Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red algae, particularly species like Lithothamnion, have been studied for their potential benefits to joint health primarily due to their high content of bioavailable calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals. These minerals are important for bone health and, by extension, may play a role in supporting joint function. Some small-scale clinical studies and preclinical research suggest that supplementation with red algae-derived minerals can reduce markers of inflammation and improve symptoms in individuals with osteoarthritis or other joint discomforts. For example, a few placebo-controlled trials have found minor improvements in pain and mobility among participants taking red algae mineral supplements compared to placebo.

However, the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence remains limited. Most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and are often funded by supplement manufacturers. There is also a lack of large-scale, independent, long-term clinical trials that establish a direct and significant effect of red algae supplementation on joint health. The mechanisms proposed are plausible—reduction of inflammation and support of bone mineralization—but not definitively proven in humans. In summary, while there is some scientific interest and preliminary evidence, the support for red algae as a joint health supplement is modest and not strongly validated.

More about Red Algae
More about Joints

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alfalfa
algal oil
amino acids
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
sesame
borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
cabbage leaf
calamari oil
cartilage
cat's claw
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
devil's claw
dog rose
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
guggul
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
manganese
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
phellodendron amurense
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rose hips
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
rubia cordifolia
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
myrrh
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solomon's seal
siler root
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dioscorea
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eucommia
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
yucca
barrenwort
wintergreen
camphor oil
coix
gentiana macrophylla
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
gravel root
bladderwrack
arnica
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
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Animal Tissue
Antler
Avian Cartilage
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Anamu
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Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
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Animal protein
Bone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Biopeptide
Babchi
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
berry
Bogbean
Black Gram
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bone Protein
Bee products
Bombax
Borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Curculigo orchicides
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
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Curcumen
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Centella asiatica
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Cissus sicyoides
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Curcuma
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Campsiandra angustifolia
Cowslip
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Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
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Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
Egg
Elk antler
Emu Oil
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Escin
Eucommia ulmoides
Ecklonia
Flavonoids
Glycine
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Little ironweed

Other body systems supported by Red Algae

Arteries
Blood
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Skeletal System (Bones)
Skin
Teeth

Products containing Red Algae

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.