Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIngredientsWhat It TreatsDoes It Work?WarningsContraindications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ingredients
What It Treats
Does It Work?
Warnings
Contraindications
This article explains what Osteo Bi-Flex is, including its list of active ingredients. It then describes some of the key side effects, risks, and interactions associated with this popular over-the-counter arthritis remedy.
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What’s In Osteo Bi-Flex?
Osteo Bi-Flex comes in a variety of formulations with different combinations of ingredients, but the five active ingredients found in all formulations include:
What Is Osteo Bi-Flex Used to Treat?
According to the manufacturer, Osteo Bi-Flex is used to support joint health. Among other things, it is said to help with occasional joint flare-ups and improve joint comfort in seven days.
Although the manufacturer does not directly say so, they are referring to relief from a form of arthritis calledosteoarthritis (OA).
Also known as “wear-and-tear arthritis,” OA is the most common form of arthritis in the United States,affecting over 32 million people. OA causes the gradual deterioration of joints, leading to cartilage loss, joint deformity, and chronic pain and stiffness.
Does Osteo Bi-Flex Work?
Here are some of the key findings:
Expert OpinionAmerican College of Rheumatology recommends against the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, due to lack of proven benefit.Contact your healthcare provider before using Osteo Bi-Flex or other any over-the-counter product marketed for joint health. Your healthcare provider can determine if the ingredients are safe and won’t interact with any medications you are taking.
Expert Opinion
American College of Rheumatology recommends against the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, due to lack of proven benefit.Contact your healthcare provider before using Osteo Bi-Flex or other any over-the-counter product marketed for joint health. Your healthcare provider can determine if the ingredients are safe and won’t interact with any medications you are taking.
American College of Rheumatology recommends against the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, due to lack of proven benefit.
Contact your healthcare provider before using Osteo Bi-Flex or other any over-the-counter product marketed for joint health. Your healthcare provider can determine if the ingredients are safe and won’t interact with any medications you are taking.
Are There Warnings and Interactions With Osteo Bi-Flex?
Just because a dietary supplement is sold over the counter does not necessarily mean that it’s safe.
Potential side effects of Osteo Bi-Flex include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, hair loss, nausea, puffy eyelids, and stomach pain. Rare but serious side effects include irregular heartbeats,edema(swelling in the legs), and allergic reactions.
Other potential concerns include:
Who Should Not Take Osteo Bi-Flex?
There are a few absolute contraindications to the ingredients in Osteo Bi-Flex, but certain groups should avoid the supplement.
This includes:
Do not take other products containing glucosamine or chondroitin while using Osteo Bi-Flex. Doing so can increase the risk of stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea.The same may occur if MSM is taken in excess.
If you are vegan, avoid Osteo Bi-Flex as animal products are used in the manufacturing of chondroitin and UC-II collagen.
As a general rule, dietary supplements should be avoided in children as well as people who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Summary
Osteo Bi-Flex can cause gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain. It should be avoided in people with severe shellfish allergies and chronic venous insufficiency.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(2):220-233. doi:10.1002/art.41142Osteo Bi-Flex.The science behind Osteo Bi-Flex ingredients.Al-Saadi HM, Pang K-L, Ima-Nirwana S, et al.Multifaceted protective role of glucosamine against osteoarthritis: Review of its molecular mechanisms.Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2019; 87(4):34. doi:10.3390/scipharm87040034National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, et al.A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10(4):R85. doi:10.1186/ar2461Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis.2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469Honvo G, Lengele L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyere O.Role of collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis and cartilage repair: a systematic scoping review with evidence mapping.Rheumatol Ther.2020 Dec;7(4):703–740. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5Brien A, Prescott P, Bashir N, Lewith H, Lewith G.Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008;16(11):1277-1288. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis.Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A.Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease.World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(32):5381–4. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i32.5381Arthritis Foundation.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain.American College of Rheumatology.Herbal remedies, supplements & acupuncture for arthritis.Pedrosa M, Boyano-martínez T, García-ara C, Quirce S.Shellfish allergy: A comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2015;49(2):203-16. doi:10.1007/s12016-014-8429-8MedlinePlus.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(2):220-233. doi:10.1002/art.41142Osteo Bi-Flex.The science behind Osteo Bi-Flex ingredients.Al-Saadi HM, Pang K-L, Ima-Nirwana S, et al.Multifaceted protective role of glucosamine against osteoarthritis: Review of its molecular mechanisms.Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2019; 87(4):34. doi:10.3390/scipharm87040034National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, et al.A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10(4):R85. doi:10.1186/ar2461Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis.2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469Honvo G, Lengele L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyere O.Role of collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis and cartilage repair: a systematic scoping review with evidence mapping.Rheumatol Ther.2020 Dec;7(4):703–740. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5Brien A, Prescott P, Bashir N, Lewith H, Lewith G.Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008;16(11):1277-1288. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis.Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A.Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease.World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(32):5381–4. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i32.5381Arthritis Foundation.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain.American College of Rheumatology.Herbal remedies, supplements & acupuncture for arthritis.Pedrosa M, Boyano-martínez T, García-ara C, Quirce S.Shellfish allergy: A comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2015;49(2):203-16. doi:10.1007/s12016-014-8429-8MedlinePlus.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(2):220-233. doi:10.1002/art.41142Osteo Bi-Flex.The science behind Osteo Bi-Flex ingredients.Al-Saadi HM, Pang K-L, Ima-Nirwana S, et al.Multifaceted protective role of glucosamine against osteoarthritis: Review of its molecular mechanisms.Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2019; 87(4):34. doi:10.3390/scipharm87040034National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, et al.A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10(4):R85. doi:10.1186/ar2461Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis.2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469Honvo G, Lengele L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyere O.Role of collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis and cartilage repair: a systematic scoping review with evidence mapping.Rheumatol Ther.2020 Dec;7(4):703–740. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5Brien A, Prescott P, Bashir N, Lewith H, Lewith G.Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008;16(11):1277-1288. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis.Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A.Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease.World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(32):5381–4. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i32.5381Arthritis Foundation.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain.American College of Rheumatology.Herbal remedies, supplements & acupuncture for arthritis.Pedrosa M, Boyano-martínez T, García-ara C, Quirce S.Shellfish allergy: A comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2015;49(2):203-16. doi:10.1007/s12016-014-8429-8MedlinePlus.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(2):220-233. doi:10.1002/art.41142
Osteo Bi-Flex.The science behind Osteo Bi-Flex ingredients.
Al-Saadi HM, Pang K-L, Ima-Nirwana S, et al.Multifaceted protective role of glucosamine against osteoarthritis: Review of its molecular mechanisms.Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2019; 87(4):34. doi:10.3390/scipharm87040034
National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.
Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, et al.A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10(4):R85. doi:10.1186/ar2461
Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al.Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT.Ann Rheum Dis.2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469
Honvo G, Lengele L, Charles A, Reginster JY, Bruyere O.Role of collagen derivatives in osteoarthritis and cartilage repair: a systematic scoping review with evidence mapping.Rheumatol Ther.2020 Dec;7(4):703–740. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00240-5
Brien A, Prescott P, Bashir N, Lewith H, Lewith G.Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008;16(11):1277-1288. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis.
Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A.Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease.World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19(32):5381–4. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i32.5381
Arthritis Foundation.Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain.
American College of Rheumatology.Herbal remedies, supplements & acupuncture for arthritis.
Pedrosa M, Boyano-martínez T, García-ara C, Quirce S.Shellfish allergy: A comprehensive review.Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2015;49(2):203-16. doi:10.1007/s12016-014-8429-8
MedlinePlus.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
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