Relief Factor has established itself as one of the most popular dietary supplements for people dealing with chronic joint pain or cartilage and bone degradation.
After reviewing all of Relief Factor’s claims, I decided to try the product for myself to see how it compares to other natural pain relievers. So, I took it for a month to let you know if it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Pros
- Many Relief Factor ingredients are proven to reduce pain and treat joint issues.
- Servings of two soft gels and two capsules were easy to take.
Cons
- Most of the proven ingredients are present in dosages too low to be of any use.
- There are no clinical trials on some ingredients to support the Relief factor claims.
- There are countless customer complaints about Relief Factor.
- Relief Factor is very expensive.
Quick Verdict
Relief Factor is the most expensive joint supplement but the formula or results don’t reflect this price.
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.
Relief Factor Ingredients
Relief Factor is a brand that makes several products, like Relief Factor Energy, but their self-titled joint supplement is the one we will be analyzing today, as it is designed to relieve aches and pains.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids – 900 mg (647 mg EPA & 253 mg DHA)
Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat most often found in fish and fish oil but can also be obtained from certain seeds, nuts, beans, pulses, algae, seaweed, meats, and dairy products.
They come in three different forms: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).
Relief Factor contains EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and among the most common ingredients in joint pain relief supplements.
They are widely used as they can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve joint health, prevent joint damage, help repair any damage that has already occurred, enhance muscle and connective tissue growth, and improve the lubrication, flexibility, and mobility of the joints [1].
Beyond treating joint pain, these fatty acids can offer additional benefits, like improving your brain function, eye, muscle, nerve, skin, and cardiovascular health, and combatting high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and several other chronic health conditions.
The problem is most studies suggest that you must take at least 1,100 mg of omega-3s daily for them to promote healthy joints, reduce pain, or have a positive effect.
This means the 900 mg present in each serving of Relief Factor will not be strong enough to produce optimal results.
Turmeric Phospholipid (Rhizome Longa L.) (Standardized To 18% Curcuminoids) – 667 mg
Turmeric is an extract from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and many Asian cuisines.
It contains a compound called curcumin, which boasts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has a distinctive peppery flavor.
It can reduce pain and inflammation, restore joint functions, combat osteoarthritis pain, enhance the efficacy of other antioxidants in your system, and generally improve joint health.
This offers a broader range of overall health benefits, like treating anxiety and depression, reducing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, protecting the liver from toxins, and supporting weight management efforts.
The only issue is that the curcumin found in turmeric is virtually impossible for the human body to absorb if it’s not combined with a bioavailability enhancer, like piperine (black pepper extract) [2].
The omission of any such ingredient in Relief Factor means the turmeric will likely be useless.
Epimedium Aerial (Standardized To 20% Icariin) – 200 mg
Epimedium is a plant found in Asia that is best known as horny goat weed. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine to combat erectile dysfunction and boost libido and testosterone levels, it contains a flavonoid called icariin, which some studies suggest can relieve swelling and inflammation.
This has led to many supplement manufacturers putting it in pain relief products. Claims that it combats viruses and cardiovascular disease and boosts relaxation, energy, estrogen, cholesterol, blood flow, and brain, heart, and immune health and functions have seen it put in other supplements, too.
Unfortunately, the clinical studies on icariin have only been done on animals or in vitro, so there is no proof that it will be helpful to humans [3]. What’s more, its use in humans has been linked to several unpleasant side effects.
With these including problems like abdominal discomfort, abnormal heart rhythms, nausea, skin rashes, and negative interactions with pharmaceutical medications for things like pulmonary disease or clotting issues, it is far more likely that the inclusion of epimedium in Relief Factor will do you harm than good.
Japanese Knotweed Root Extract (96% Trans-Resveratrol) – 70 mg
Japanese knotweed is a plant widely found throughout East Asia. Its root extract has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Due to the presence of a chemical called resveratrol, it is now used in many dietary supplements, especially those designed for treating joint discomfort.
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Consuming it can prevent or treat oxidative stress and damage to the cells and tissues throughout the human body.
This allows it to combat inflammation, relieve moderate chronic pain, and treat rheumatoid arthritis pain and its symptoms.
It can offer several other health benefits, like boosting gut, heart, and nervous system health and functions, improving blood sugar, pressure, and cholesterol levels, aiding fat loss, managing insulin and glucose sensitivity, and treating Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
However, clinical trials show that you must take at least 150 mg of resveratrol daily to deliver any of these benefits [4]. This means the 70 mg present in each serving of Relief Factor is far too low to be of any actual use.
Relief Factor Price
Joint Supplement | One Time Purchase (1 Month Supply) | Subscription First Month | Subscription After First Month |
---|---|---|---|
Relief Factor | $93.95 ($3.13/serving) | $24.95 ($0.83/serving) | $79.95 ($2.67/serving) |
The only available place to buy a month’s supply of Relief Factor is the official Relief Factor website, which costs $93.95. However, it can also be obtained at the discounted rate of $79.95, with the first month costing just $24.95 if you choose to buy it on a subscription service.
Neither of the price options listed on Relief Factor’s website include shipping or handling, and no deals are available for buying in bulk or making bundles with other products like Relief Factor Energy.
Who Is The Relief Factor Dietary Supplement For?
People Seeking Joint Pain Relief
Relief Factor is a nutritional supplement designed with only one purpose: to provide both joint and muscle pain relief.
As such, the product is targeted exclusively at people with issues in these areas, and it claims to be able to treat everything from mild to severe pain.
Active Adults
Relief Factor is designed for active adults who want to maintain their physical abilities and participate in the activities they love without being limited by discomfort or pain.
