Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Joint pain afflicts one in five Americans. It can affect any part of the body, from the ankles to the wrists, severely impacting a person's quality of life. In their desperate attempts to rid themselves of this debilitating condition, many people turn to supplements. One product that's been getting a lot of attention is called Instaflex, which claims to deliver significant results in as little as seven days. But how good is Instaflex?
In this Instaflex Advanced review, we lift the lid on this supplement to discover whether it's a keeper. We'll also touch on Instaflex cream, analyze Instaflex Advanced Joint Support customer reviews, and answer the most common Instaflex FAQs.
Instaflex Advanced is doctor-formulated to provide relief in 7 days. Nowhere else can you find such an effective combination of ingredients shown to support joint health, flexibility and mobility...
What is Instaflex?
Instaflex is a natural supplement designed to help bring relief from joint pain. It is manufactured by Adaptive Health LLC, which sells a range of health and fitness supplements. There are six key active ingredients in Instaflex, all naturally occurring substances. The product is available from the manufacturer's website, where a one-month supply of 30 capsules sells for $69.99 plus $4.99 for shipping. It can also be found at a range of online retail outlets, including Amazon.
Adaptive Health also sells an Instaflex cream containing similar ingredients and a pain relief spray and roll-on.
Instaflex Review: Pass or Fail?
Instaflex Advanced is made up of several research-backed ingredients that have the potential to help provide relief from joint pain. The problem is that those ingredients are significantly underdosed. All we have to do to confirm this is look at the combined dosage of 1000 mg. Splitting that dosage between six ingredients just doesn't allow for clinically attested dosages that will bring results.
The critical ingredient in Instaflex joint support is turmeric, which is a mainstay of all good joint relief supplements. The research suggests that a 500-1000 mg dosage is needed for measurable results. Yet, Adaptive Health has chosen to dose their product with just 200 mg. That is simply not enough to do you any good. Type 2 collagen is another ingredient that is notably underdosed.
Instaflex Advanced includes hyaluronic acid, even though this ingredient is only effective when injected directly into the joint pain site.
Based on review evidence, Instaflex contains some good ingredients and can provide some pain relief. As a result, we consider it an average joint relief supplement, with the proviso that some much better products are available (check our alternatives to Instaflex section further on for details). If you have a little more money to spend we suggest choosing another supplement, but as a budget option, you could do worse.
Overall Verdict: Hesitant PASS
Pros
- Contains research-backed ingredients
- Positive customer feedback
- Transparent labeling
Cons
- Some ingredients underdosed
- Hyaluronic acid only effective as an injectable
7 Instaflex Ingredients
Regardless of what a product's marketing may claim, the ingredients and their dosages determine its effectiveness. Let's dig down on what's inside each capsule of Instaflex and how much you get.
1. Turmeric Extract - 200 mg
Turmeric is a brilliant yellow spice frequently used in Asian and Indian cuisines. Its active ingredient is curcumin, with strong anti-inflammatory properties.¹ With both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being affected by chronic inflammation, turmeric may assist in reducing inflammation and easing joint discomfort by blocking inflammatory pathways.
Curcumin also has strong antioxidant properties. This makes it an effective oxidative stress fighter. Free radical damage caused by oxidative stress is thought to contribute to joint pain.
The effective turmeric dosage for joint pain relief is 500-1000 mg. So, the 200 mg dose here is well short of the mark.
2. Resveratrol - 100 mg
Several plants, including grapes, berries, and peanuts, contain the naturally occurring substance resveratrol. It has attracted interest because of its possible health advantages, especially its contribution to joint health.
Resveratrol has shown promise in preventing the deterioration of cartilage. By preventing the breakdown of cartilage-causing enzymes, it may help maintain the structure and functionality of the tissue.²
Resveratrol has also been discovered to impact several cellular signaling pathways related to joint health. In addition to influencing gene expression and inflammatory molecule regulation, it can encourage cellular functions supporting joint homeostasis.
