Earlier this month, GHOST Way of life made waves with the discharge of Ghost Protein Cereal, the complement titan’s first foray into practical meals that initiated a partnership with Common Mills.
But inside that system was a non-disclosed protein mix that included soy protein included — two issues Ghost had by no means completed earlier than. This led to longtime followers asking if the model was severe about dietary dietary supplements anymore.
Ghost has answered that query with an absolute “YES” with this subsequent launch, launching on April 20, 2024:
Ghost JOINT is a day by day joint help complement — however not like most capsule-based formulations, it is available in a powder. This permits a lot better dosing than what we historically see in capsule-based formulation. Living proof, Ghost Joint has an 8 gram dosage, and nonetheless has 30 servings per container to get you and your tender tissue via all the month.
Inside, we now have the tried-and-true trifecta of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM — this takes up 3.7 grams alone — after which we now have the enjoyable with a number of bioactives and botanical components.
These embody a singular type of curcumin, an enormous dose of hyaluronic acid, undenatured type-II collagen, and a water-soluble boswellia extract from PLT Well being that we’re very enthusiastic about referred to as AquaLOX.
The development we discover is that we now have the longstanding longevity model components up entrance, some fast-acting pain-relieving components within the again, and some components to really enhance mobility and suppleness as effectively.
We’ve seen joint powders tried up to now, by no means really panning out as a result of style, stability, and lack of curiosity. We expect Ghost has all three of these issues solved.
We’re going to dive into how Ghost Joint, however first, let’s test PricePlow for good GHOST offers, join our Ghost Way of life information alerts, and take a look at our video breakdown of the brand new product:
Glucosamine HCl – 1500 mg
Naturally present in joints and cartilage, glucosamine protects in opposition to joint breakdown and retains the integrity of soppy tissue.[1] It’s most researched with chondroitin, the subsequent ingredient, so a number of the analysis we’ll reference discusses them collectively, and that’s high quality as a result of Ghost supplied the usual doses of each.
A number of meta-analyses
There’s been a lot analysis on glucosamine (with and with out chondroitin) that we now have quite a few meta-analyses supporting its use. They very constantly discover higher outcomes for joint well being and ache, however not as a lot for bone well being.[2-6] That’s high quality, that is Ghost Joint in spite of everything.
Let’s dig into some particular analysis:
Reduces joint ache
Analysis from 2007 examined the results of glucosamine in people with knee osteoarthritis. For this six-month research, topics had been cut up into three teams – one obtained 1500mg of glucosamine sulfate day by day, one was given 3g of acetaminophen (pharmaceutical ache reliever generally offered as Tyelenol), with the third group being placebo.[7]
After six months, these given glucosamine sulfate had considerably decreased signs in comparison with placebo, and whereas not statistically vital, had been in much less ache than the acetaminophen group![7] Lengthy-term glucosamine helped cut back joint ache, and did so to a level greater than that of a typical pain-reliever!
Might cut back irritation
One other research checked out glucosamine in an identical mild, however the researchers checked out markers of irritation. Analyzing the dosages and their respective results in over 200 individuals, aged between 50 and 75, they got here to some fascinating conclusions:[8]
Whereas the precise quantity of glucosamine was not reported, these taking bigger quantities of it considerably decreased two markers of irritation – a 28% discount in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and a 24% discount in PGE metabolite (PGE-M).[8]
Retaining irritation low is crucial for stopping ache, but in addition successfully recovering, too!
Suppress collagen degradation
Collagen is the constructing block of our joints and ligaments – we’ll speak a bit extra about it quickly, however most of us perceive its significance now. After we use our joints, nonetheless, it may possibly change into broken, and it may possibly typically be tough to rebuild.
Glucosamine could be useful in defending it from hurt. Two separate research examined for these results in athletes – one used soccer gamers, the opposite cyclists. Each research examined for biomarkers of sort II collagen degradation (CTX-II), and each examined day by day dosages of 1.5g and 3g. Positive sufficient, each research yielded comparable outcomes – each dosages considerably diminished CTX-II.[9,10]
Slowing down the speed of degradation in people who had been extraordinarily energetic bodes effectively for the remainder of us, conveying simply how helpful glucosamine could be!
Decreased general mortality with glucosamine use?!
