When most people think about aging well, they focus on their heart, brain, or skin. However, mobility is one of the most vital – and often overlooked – aspects of healthy aging. Staying mobile means maintaining independence. It allows us to enjoy daily activities, maintain social connections, and preserve our quality of life. Yet, for millions of aging adults, joint stiffness, muscle loss, and discomfort begin to erode that freedom. Let’s explore why mobility matters, who it affects, and the potent natural ingredients that can support joint and muscle health at any age for a more active life.
Why Mobility Declines with Age
Mobility is the ability to move freely and efficiently, and it depends on both joint health and muscle function. As we age:
- Cartilage naturally wears down, reducing cushioning in the joints.
- Synovial fluid (which lubricates joints) decreases, making movement feel stiff.
- Muscle mass declines—a condition called sarcopenia—which affects strength, balance, and coordination.
This combination creates a reduced movement cycle and increases discomfort, leading to further muscle loss and joint degeneration.
Who is Affected?
Mobility concerns begin to rise significantly around age 50, and by age 65, over one-third of adults report experiencing limitations in physical functioning. Women tend to be more affected due to hormonal changes post-menopause, but men are not immune. Additionally, it increasingly affects younger adults with sedentary lifestyles or chronic inflammation.
Joint and Muscle Health: A Team Effort
Consider your joints and muscles as a team: joints allow movement, and muscles provide the power. If one fails, the entire system suffers. That’s why supporting joint structure and muscle strength is essential for lifelong mobility.
Top Natural Ingredients to Support Healthy Mobility: Joints
Modern science is uncovering how specific natural ingredients support joint function, muscle mass, and comfort, without the side effects of commonly used products.
Boswellia Serrata
There are several branded ingredients from boswellia. In short, studies with boswellia have shown a fast reduction in pain and improved knee function.[i]
Collagen Peptides (Fortigel®)
Studies with Fortigel® show improvements in mobility and promote cartilage tissue growth.[ii]
Collavant® n2 (Native Type II Collagen)
This undenatured collagen helps train the immune system to tolerate joint cartilage, reducing joint discomfort and stiffness over time. Clinical studies show it improves knee function and comfort, especially in active adults and aging populations.
Glucosamine
Studies with glucosamine sulfate have shown benefits in reducing the need to take NSAIDs[iii] and the risk of knee OA.[iv]
HydroCurc® (Curcumin with LipiSperse® Technology)
HydroCurc® stands out due to its high bioavailability. Numerous studies support its effectiveness for joint health, with one study in particular finding it to be an effective option for reducing morning joint pain.
JointIQ®
JointIQ® has demonstrated, through preclinical in vitro studies, support for healthy cartilage and joint function. It is potentially a therapeutic candidate for preventing cartilage degeneration and joint tissue disorders. These preclinical findings suggest that JointIQ® may contribute to maintaining healthy joints.
Levagen®+ (Enhanced Palmitoylethanolamide or PEA)
PEA is a naturally occurring lipid that helps remove joint pain, stiffness, and function. Another study showed Levagen® helps reduce muscle damage post-exercise. Levagen®+ uses LipiSperse to enhance absorption.
Mobilee® (HA Matrix Complex)
Rich in hyaluronic acid, collagen, and polysaccharides, Mobilee® improves synovial fluid viscosity, enhances joint lubrication, and may also increase muscle tone, making it a dual-action powerhouse for joint and muscle health. [v][vi]
OptiMSM® (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM supports collagen formation, reduces joint inflammation, and helps with muscle recovery, making it ideal for those who want to stay active while aging gracefully [PubMed].
Top Natural Ingredients to Support Healthy Mobility: Muscle
BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, play a vital role in muscle metabolism. BCAAs are unique because they are metabolized in the muscle rather than the liver, allowing them to be used directly as a fuel source during exercise. Leucine may be the most critical of the BCAAs, as it stimulates muscle protein synthesis, which is the process of building muscle. It also helps prevent muscle breakdown during prolonged periods of exercise. Isoleucine and valine support energy production and muscle repair, making them essential for recovery after intense physical activity.