The 100 mg dosage used here is about right.
3. AprèsFlex® Boswellia serrata Extract - 100 mg
The resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, sometimes known as Indian frankincense, is the source of the patented extract known as AprèsFlex®. It contains Boswellia acids, which are thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. These substances have been demonstrated to inhibit a number of inflammatory enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). AprèsFlex® may help relieve joint pain and stiffness by lowering inflammation.³
4. UC-II® (3% Type II Collagen) - 40 mg
UC-II®. It is a patented variety of type II undenatured collagen generated from chicken cartilage. Due to its potential advantages for joint function and cartilage health, it is frequently included as a component in joint health supplements.
UC-II® is a special variety of type II collagen that is undenatured, preserving its molecular integrity and natural structure. As it preserves the particular epitopes (fragments) recognized by the immune system, this form of collagen is thought to be more helpful in promoting joint health than other forms. These epitopes are essential for developing joint tolerance and controlling the immune response.
5. Total Collagen - 10 mg
An abundant structural protein in the body's connective tissues, including cartilage, is collagen. Cartilage serves as a flexible and supportive cushion between the bones in joints. The natural collagen in cartilage may deteriorate with age and certain circumstances, resulting in joint pain and decreased mobility. Taking collagen supplements, especially type II collagen, seeks to support joint health and may help with joint-related problems.
6. Hyaluronic acid - 5 mg
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is mostly found in the skin, joints, and connective tissues. It helps to keep our joints lubricated. While hyaluronic acid injections for joint issues are frequently utilized in medicine, the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid dietary supplements for joint health has not been established.
7. Black Pepper Extract - 5 mg
Black pepper extract contains the active ingredient piperine. This compound has the ability to enhance the bioavailability of the other ingredients with which it is combined. So, adding black pepper extract to a formula allows you to get more benefits from the other compounds within it.
Claimed Benefits of Instaflex
Here is what Adaptive Health claims a single Instaflex tablet daily will do for you:
1. Improves flexibility
Adaptive Health claims that the combination of such ingredients as UC-II Collagen and AprèsFlex® Boswellia Serrata works wonders to improve joint flexibility. In fact, they say that it is twice as effective as the proven combination of glucosamine and chondroitin.
2. Relieves Joint Pain
The combination of turmeric, resveratrol, and collagen is claimed to bring quick relief to joint pain by reducing inflammation, negating oxidative stress, and helping to cushion the joints better.
3. Works in as little as one week
Adaptive Health claims that you will start to notice improvements in your joint health, including a noticeable reduction in pain, after just seven days of taking Instaflex.
Side Effects of Instaflex
None of the active ingredients in Instaflex have been shown to have any serious side effects when taken according to dosage recommendations. However, as with all nutritional supplements, Instaflex may cause such minor effects as stomach discomfort, gas, or nausea.
Real Instaflex customer reviews
There are a lot of Instaflex reviews online, with more than 8000 on Amazon alone. It has a 4.2 rating on Amazon. Here are a couple of typical Instaflex reviews from that platform:
Who should take Instaflex?
Instaflex should be taken by people who are experiencing joint pain and looking for a way to find relief. They should simultaneously follow a healthy diet and exercise to improve their bone and joint health.
When to take Instaflex?
Instaflex can be ingested at any time of the day.
How to take Instaflex?
The recommendation is to take one Instaflex capsule daily with or without food.
Where to buy Instaflex?
Instaflex can be purchased on the official Adaptive Health website. It is also available from selected online retailers, including Amazon.
3 Instaflex Alternatives
Here are three leading alternative joint supplements to Instaflex Advanced that we at SET FOR SET endorse as worthy alternatives to consider when you are after joint pain relief:
1. Physio Flex Pro
Physio Flex Pro is a joint health supplement designed to bring relief to people with aching or stiff joints. Its manufacturer claims that it is the top-rated joint supplement on the market. A number of top athletes endorse it.
