Activ8 supplement

Mackintosh

Is there any information on this supplement - is it worth taking?

helpline_team

Hi @Mackintosh

Thank you for posting on our Online Community, as a charity Versus Arthritis have carried out various trials on complementary treatments, unfortunately not Active8 supplement.

I am aware this product is available and that it says it helps you to maintain a healthy joint function, it does look quite expensive, and it is also important to remember because we are all different, what may work for one person may not work for another. Because there are many types of complementary and alternative medicine, you should always talk to your doctor before you start treatment. It is not possible to generalise about whether they work or not. Effectiveness might be judged by whether you feel better, but it also may relate to measurable improvement in your condition or general well-being.

So unfortunately, I cannot recommend or endorse this product but hopefully one of our members who has used this will be able to comment on the product. Below I have attached a link to our website with information about other complementary treatments, I hope that helps.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/

Best wishes

Chris Helpline Advisor

johnhill

can anyone recommend them ?

helpline_team

Hi @johnhill

Thank you for posting on the Helpline Online Community enquiring if anyone can recommend Activ8 Supplements.

Whilst we are not able to recommend or endorse any particular products, you may get more answers from other people with arthritis that may have tried this supplement if you repost on our Living with arthritis forum. This is a supportive space where you can connect with other people with arthritis, ask questions and share experiences. However, as discussed, not everyone has the same experience with complementary and alternative medicines.

Just to make you aware, some supplements can have significant side-effects or may interact with prescribed medication, so it’s important to talk to your GP about using them.  It’s also important to continue taking any prescribed medicines.

As well as our information on complementary and alternative treatments, you may also find the NHS information helpful: 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/

You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm if you would like to talk about your arthritis informally and in confidence.

Best wishes,

Helen, Helpline Advisor

veryaraf

Hi, I have nearly finished my purchase of it. Most of the ingredients can be bought separately. I have no cartilage so not convinced they have helped. When one feels desperate we will try anything, but as with all meds and supplements we all have different reactions. Have fun.

helpline_team

Hi @veryaraf & @johnhill & @Mackintosh

Mixtures of supplements present a real difficulty - that you get small amounts of ingredients all mixed up. They tend to be 'brand names' so may cost more and the active ingredients don't match the daily amounts which were used in any of the trials that we are aware of.

For example trials of Glucosamine Sulphate trials used 1500mg per day (Glucosamine HCL did far less well in research). Chondroitin Sulphate used 1200mg per day in trials. Boswellia (Frankincense) in several trials used 333mg per day.

Generally if you are thinking of trying a supplement, 1st discuss it with someone medically qualified, and 2nd try one thing at a time and decide for yourself after 3 months if it was worth the money.

Doing regular physiotherapy exercises and following healthy eating to lose overweight are the things which possibly have stronger supporting evidence to maintain good musculoskeletal health.

I hope that's helpful

Guy - Helpline Team