Longevity too?! This research has potential wholesome person bias, however glucosamine/chondroitin customers maintain dwelling longer in analysis![11]
One of many coolest issues about long-term use is the analysis supporting diminished mortality with glucosamine![11-13] This has repeatedly come up over the previous decade or so utilizing a number of datasets, making headlines every time it does.
In figuring out the mechanism, some researchers level to quite a few animal research which have demonstrated protecting results of glucosamine in opposition to extreme ailments, though these research usually use massively bigger doses.[14]
That is one thing to remember together with your older kinfolk, although — you’re by no means too outdated to make use of Ghost Joint!
Chondroitin Sulfate – 1200 mg
Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan that’s not all that totally different from glucosamine, because it serves comparable functions throughout the physique.[15] Chondroitin can be fairly bioavailable, and earlier than ultimately being excreted by the kidneys, the physique completely places it to make use of!
Synergistically works with glucosamine
Whereas there isn’t as a lot literature relating to chondroitin in isolation, there are tons of research performed utilizing it with glucosamine, mentioned above.
Notice right here that unfavorable values imply advantages over placebo! Utilizing glucosamine and chondroitin lowered ache depth![6]
In a meta-analysis from 2010, over 10 trial research had been analyzed as a way to correctly assess the connection between these two components. Whereas the conclusions weren’t essentially statistically vital, the mix of glucosamine and chondroitin diminished ache, significantly in people with osteoarthritis.[6]
One other meta-analysis concludes that chondroitin sulfate alone offers a average profit for ache and has a big impact on perform in knee osteoarthritis, however knowledge isn’t at all times constant.[16]
The similarities shared between these first two components, and their potential pain-relieving impact, are sufficient to counsel that there’s some actual promise right here. Given how a lot analysis efficiently checks them collectively, Ghost is sensible to maintain them collectively as effectively.
It’s the third a part of the trifecta that actually brings the tried-and-true results dwelling:
OptiMSM® (Methylsulfonylmethane) – 1000 mg
Methylsulfonylmethane (fortunately abbreviated to MSM) is a well-liked ingredient for a lot of makes use of, however mostly used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It’s been studied to help wholesome irritation, joint and muscle ache, antioxidant capability, and oxidative stress.[17]
MSM is a part of the earth’s sulfur cycle, and it’s in quite a few fruits, greens, grains, milk, and different meals, the place it’s quickly absorbed.[17]
A research combining decrease doses of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM — the primary three components we now have right here in Ghost Joint, concluded with the next:[18]
“Glucosamine, MSM and their mixture produced an analgesic and anti inflammatory impact in osteoarthritis. Mixture remedy confirmed higher efficacy in lowering ache and swelling and in enhancing the practical skill of joints than the person brokers.
All of the therapies had been effectively tolerated. The onset of analgesic and anti inflammatory exercise was discovered to be extra fast with the mix than with Glucosamine. It may be concluded that the mix of MSM with Glucosamine offers higher and extra fast enchancment in sufferers with osteoarthritis.”[18]
So all three of those collectively appear to work higher than anybody alone!