Physio Flex Pro contains the following eight active ingredients:
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
- Chondroitin
- Glucosamine
- Selenium
- Ginger
- Turmeric extract
- Bromelain
- Piperine
This is a far more complete ingredient formula for relieving joint pain than Instaflex. It provides users with more clinically sound dosages, though the turmeric levels are still low at 200 mg. Physio Flex Pro has a lot of extremely positive online reviews. It is significantly cheaper than Instaflex and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Science-backed ingredients
- Well priced
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Low levels of turmeric
Physio Flex Pro achieves pharmaceutical strength joint care by hacking natural compounds and complex extraction processes on specialist ingredients...
2. FlexAgain
FlexAgain is a dedicated joint supplement that claims to restore optimal joint health and movement while also bringing joint pain relief. It contains many of the same ingredients found in Physio Flex Pro, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric. It is generally well-dosed, containing 500 mg of turmeric, compared with 200 mg for both Instaflex and Phyio Flex Pro.
The daily dosage for FlexAgain is four capsules. This is a relatively expensive joint health supplement with a retail price of $76 for a 30-day supply.
Pros
- Well research ingredients
- Clinical dosages
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- On the pricey side
FlexAgain is the most comprehensive joint health supplement on our list, with a whopping 11 fully dosed ingredients designed to support joint mobility, flexibility and overall health it’s a fantastic choice...
3. Performance Labs Flex
Performance Labs Flex is a joint health supplement manufactured by UK-based Opti-Nutra Ltd. It contains the following six active ingredients:
- Turmeric - 250 mg
- Boswellia serrata - 100 mg
- Glucosamine - 500 mg
- Chondroitin - 100 mg
- MSM - 100 mg
- NutriGenesis Strontium - 300 mg
A unique ingredient here is strontium, a calcium-like trace mineral that may help treat arthritis and osteoporosis. The Performance Labs Flex formula does a good job of covering most of the bases and, based on customer reviews, appears to work for most people.
Pros
- Quality ingredients
- Well dosed
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- Only available from the official website
Performance Lab® Flex ultramodern joint nutrients are curated and combined for active joint demands. Flex soothes and protects achy joints with...
Instaflex FAQs
Does Instaflex really work?
Instaflex may work for some people in terms of providing a level of relief for joint pain. However, it does not contain sufficient dosages of its critical ingredients, such as turmeric extract, to have a significant effect.
Does Instaflex work on arthritis?
Instaflex may provide a measure of relief for some people with arthritis. On the whole, though, it lacks the depth of ingredients and clinically approved dosages to make any real difference.
Is Instaflex approved by the FDA?
No, Instaflex is not approved by the FDA. That is because the natural supplement industry is not FDA regulated.
What are the side effects of taking Instaflex?
There are no known side effects of taking Instaflex. It should be added that all supplements can cause minor side effects such as digestive issues and nausea. These are usually temporary, going away after a week or two.
Summary
Our Instaflex Advanced review has established that it is a decidedly average joint health supplement. It contains a couple of well-established joint pain-reducing ingredients but fails to provide them in sufficient dosages to make a significant impact. Instaflex is also missing some major powerhouse ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Based on our analysis and the consensus of customer reviews, we believe that Physio Flex Pro represents a better purchase than Instaflex.
Physio Flex Pro achieves pharmaceutical strength joint care by hacking natural compounds and complex extraction processes on specialist ingredients...
References
- Daily, James W., et al. “Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 19, no. 8, Aug. 2016, pp. 717–729, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/, https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2016.3705.
- Nguyen, Christelle, et al. “Resveratrol, Potential Therapeutic Interest in Joint Disorders: A Critical Narrative Review.” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 1, 6 Jan. 2017, p. 45, www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/1/45/html, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9010045.
- Yu, Ganpeng, et al. “Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia Extract for Osteoarthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, vol. 20, no. 1, 17 July 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6.
Steve Theunissen
Author