Whether you’re an avid runner, cyclist, hiker, or simply enjoy staying active, Relief Factor can potentially help reduce inflammation and support joint health, allowing you to keep doing what you love.
People Looking for Natural Remedies
For those seeking a natural approach to pain management and overall wellness, Relief Factor provides a plant-based solution without the potential side effects often associated with prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs.
Its natural ingredients make it an attractive option for individuals looking to address their discomfort more holistically.
My Experience With Relief Factor
After trying Relief Factor for a month, I felt like it had produced a small amount of pain relief, particularly regarding knee pain.
However, the results were not nearly as significant as you would have hoped, especially considering the very high price tag of Relief Factor.
Servings of two soft gels and two capsules were easy to take but were not enough to sell Relief Factor, especially as I ran into a few side effects, most notable of which were stomach problems.
I feel there is just no reason to use Relief Factor again when better options are available.
Relief Factor Reviews From Customers
Relief Factor is only sold directly on Relief Factor’s website, which does not have a facility to allow you to leave reviews.
This suggests that the “thousands” of 4 or 5 out of 5-star ratings the website claims users have left have been fabricated to make it seem like users found Relief Factor to work as described.
However, Relief Factor reviews on respected websites like Trustpilot give the dietary supplement a rating of just 2.1 out of 5 stars.
On the Trustpilot website, Relief Factor customers report that it either provided no pain relief or, in some cases, even worsened their aches and pains. Some users also experienced Relief Factor side effects, while others complained about the company’s business practices.
Relief Factor complaints included too much money being taken from their account, receiving an incorrect amount, being signed up to a monthly subscription without their consent, not receiving a delivery for ages, and finding that the advertised refund policy was not honored.
Relief Factor Side Effects
The reported side effects associated with Relief Factor are generally mild and infrequent. I experienced mild stomach discomfort partway through taking this, which I haven’t felt while taking other joint supplements.
One of the most reported side effects is digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or upset stomach.
This is not unusual for supplements containing plant-based ingredients, as some individuals may have sensitivities or difficulty digesting certain components. It’s recommended to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase to assess tolerance.
In rare cases, some users have reported headaches, dizziness, or mild skin irritation. These side effects are typically temporary and may subside as the body adjusts to the supplement.
If they persist or become severe, it’s advisable to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Does Relief Factor Raise Blood Pressure?
Although not related to the joints, many people are questioning whether Relief Factor can cause hypertension.
While our study found that Relief Factor can cause several adverse reactions and high doses of fish oil can cause hypertension, this was not an issue found anywhere in our research.
Relief Factor Alternatives
FlexAgain
FlexAgain is easily the best supplement of its kind on the market today. Packed with natural ingredients that have been proven to work by medical doctors at the Longevity Medical Clinic, it can provide a significant degree of pain relief and repair the joints while being far cheaper than Relief Factor.
You can read my full in-depth guide in my FlexAgain review.
Heal N Soothe
Heal n Soothe is a well-known joint supplement with a mix of promising and underwhelming components. Some of these are well-dosed, while others fall short of effective levels.
Despite containing ingredients like boswellia and bromelain, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, the formula is criticized for its lack of comprehensive pain relief and issues with subscription cancellations, as reported on BBB and Trustpilot.
Priced at $35-40 per bottle, it offers limited value considering the effectiveness of the ingredients at their current dosages.
While it has some potential for mild joint pain relief, customer experiences suggest a mixed response, with the majority expressing dissatisfaction, particularly with the company’s billing practices.
You can read my full Heal N Soothe review here.
Osteo Bi-Flex
Osteo Bi-Flex, a widely available budget joint pain supplement, offers various versions, with the Triple Strength being most notable for its added vitamin D.
Despite its affordability and a high dose of glucosamine, the supplement is less comprehensive in addressing joint pain effectively compared to alternatives.
Commonly reported issues include nausea due to the high dosage of glucosamine HCl, and the formulation lacks several effective joint health ingredients.
You can read my full Osteo Bi-Flex review here.
Frequently Asked Relief Factor Questions
Is Relief Factor Legit?
Relief Factor is a legit supplement but doesn’t contain high enough doses to be an effective joint supplement. It may be worth trying if you’re looking for a natural supplement, but you may not see joint pain relief.
Does Relief Factor Really Provide Pain Relief?
I found Relief Factor provided some pain relief but at the expense of stomach discomfort. Considering there are other joint supplements
Summary
After trying Relief Factor for myself and breaking down the ingredients, Relief Factor isn’t the best joint supplement. This may set you off if you have a sensitive stomach to supplements.
Instead, I recommend FlexAgain as it is clinically dosed and doesn’t give adverse side effects.
Best Joint Pain Supplement
FlexAgain
A powerful, clinically dosed joint supplement to alleviate joint pain and improve joint health.
CHECK CURRENT DEALSReferences
- Miles, E. A., & Calder, P. C. (2012). Influence of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immune function and a systematic review of their effects on clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(S2), S171-S184.
- Anand, P., Kunnumakkara, A. B., Newman, R. A., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2007). Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Molecular pharmaceutics, 4(6), 807-818.
- Shindel, A. W., Xin, Z. C., Lin, G., Fandel, T. M., Huang, Y. C., Banie, L., … & Lue, T. F. (2010). Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. The journal of sexual medicine, 7(4_Part_1), 1518-1528.
- Kjær, T. N., Ornstrup, M. J., Poulsen, M. M., Jørgensen, J. O. L., Hougaard, D. M., Cohen, A. S., … & Pedersen, S. B. (2015). Resveratrol reduces the levels of circulating androgen precursors but has no effect on, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, PSA levels or prostate volume. A 4?month randomised trial in middle?aged men. The Prostate, 75(12), 1255-1263.
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