It has been studied alone, as effectively. In 2012, researchers revealed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled research discovering a big discount in osteoarthritis signs.[19]
Earlier than that, one other 2004 randomized managed trial confirmed that when it comes to ache and swelling, MSM has comparable results to glucosamine — however researchers noticed the very best results when combining them![18]
Each MSM and MSM+Glucosamine proved extremely efficient in lowering the swelling index in sufferers with osteoarthritis.[18]
There’s much more that MSM can help, together with:[17]
Irritation
Cartilage Preservation
Enhance Vary of Movement and Bodily Operate
Scale back Muscle Soreness Related to Train
Scale back Oxidative Stress
Enhance Seasonal Allergic reactions
Enhance Pores and skin High quality and Texture
Fight extreme illness
These, and extra, are lined in a wonderful 2017 breakdown titled “Methylsulfonylmethane: Purposes and Security of a Novel Dietary Complement.”[17]
Curcumin C3 Reduct ODN (Curcuma longa) Rhizome extract – 500 mg
Curcumin is the favored and well-known pigment that comes from turmeric root.[20-22] It inhibits the COX-2 enzyme much like over-the-counter ache relievers.[21,23,24]
Varied types of curcumin have been studied a lot, there are giant meta-analyses and opinions supporting its use in opposition to a variety of well being considerations, together with however undoubtedly not restricted to joint discomfort.[21,25]
Curcumin metabolically converts to tetrahydrocurcumin through the NADPH-dependent curcumin/dihydrocurcumin reductase (CurA) enzyme. As pH will increase (extra alkalinity), curcumin turns into extra purple. However tetrahydrocurcumin is white![26]
Particular analysis reveals that varied types of curcumin each cut back oxidative stress[22,27-32] and reduce irritation[33-38] via quite a few pathways, together with the inhibition of COX-2 talked about above.[21,23,24] A significant distinction between curcumin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine) is that curcumin can do it whereas being cardioprotective![39]
However particularly right here, we now have a branded ingredient referred to as C3 Reduct, which has extra Tetrahydrocurcuminoids – energetic metabolites that the physique varieties when taking curcumin orally.[26,40-42]
Tetrahydrocurcumin, abbreviated to “THC” within the analysis, is a robust metabolite discovered within the physique after ingesting curcumin.[26,42] It has higher bioavailability and extra highly effective anti-inflammatory potential, because it targets a number of totally different pathways.[26] There might even be some metabolic results than we see with regular curcumin.[43]
It additionally helps that tetrahydrocurcumin is a white substance that works higher in powder formulations.[44] It’s additionally extra water soluble and might higher fight lipid peroxidation.[45]
Univestin® Chinese language Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Root extract, Heartwood (Acacia catechu) Extract – 250 mg
Univestin is a patented mix of Chinese language Skullcap and Heartwood extracts that’s used to assist with joint flexibility, consolation, vary of movement and general joint well being.
We regularly see skullcap in nootropic and temper supporting purposes,[46] however early animal analysis discovered that varied constituents have nice anti-inflammatory potential.[47-49]
This led to the event of Univestin, typically labeled “UP446” in analysis, which had not less than a pair nice preclinicals trial displaying analgesic results revealed in 2012.[50,51]
There was then a human pilot research revealed that yr displaying a statistically vital lower in WOMAC stiffness (the Western Ontario and McMaster College Osteoarthritis Index) on the dose we now have right here, 250 milligrams per day![52] The mix was later examined in people, and at 500 milligrams per day, it considerably diminished notion of ache and stiffness.[53]
Some fascinating beagle analysis
Univestin has been proven to be secure and non-toxic in not solely rats,[54] but in addition in a research on beagles![55] It seems its anti-inflammatory potential is utilized in periodontal illness in beagles, making for an fascinating potential profit.[56]
Again to people, the addition of flexibility-enhancing components is a pleasant characteristic in Ghost Joint.
Hyaluronic Acid (as Sodium Hyaluroniate) – 200 mg
Regardless that that is already in Ghost Glow, hyaluronic acid (HA) isn’t just for skincare – it’s nice for joints too![57,58] Even higher, we now have an enormous dose — that is way over what you get in Glow, so Ghost goes fairly large on the multi-purpose hydration ingredient.
Ghost Glow – the progressive skincare complement from Ghost Way of life – is again with some main updates in 2023, bringing extra choices to their lovely and good-looking clients.
Hyaluronic acid is discovered alongside collagen within the extracellular matrix,[59] and it’s a molecule that retains water.[60] This is smart, hydration for not simply pores and skin, in spite of everything, tender tissues and joints want a spot to carry fluids as effectively — particularly within the cavities of synovial joints — and hyaluronic acid is one such molecule that makes it occur.[61,62]
With these mechanisms understood, research have been efficiently carried out for joint help. A 2016 literature evaluation confirmed that oral hyaluronic acid diminished knee ache,[63] which is the principle motive why it’s in right here. That very same yr, one other “mini-review” concluded that “HA may cut back the NSAIDs consumption, moreover high-molecular weight and cell reticulum HA are thought-about to have the ability to delay or keep away from a joint prosthetic implant”.[58]
Even cooler – HA can act as a signaling molecule, supporting wound restore[60] – nice for pores and skin and joints alike.
As soon as once more, we’re fairly impressed with the dosage right here. For those who mix Glow and Joint, you’re going to have what we think about the final word hair, pores and skin, nails, and joint stack!
