The product and its claims

JointRenew2 is the second generation of JointRenew, a dietary supplement that is sold over-the-counter for the relief of the symptoms of arthritis.  The manufacturer claims that the product will help repair the damage to the cartilage that provides shock absorption in the body's joints.  This would reduce the pain caused by movement of the joints, followed by a progressive increase in mobility. 

While there are many supplements on the market that contain both Glucosamine and Chondroitin, this product distinguishes itself with the inclusion of Collagen.  As the body ages, its ability to produce these substances in sufficient quantities diminishes, so this supplement is designed to reestablish equilibrium and make up the difference.

Video: What is Osteoarthritis?

Product Ingredients

JointRenew2 contains 1000mg of Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) and 400mg of Chondroitin Sulfate (CS).  Both substances are found naturally in the body's joint tissues.  GS is comprised of a sugar and amino acid and is considered a key factor in stimulating the production of new collagen.  CS is comprised of sugar units that promote fluidity, provide cartilage with its flexible quality, and help lessen the enzymes that destroy cartilage affected by arthritis.  Many believe that these two substances are necessary to maintain the integrity of the cartilage, and may help to regenerate and rebuild damaged cartilage.

JointRenew2 also contains 700mg of Collagen which is a natural source for GS and CS.  Collagen is the protein component of bones and connective tissues such as tendons and cartilage, and is considered essential for their healthy growth.  Other ingredients include 300mg of Vitamin C to assist with absorption and 100mg of Calcium for general bone and joint health.  Finally, it contains 20mg of Zinc that promotes cell reproduction and the corresponding growth and development of body tissues.

Does it work?

Like any supplement, the effectiveness of this product depends on the person actually using it and their personal experience.  It also depends on how much their physical condition had deteriorated prior to taking the supplement for the first time.  There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that the sooner you start using this product or those with similar ingredients, the better the results will be.  If your cartilage has already reached the point where it is no longer functional, the likelihood that this or any product can restore it is not high.

In addition to Glucosamine and Chondroitin, another substance that many claim effectively aids in joint rehabilitation is MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane).  MSM (not contained in JointRenew2) is a natural source of sulfur and is often used in combination with Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin as a treatment for osteoarthritis.  While the long-term consequences of using these substances are not known, there have been no reports of debilitating side effects.  Many people prefer this form of treatment to prescription drugs since those drugs only inhibit the symptoms, but do nothing to reverse their cause.

Video: Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The following three testimonials regarding JointRenew2: 

“I have been taking JointRenew for some six weeks now, and the improvement is remarkable.  At last I have been able to sleep, and am back training in the pool...”

“Before yours (JointRenew2), I was not able to sit in my chair and reach up to turn on the floor lamp right next to my chair, had to stand up and do it, as my left shoulder hurt so bad to raise my arm, now I can reach up and turn it on with out as much pain...pain has been cut by 2/3rds, what's that, only three weeks now?  Not too bad, not too bad.”

“I started JointRenew2 because my knees were giving me great pain after many years of high impact exercising.  I could not turn around without getting sharp pain.  After 5 days on JointRenew2, I was very noticeably improved and totally surprised by that fact.  In 3 weeks I was doing the twist at a wedding and I turned to my husband out on the dance floor and said with great joy, ‘I am doing the twist!'.”

If you know someone that is taking JointRenew2 or a product with similar ingredients, find out what results they have experienced.  A personal reference is usually best, so long as their symptoms are substantially similar to yours.  You might also consider consultation with a doctor that specializes in natural pain remedies.

Food and Drug Administration Warning

On May 6, 2002, the FDA warned the product's manufacturer that its website advertisements promoted the product for conditions that caused it to be a controlled drug.  The product is still being marketed and sold over-the-counter.