Does Relief Factor work for arthritis?

A quick run of “Relief Factor” through the search engines turns up a plethora of mostly-favorable reviews about the wildly popular joint supplement of the same name. Many of these reviews make some pretty ambitious claims about the supplement, but how accurate are these write-ups?

One of the most commonly echoed sentiments regarding Relief Factor is how amazing the ingredients are, and how effective it is at combatting the side effects or arthritis. We’re beginning to think the authors behind those reviews may have been reading from another supplement list.

As we explained in our Relief Factor reviews, it seems that the largest target market for the manufacturers of Relief Factor is the 50-65-year-old demographic, and anyone suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Both of these conditions are incredibly painful, and many sufferers will spend a large portion of their time searching for anything to potentially deliver relief.

But does Relief Factor really work for arthritis? Or are the manufacturers selling wolf tickets? We decided to have a closer look at the ingredients in Relief Factor to see if this product really stands a chance at working for arthritis.

Relief Factor Arthritis Claims

The Relief Factor website states their products are designed for people that suffer from chronic joint pain, specifically those dealing with the effects of aging (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). Their claim is that this supplement acts as an anti-inflammatory aid that’s efficient for reducing pain, stiffness swelling, and other joint issues.

Any company making claims about providing this form of relief should have a few specific ingredients blended into their formula. Let’s have a quick review of their ingredients.

Do Relief Factor Ingredients Work for Arthritis?

The following ingredients are highlighted by manufacturers and advocates to be the most effective for arthritis relief:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Curcumin
• Resveratrol
• Epimedium

Below is a brief overview of the ingredients in Relief Factor, what they do and how they relate to the treatment or management of arthritis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are some of the most basic nutrients found in the human body and have several benefits. Omega-3s boost mental function, regulate blood pressure and promote heart health, and lubricate joints for better mobility.

In the past Omega-3 fatty acids have been used to treat hypertension, ADHD, and rheumatoid arthritis. Honestly, while Omega-3s are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, we consume a pretty large amount of them naturally, and any amount contained in Relief Factor will hardly be the miracle people are looking for.

Curcumin

Curcumin is contained in turmeric and is responsible for most of the anti-inflammatory properties of this popular supplement. It’s been used for hundreds, even thousands of years, and is widely received as one of the most well-rounded nootropic ingredients.

However, Relief Factor drops the ball on this one. Number one, for the positive effects of curcumin to be absorbed into the body, it needs to be combined with black pepper.

Additionally, the turmeric used in the formula needs to be high-quality, and the curcumin content needs to be pretty high. The most effective joint supplements have a curcumin content as high as 95%.

Relief Factor has an insulting 19%. On top of that, the type of turmeric powder found in Relief Factor is low quality.

Epimedium

You probably know this supplement by its most commonly used name “horny goat weed.” Horny goat weed is frequently used as a booster for the circulatory system and is found in many over-the-counter male-enhancement supplements.

There isn’t a ton of clinical research regarding epimedium. With that being said, it’s been used for other conditions like heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure.

We couldn’t find any relevant cases or research-backed information highlighting the benefits of this supplement for arthritis. Honestly, we have no idea why it’s even contained in this product.

On  top of the fact that it’s essentially worthless in this blend, it’s also known to manifest the following side effects:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• High blood pressure
• Dehydration

Resveratrol

This is derived from the veratrum album plant, which is otherwise known as the false helleborine. Veratrum can be extremely poisonous if it’s not prepared using the right steps. This extract is actually famous for perhaps being behind the death of Alexander the Great via poisoning.

Certain cultures have used resveratrol to combat the side effects of lung disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Again, we have no idea why this ingredient is even in this supplement.

Does Relief Factor Work for Arthritis Based On The Ingredients?

We have several issues with Relief Factor and their claims regarding arthritis.

Based on the ingredients, there’s only one item that Relief Factor has going for it. You can’t count the turmeric or curcumin because it is grossly underdosed and contains a low-quality powder.

Additionally, there’s nothing contained in Relief Factor to help your body absorb the lackluster 19% curcumin content that this product brings to the table.

This leaves only the Omega-3s as a potential lifesaver. Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful for joint lubrication and DO come highly recommended by experts. Taking omega 3 fatty acids might bring some benefits as far as mobility.

On the off chance Relief Factor’s other ingredients provide any relief, it would be in the form of anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation must be controlled to maintain joint health and most supplements use an ingredient to block cytokines that cause stiffness and swelling.

The issue with the “approach” Relief Factor takes if you can even call it that, is the fact that inflammation is a symptom of damaged joints and not the cause. This is why glucosamine and MSM are popular in truly effective joint supplements – they promote collagen production which promotes healthier cartilage, they reduce inflammation, and they strengthen supporting connective tissues and synovial fluid. Importantly, it is these substances that have actually been shown to reduce arthritis pain and stiffness in clinical trials.

Relief Factor doesn’t contain any of these ingredients.

If you’re looking for arthritis relief in Relief Factor, you’re barking up the wrong tree. While it lacks the appropriate ingredients to properly combat and treat arthritis, the good news is, that there are joint supplements on the market that do.

J. Theorin

Johan Theorin is an author, editor, and competitive cyclist. He is the author of most of the content on this website, and he is the site editor. Johan has spent years researching joint health, sports performance and recovery. He is a leading biohacking expert and an experienced physiotherapist.