UC-II® Hen Cartilage (delivering 10 mg whole collagen) – 40 mg
UC-II is a patented, undenatured type-II collagen, and this dose is clinically studied to advertise joint consolation, perform, and even flexibility. That is the principal structural protein in cartilage, fairly chargeable for tensile power and toughness.
Along with extra mobility, topics receiving collagen had been capable of transfer longer with out ache!
Backing it up a bit, collagen is probably the most plentiful protein throughout the physique, and is very concentrated throughout the connective tissues that home themselves in muscle tissue, ligaments, and sure, joints![64] There are a number of several types of collagen, every of which serve a selected position. Nevertheless, crucial is by far sort II collagen, which is used to construct and preserve these connective tissues that we’d like so desperately!
Kind II collagen rebuilds the joints
Clearly, collagen and joint well being are intrinsically linked. These with points with their joints, corresponding to these with osteoarthritis, wrestle with regards to sustaining sufficient collagen ranges. One would hypothesize that supplementing with collagen would elevate collagen ranges throughout the physique, and because it seems, that speculation is right!
40mg UC-II research: Improved knee mobility
A research from 2013 examined the results of undenatured sort II collagen in utterly wholesome people – these individuals had no historical past of joint points in any way! Receiving 40 milligrams of this collagen — UC-II — day by day for 120 days, topics statistically improved knee mobility in comparison with placebo, and responded higher throughout strenuous exercise![65]
Efficient at many doses!
Whereas greater doses sometimes yield higher outcomes, there’s no “threshold” a collagen dose should hit as a way to be thought-about efficient. Analysis from 1998 examined 4 totally different day by day doses (20mcg, 100mcg, 500mcg, and 2500mcg) with the intention of seeing how every affected given check topics. They discovered that even on the lowest dose, optimistic results had been displayed![66] All it’s important to do is solely take collagen, and also you’re setting your self up for better-functioning joints!
Keep hydrated and get your potassium with the brand new Ghost Hydration Drink!
This quantity does differ, nonetheless, quite considerably than strict “collagen-focused” dietary supplements. Collagen is a protein, and people forms of merchandise make the most of collagen nearly instead for whey protein, for instance. Joint dietary supplements use collagen as a supplementary piece, quite than the principle attraction.
That being stated, the 40 milligrams is in keeping with a lot of the analysis on UC-II.
We’re on the level the place there’s now been small meta-analyses carried out on UC-II, taking a look at 8 randomized managed trials together with 243 individuals, concluding that “UC-II has proven promise as a potent complement in early knee OA with good ache reduction and improved perform.”[67]
Animal-sourced collagen is among the many highest high quality collagen obtainable, and clearly, that high quality breeds profit! Since UC-II is totally undenatured, it incorporates epitopes, acknowledged by the immune system as an antigen — so there could also be immune potential right here too.[68]
AquaLOX® (Boswellia serrata) Gum Resin extract – 40 mg
Also called Frankincense, Boswellia serrata and its gum resins stands out as the most underrated anti-inflammatory ingredient in all the business.[69-71] There’s just one drawback — as alluded to earlier, it’s a gum resin, and is notoriously insoluble in water.
That’s the place the novel complement ingredient builders at PLT Well being save the day: They someway created a water soluble type of Boswellia in AquaLOX, which is highly-standardized to 31.2 milligrams of AKBA — that is the potent anti-inflammatory constituent inside, as we’ll be taught. Even higher — it really works in as little as 7 days!
These are some insane outcomes from a mixture of boswellia, turmeric, and licorice root (which admittedly will not be on this product)[72]
A scientific evaluation revealed in 2020 lined seven randomized managed trials totaling 545 individuals, and located that Boswellia and its extract might relieve ache and stiffness whereas enhancing joint perform.[69]
Boswellia extract decreased the expression of an enzyme that degrades collagen.[73]
The researchers attribute its success in quite a few pharmacological checks to its boswellic acids,[74,75] keying in particularly on AKBA (3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid).[76] It really works by inhibiting an inflammatory enzyme named 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX).[77,78]
It’s not only for knee ache, both[69,79] — analysis has proven it to be efficient at countering different types of irritation, even supporting respiration![72] This is smart, since 5-LOX is launched throughout allergy and bronchial asthma assaults.
