While food should always be your foundation and first line of treatment for reducing inflammation, supplements can play a helpful role, explains Kathryn Durston, RDN, dietitian and owner of Naturally Good Nutrition. They offer therapeutic doses of beneficial nutrients that can fill in nutritional gaps and offer added support when lifestyle changes alone arent enough.
With so many options and ingredients available, weve done the research for you. By consulting experts, reviewing studies, and assessing product quality, weve curated the best recommendations to help you make an informed choice.
It is always best to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet to make sure its safe and appropriate for your individual health needs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesnt regulate supplements the same way as prescription medications, which means the quality and effectiveness of products can vary.
Additionally, certain supplements might not be appropriate for everyone, especially those with chronic illnesses or individuals taking medications with potential interactions. For example, turmeric supplements can thin the blood, which may not be suitable if youre on blood-thinning medications.Your healthcare provider can help evaluate whether a particular supplement is safe for you.
Though the price point might seem high compared to some curcumin alternatives, and the capsules are on the larger size, Thornes products enhanced absorption, rigorous quality standards, and allergen-free formula make it a worthwhile investment.
Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian and owner of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services, praises this product for its ConsumerLab.com approval, where it received high marks for taste, price, and quality. The capsules odor-free design eliminates the pungent or spicy flavor associated with fresh ginger, making them an easy-to-consume option for those with sensitive preferences. Additionally, Mountain Rose Herbs demonstrates transparency by showcasing its commitment to organic sourcing and quality control.
A potential drawback for some may be its simplicity, as these capsules contain no additional ingredients beyond organic ginger root. However, this purity is a significant advantage for those seeking a straightforward, natural supplement without unnecessary fillers or additives. This product stands out as a trusted, high-quality choice.
We chose Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega for its exceptional quality, sustainable sourcing, and potent omega-3 content. My favorite omega-3 supplement is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega because it contains fish oil from wild-caught fish, meets strict purity standards from third-party testing, and is certified sustainable, says Glinski. She adds that every Nordic Naturals product has its own certificate of analysis available, which verifies potency, purity, and freshness.
We love that this lemon-flavored product doesnt taste fishy (or lead to the dreaded fish burps some other products can). While the softgels may seem larger for some, Glinski adds that the Ultimate Omega line also offers liquid and gummy forms, so those who dont like swallowing pills can still get the benefits.
Garlic is often associated with garlic breath and body odor, especially in raw form. Natures Truth minimizes this issue with its odorless formula, although some users do report a subtle garlic odor, but not taste. Its also important to note that garlic can interfere with certain medications when consumed as a supplement in high doses, so check with your doctor before starting. Overall, Natures Truth Odorless Garlic combines convenience, quality, and effectiveness into a budget-friendly option for reaping the health benefits of garlic.
Solaray Quercetin With Bromelain & Vitamin C also stands out for its affordability. Its a great value around $26 for a months supply making it a more affordable option compared to many other inflammation-focused supplements, says Durston.
While the blend of ingredients is a significant strength, it may not appeal to those seeking a single vitamin C option. High doses of vitamin C can also cause an upset stomach for some people. However, we like the balance of ingredients that provides well-rounded support for inflammation and oxidative stress.
Manaker also likes that this product is vegan-friendly, free from major allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, and nuts, and is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility to ensure safety and quality.
Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract earned its place as the best green tea supplement for its high dose and quality formula. Each capsule provides the equivalent of three cups of green tea without the caffeine, delivering a concentrated dose without the stimulating effects.
We also like the quality and transparency of this product. All Life Extension products are tested at various stages during the manufacturing process. Raw materials are analyzed for quality, while finished products are submitted to third-party testing organizations to confirm product purity and potency, says Glinski. Its also affordable and vegan-friendly, which Glinski says makes it accessible for a wide range of diets and budgets.
Although the decaffeinated formula is ideal for most users, some individuals looking for a slight energy boost might prefer a caffeine-inclusive alternative. Additionally, green tea extract can cause mild digestive upset in sensitive individuals if taken on an empty stomach. Overall, Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract is an all-around winner for those wanting to enjoy green teas anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers without caffeine.
Durston emphasizes the phytosome formula that enhances the bioavailability of this product, allowing your body to absorb and utilize its active compounds more effectively. Plus, I trust Thorne for its strict third-party testing to ensure quality and safety, she adds.
The benefits of Thorne Boswellia Phytosome come with few drawbacks. At $59 for 60 capsules, it is a premium-priced option, but its superior absorption and quality assurance justify the higher cost. Thorne Boswellia Phytosome is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, effective boswellia supplement.
Overall, MegaFood Ashwagandha Complex delivers a comprehensive adaptogenic formula designed to support stress management and inflammation reduction.
We reviewed products from dozens of supplement brands to provide trustworthy information and guidance, evaluating each for quality, efficacy, and safety. We also consulted with five registered dietitians, including:
As a registered dietitian with extensive experience in researching and writing about supplements, I combined my professional knowledge with personal experience using these products for myself and my clients.
Choosing the best anti-inflammatory supplement requires consideration to ensure its effective, safe, and suits your needs. Here are key factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
By keeping these features in mind, you can select a supplement that supports your anti-inflammatory needs while aligning with your lifestyle.
Supplements provide a therapeutic dose of these beneficial compounds, typically much higher than what would be obtained from food alone. They can also be a convenient substitute for those who may not regularly consume anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as fatty fish or green tea, in their diet.
While supplements can provide additional support, they are not a solution in isolation. A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet should be the foundation of your approach, with supplements acting as a complement to enhance the benefits of diet and lifestyle changes. Without a solid dietary foundation, the impact of supplements will be limited.
Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice. Caitlins special interests include women's health, gut health, autoimmunity, and reproductive health. Committed to the belief that health information should be accessible to all, she is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes for their well-being. Caitlin holds advanced training certificates in women's health and integrative and functional nutrition.
Caitlin was born and raised in northern California, where she resides with her family. An avid lover of sunshine and the outdoors, she finds joy in activities such as visiting the beach, exercising, cooking, and indulging in a good read. You can find Caitlins writing in a variety of outlets and brands, including Motherly, Nourish, Signos, Greatest, Pure Encapsulations, Abbott, and Clue, among others.
Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.
De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.
De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.
Steven Rowe is a New York Citybased writer and editor with over six years of experience writing about mental health, men's health, parenting, and products.
His work has been published by Healthline, Psych Central, Health, Verywell, Parents, InStyle, Greatist, Romper, Inverse, Bustle, Mic, and RetailMeNot. He also worked as an editor at Healthline and a constant strategist and update writer at Verywell. Prior to becoming a writer, he also worked at Pace University in continuing education.
He has a degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and a masters from Columbia School of the Arts. When he's not writing, you can find him hiking in the woods with his family and rescue beagle.