myers recommended an anti-inflammatory diet that avoids ultra-processed foods, refined carbs and excessive sugar if it’s applicable to the patient. Building up daily exercise such as short walks, light load-bearing regimens and increasing strength and ability are also important.

“I think that pain, unfortunately, can create its own spiral because of the temptation to remain sedentary when exercise is really part of the cure. It’s a tough call—you don’t want patients to overdo it and set themselves back, but, with the proper guidance, you want to encourage healthy levels of movement, too,” Myers said.

Zapp strongly advocates for the foundational principles of a Mediterranean diet, which is globally recognized as a gold standard for longevity and healthy aging.

“Incorporating whole foods, healthy fats and rich sources of polyphenols is necessary for systemic wellness. We also encourage consistent, moderate movement to maintain joint mobility and resilience,” Zapp said. “Oligen was designed to seamlessly complement these lifestyle choices by delivering the most potent, protective elements of the Mediterranean diet in a highly efficient format, bridging the gap between whole-food nutrition and targeted joint support.”

“To support bone and joint health, exercise and weight management are important. Being overweight puts additional pressure on the lower limb joints’ resilience,” Torres-Moon said. “Exercising regularly is important to maintain bone mass and joint health. It is, however, important to tailor exercise patterns to the patient’s physical abilities to avoid joint injuries that could compromise joint health.”

Integrative and Alternative Practitioners

Integrative and alternative practitioners provide a unique perspective when treating patients and clients.

“Integrative practitioners have a unique approach because they tend to look at 360-degree care. While traditional medicine often waits for a DXA scan to show a problem before intervening, integrative practitioners can look at the biochemical precursors much earlier. They offer viable solutions by assessing things like vitamin D status, gut health, and early inflammatory markers,” Dr. Kreitenberg said.

“I think that a mixture of appropriate lifestyle measures under the supervision of a licensed practitioner goes a long way to helping people overcome, or at least respond to, various bone and joint issues. And those measures may take the form of a non-inflammatory, whole foods diet and moderate, sensible exercise supported by a regimen of clinically supported supplementation,” Myers explained. “But mostly, I think that the individualized support and consistent guidance of practitioners tailored to each patient’s specific needs are key to long-term success. People need coaching and encouragement, and I think that practitioners are especially well-suited to bring that to their patients.”

According to Campbell, integrative practitioners can provide value by applying a systems-based, root-cause approach to bone and joint health by addressing nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle factors and metabolic contributors to bone loss.

“Life Extension protocols highlight the importance of combining diet, supplementation, and lifestyle interventions—including exercise and risk-factor modification—to prevent osteoporosis and maintain skeletal strength,” Campbell explained.

Torres-Moon said that as the American population ages adopting healthy lifestyle habits and taking appropriate dietary supplements at a younger age will help patients maintain healthy joint and bones longer. For example, to maintain bone health in senior years, it is important to maintain adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D throughout life starting in childhood.

“I find clients usually struggle with one of the following: availability, affordability or adherence. For example, I might feel that a particular ayurvedic oil would be extremely helpful for a client’s joint health, but if that oil has to be shipped from India, where it is manufactured, or if it’s expensive and cost-prohibitive, then it’s not really a viable solution for the client,” Kalair said. “And even if those are not barriers, applying an oil to the joint on a daily basis, as a preventative, even when the joint is feeling good, can become tedious and adherence to the practice can slip. I try to meet my clients where they are at, and find solutions that fit their budget and are easy to access. In addition, reminding clients that building new habits that support their health takes time (months, if not years, in some cases), and that it is normal to shift back into old habits during this process, can be helpful.”

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Reference:

1 www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bone-joint-health-supplements-market-report.

Healthy Take Aways

• According to Grand View Research, the global bone and joint health supplements market is projected to reach $27.26 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.57 percent from 2025-2033.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.4 billion people globally will be above age 60 by 2030.
• The population suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is expanding considerably in part due to increasing life expectancy, creating demand for bone and joint health supplements.