That’s not all, although. Boswellia can cut back pro-inflammatory NF-kappa B,[76] and that’s related to a ton of inflammatory ailments, together with those who disrupt the joints.[80]
Particular research on AquaLOX and 5-LOXIN
Notice that earlier than creating this ingredient, PLT Well being already had an identical ingredient named 5-LOXIN, which offers 30 milligrams of AKBA. That’s the place most of their analysis resides, however the market demanded a water soluble model, they usually made it occur with much less materials in AquaLOX.
AquaLOX particularly has been safely studied in mice in a preclinical trial displaying wholesome enhancements to the intestine microbiome, an space of curiosity we’ll keep watch over.[81]
Dominate 5-LOX with AquaLOX Powder
5-LOXIN has been round for effectively over a decade, beginning with quite a few security research.[82-84] Early analysis confirmed that it conferred clinically and statistically vital enhancements in ache and bodily scores, they usually had been seen as early as 7 days after remedy started![85] Others once more report diminished ache and improved bodily functioning.[73]
Extra just lately in 2022, researchers discovered that 5-LOXIN not solely diminished inflammatory biomarkers, but in addition inhibited cartilage degeneration![86]
5-LOXIN’s been round for some time, and is well-researched, so we’re completely satisfied PLT Well being discovered a technique to get it into powder format with AquaLOX.
BioPerine Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Fruit Extract – 5 mg
Regardless of the usage of highly-bioavailable types of lots of the components on this system, GHOST strives for extra! That’s a great factor – you may as effectively maximize it, which minimizes the possibilities that your physique isn’t absolutely absorbing one thing.
Bioperine is the trusted, trademarked type of black pepper extract that guarantees 95% or better piperine, the a part of black pepper with all of the exercise! Picture courtesy Wikimedia.
BioPerine is a patented[87-90] type of black pepper extract, which has been proven the super skill to reinforce the bioavailability of sure components — and probably the most spectacular ingredient is definitely curcumin!
In 1998, researchers discovered that piperine elevated bioavailability by 2000% when topics took curcumin![91] Curcumin C3 Reduct is already superior sufficient, however this synergistic impact may doubtlessly amplify it even additional.
And eventually, don’t miss the Vitamin C up high:
Vitamin C – 150 mg
Many people find out about vitamin C for its antioxidant properties, however it’s additionally very helpful for collagen manufacturing. In 2018, a evaluation of 10 research was revealed demonstrating its efficacy in growing sort I collagen synthesis, enhancing bone therapeutic, and lowering oxidative stress.[92,93]
Now that’s a system to close any of Ghost’s doubters down.
GHOST Joint initially launched in two flavors: Kiwi Strawberry and Orange Cream. Try our up-to-date record of flavors beneath, in case any others come out:
Lately, manufacturers have shifted to a extra holistic well being focus, versus a hyper-fixation of weightlifters. The physique is a whole unit, in spite of everything, and if one a part of it’s out of whack, the remainder suffers.
And nowhere is that this clearer within the gymnasium than with the joints. The joints are the pillars on which your physique rests. If they don’t seem to be correctly cared for, your efficiency, outcomes, and basic well-being will fall by the wayside. Ghost’s launch of @GhostWellness on Instagram is an instance of the significance of this facet of the neighborhood.
One of the crucial frequent complaints of long-time athletes is waning joint well being and stability. It is smart – after years of affect and, within the case of powerlifters, immense masses, the joints are sure to point out some put on and tear.
If you wish to ensure you stay on the high of your recreation, you want to handle your joints. It is advisable to ensure they’re well-oiled and prepared for enterprise. GHOSTJoint is an superior, well-rounded system to assist guarantee you’ve gotten loads of years left in your athletic journey with out risking main harm and pressure.
We’re very completely satisfied to see the tried-and-true (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, UC-II, hyaluronic acid) with the novel (tetrahydrocurcumin, AquaLOX). It’s been robust to get joint powders to take maintain — these components don’t at all times work the very best in resolution — however with companions like PLT Well being and the usage of tetrahydrocurcumin, GHOST has what we think about a giant winner within the joint house, as soon as once more quieting down the naysayers.