Creatine
Many studies showed that creatine supplementation increases strength, lean mass, and muscle morphology.The supplementation of creatine in the elderly also positively affected muscle mass and performance.[vii]
HA Matrix (Mobilee®)
Mobilee® has been shown to increase muscle strength[viii], stimulate the number of muscle cells under low nutrient conditions, and counteract the inhibition of muscle cell production caused by IL-6 and starvation-derived myotube atrophy. (Muscle fibers generally form through the fusion of precursor myoblasts into multinucleated fibers called myotubes.)
HMB- β-Hydroxy β-methyl butyrate (MyHMB) is produced by leucine metabolism in the body and has been identified to attenuate sarcopenia by promoting the protein synthesis pathway and suppressing the breakdown of proteins.[ix]
Protein
Protein is a critical macronutrient for muscle repair and growth, especially following physical exertion. High-quality proteins are rich in essential amino acids that help rebuild muscle fibers post-workout. Research has demonstrated that protein supplementation significantly enhances muscle protein synthesis after exercise.
Probiotics
Research shows that gut microbiota composition and diversity can determine skeletal muscle metabolism and functionality. This is true in catabolic (sarcopenia) or anabolic (exercise or in athletes) situations. Another paper stated, “Probiotic supplementation enhances both muscle mass and global muscle strength; however, no beneficial effects were observed in total lean mass.”
The Bottom Line: Movement is Medicine
Healthy aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it means remaining strong, balanced, and pain-free for as long as possible. Prioritizing mobility through joint and muscle support is one of the smartest investments you can make for long-term wellness. Whether you’re walking the dog, gardening, traveling, or simply getting up from a chair with ease, staying mobile keeps you doing what you love.
Consider incorporating clinically backed ingredients into your daily wellness routine, as this can significantly assist in maintaining healthy aging. Your future self will thank you with every pain-free step.
Additional References:
[i] Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, et al. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin. Arthritis Res Ther 2008;10:R85
[ii] Zdzieblik D, Brame J, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, König D. The Influence of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides on Knee Joint Discomfort in Young Physically Active Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 5;13(2):523. doi: 10.3390/nu13020523. PMID: 33562729; PMCID: PMC7915677.
[iii] Rovati LC, Girolami F, D’Amato M, Giacovelli G. Effects of glucosamine sulfate on the use of rescue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in knee osteoarthritis: Results from the Pharmaco-Epidemiology of GonArthroSis (PEGASus) study. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016 Feb;45(4 Suppl):S34-41. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.10.009. Epub 2015 Oct 29. PMID: 26632505.
[iv] Runhaar J, Deroisy R, van Middelkoop M, Barretta F, Barbetta B, Oei EH, Vroegindeweij D, Giacovelli G, Bruyère O, Rovati LC, Reginster JY, Bierma-Zeinstra SM. The role of diet and exercise and of glucosamine sulfate in the prevention of knee osteoarthritis: Further results from the PRevention of knee Osteoarthritis in Overweight Females (PROOF) study. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016 Feb;45(4 Suppl):S42-8. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.11.001. Epub 2015 Nov 19. PMID: 26806185.
[v] Moriña D, et al. Ann Nutr Metab 63 (suppl. 1): 1386
[vi] Torrent et al. The FASEB Journal 2015, Vol. 29 no. 1 Supplement 737.4
[vii] Jang YJ. The Effects of Protein and Supplements on Sarcopenia in Human Clinical Studies: How Older Adults Should Consume Protein and Supplements. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2023 Feb 28;33(2):143-150. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2210.10014. Epub 2022 Oct 31. PMID: 36474318; PMCID: PMC9998208.
[viii] Moriña D, et al. Ann Nutr Metab 63 (suppl. 1): 1386
[ix] Oktaviana J, Zanker J, Vogrin S, Duque G. The Effect of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on sarcopenia and functional frailty in older persons: A systematic review. J. Nutr. Health Aging. 2019;23:145–150. doi: 10.1007/s12603-018-1153-y