Osteo Bi-Flex is quite possibly the most popular budget joint pain supplement and is the most prevalent in stores. But is Osteo Bi-Flex any good?
At $30, most people would probably be better off with an omega supplement. However, there are a couple of versions of Osteo Bi-Flex, and realistically, the triple-strength version is the best one due to the added vitamin D.
I’ve used it in the past, but I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best joint supplements I’ve used. So here are my experiences using Osteo Bi-Flex.
Pros
- They are a well-known brand, so their reputation is on the line.
- Easily accessible at your local grocery store.
- Budget price compared to other joint supplements.
- High dose of glucosamine.
Cons
- Missing a lot of the effective joint supplement ingredients.
- Glucosamine HCl doesn’t need to be dosed relatively as high as it is in Osteo Bi-Flex, and that does lead to some issues with nausea.
Quick Verdict
Osteo Bi-Flex is a great price with some adequately dosed ingredients. But it falls short as a comprehensive joint supplement.
For an effective joint supplement, try FlexAgain. It’s better dosed than anything else on the market, contains the correct amounts of 11 well-backed ingredients, and has a money-back guarantee.
Osteo Bi-Flex Ingredients
There are a couple of different versions of Osteo Bi-Flex. The best of the bunch is Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength, but I’ll cover the differences in the formulas.
Glucosamine HCL
Glucosamine is a well-established ingredient in joint health supplements and has been studied for arthritis pain, particularly knee pain.
The HCL (hydrochloride) form used in Osteo Bi-Flex is considered more potent than the more commonly used glucosamine sulfate.
While research suggests glucosamine HCL can be beneficial, it has also been linked to side effects such as swelling and digestive discomfort, especially at the high 1,500 mg dosage found in Osteo Bi-Flex [1].
Typically, glucosamine sulfate is dosed at 1500mg, and Glucosamine HCL is dosed lower as it’s a purer version. That’s not to say this large amount is necessarily negative, just that you may have digestive problems with this dose.
Chondroitin and MSM
The combination of chondroitin and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is another staple in joint health supplements. Chondroitin is believed to support cartilage health, while MSM is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties [2].
However, the relatively low 275 mg combined dose in Osteo Bi-Flex may not be sufficient to deliver the full benefits of these ingredients.
The research suggests that much higher doses, often exceeding 1,000 mg daily, are needed in most cases [3].
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that relieves joint pain and stiffness [4]. Clinical trials have shown that Boswellia serrata extract (BSE) significantly improves knee function, reduces pain, and decreases inflammation in osteoarthritis patients.
The results are comparable to those of conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects [7][8].
Osteo Bi-Flex includes a well-dosed amount, which is a positive addition to the formulation.
Vitamin Blend
The vitamin blend in Osteo Bi-Flex is mixed. It depends on which version you get. Some versions contain useful ingredients like vitamin C [5], but those versions lack vitamin D3.
Low levels of other vitamins and minerals are also concerning, as these nutrients play crucial roles in joint health and overall well-being [6].
Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength
This formulation contains a high concentration of key ingredients, including glucosamine HCL, chondroitin, MSM, and vitamin D.
This is the best version, but the MSM dose is too low. I like the inclusion of Vitamin D because deficiency can lead to joint pain, and most adults over 50 are deficient.
Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Care
This version, tailored for general joint health maintenance, features a balanced blend of glucosamine, Boswellia, vitamin C, manganese, and sodium. It’s not worth bothering with, in my opinion. It may as well be just a glucosamine supplement.
Osteo Bi-Flex Price
The price of Osteo Bi-Flex varies between $20 and $35 a bottle, depending on the version. Some bulk buys are available, but they are not common.
I’d also recommend fish oil for comprehensive joint support. Osteo Bi-Flex is available almost everywhere, including Amazon, CVS, and other large retailers.
Who Is Osteo Bi-Flex For?
Those Suffering From Mild Joint Discomfort.
Osteo Bi-Flex can be effective for individuals with mild joint discomfort, as the formula’s ingredients are well-documented for their joint-supporting properties.
However, there are many joint supplement options, meaning that if you’re looking for something stronger for joint pain, there are better options.
Individuals Wanting A Seamless Checkout Experience
Being accessible at your local grocery store means you can pick it up during your next shopping trip. There is no need to order online and wait a week for it to be delivered. Further, you avoid any issues surrounding payments and subscriptions.
For example, Heal N Soothe has issues with not canceling subscription orders, so customers are left billed monthly.
My Experience With Osteo Bi-Flex
Osteo Bi-Flex was one of the first joint supplements I tried, and I felt my joints weren’t as sore as they were previously—almost like the inflammation had settled down.
This isn’t surprising, considering it’s one of the most well-known ingredients for improving joint health. I didn’t experience any of the stomach pain issues people experience, but it doesn’t help my joint pain as much as other joint supplements.
The catch is there are better joint pain supplements available.
When I upgraded to FlexAgain, the difference was night and day. It’s probably because you get 4x the ingredients for $20 more monthly. I’d arguably say that the impact was more than fourfold.
Customer Experiences With Osteo Bi-Flex
As I mentioned before, while a high dose of glucosamine does cause some people stomach issues, it’s unlikely that it will cause serious side effects. However, enough people are experiencing these side effects that taking Osteo Bi-Flex may cause the same issues.
That said, several positive Osteo Bi-Flex reviews praise the supplement for alleviating joint pain, with more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon alone and a 4-star score.
Does Osteo Bi-Flex Cause Weight Gain?
This is a unique question, but we must include it as it’s asked often enough. A few users did report this issue. This isn’t something you want from a joint supplement. The connection between Osteo Bi-Flex and weight gain is not entirely clear-cut.
There is some evidence that glucosamine in overly high doses can potentially influence appetite, although the evidence is a little sparse. That said, there are some user complaints about the issue and some evidence that it can cause fluctuations in weight.
It’s worth noting that the amount in other joint supplements is not likely to cause this issue. This is largely because of the very high HCL content, which is three times higher than that of other effective supplements. I didn’t have this issue, and you must consume more total daily calories to see weight gain.
Osteo Bi-Flex doesn’t directly cause weight gain. But be aware if your appetite increases while taking it.
Osteo Bi-Flex Alternatives
FlexAgain
If we compare Osteo Bi-Flex to FlexAgain, there’s no competition. Like Osteo Bi-Flex, FlexAgain has a total dose of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, Boswellia, and vitamin D.
It also contains omega, gingerols, curcumin (the three of which are more well-backed than glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and Boswellia), vitamin K2, bromelain, and a few other fully dosed ingredients.
It also comes with a money-back guarantee and only costs $20 more. You can read my in-depth guide in my FlexAgain review.
Joint Food
Despite using some proven ingredients and third-party testing, it falls short due to its expensive proprietary blend that masks underdosed and unproven elements.
The only ingredient dosed correctly is Vitamin C. Based on my experience and customer reviews, Joint Food did not alleviate my joint pain, and I noticed no difference after discontinuing its use.
You can read my in-depth breakdown in my Joint Food review.
Joint Buddy
Joint Buddy presents a budget-friendly option for those seeking effective joint support without breaking the bank.
While it doesn’t feature as extensive a mix as FlexAgain, it includes a robust core of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.
Additionally, it is enriched with various essential vitamins and minerals, making it a comprehensive choice similar to combining a multivitamin with a glucosamine sulfate supplement.
Summary
Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength variant is the most beneficial due to its inclusion of vitamin D. While it does provide a high dose of glucosamine and is complemented by other ingredients like chondroitin and MSM, it falls short in terms of comprehensive ingredient efficacy and dosage.
Best Joint Pain Supplement
FlexAgain
A powerful, clinically dosed joint supplement to alleviate joint pain and improve joint health.
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References
- Fox, B. A., & Stephens, M. M. (2007). Glucosamine hydrochloride is used to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. Clinical interventions in aging, 2(4), 599-604.
- Chin, K. Y. (2020). The relationship between vitamin K and osteoarthritis: a review of current evidence. Nutrients, 12(5), 1208.
- Butawan, M., Benjamin, R. L., & Bloomer, R. J. (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane: applications and safety of a novel dietary supplement. Nutrients, 9(3), 290.
- Yu, G., Xiang, W., Zhang, T., Zeng, L., Yang, K., & Li, J. (2020). Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 20, 1-16.
- Dunlap, B., Patterson, G. T., Kumar, S., Vyavahare, S., Mishra, S., Isales, C., & Fulzele, S. (2021). Vitamin C supplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis: perspectives on the past, present, and future. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, 12, 20406223211047026.
- Butawan, M., Benjamin, R. L., & Bloomer, R. J. (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane: applications and safety of a novel dietary supplement. Nutrients, 9(3), 290.
- Kimmatkar, N., Thawani, V., Hingorani, L., & Khiyani, R. (2003). Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 3-7.
- Majeed, M., Majeed, S., Narayanan, N. K., & Nagabhushanam, K. (2019). A pilot, randomized, double?blind, placebo?controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. Phytotherapy Research, 33(5), 1457-1468.
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