5/30/2025
Last update
5/30/2025
Reviewed By
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Soft Gel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
5
Total Fat
0.5 g
1%**
Cholesterol
<5mg
<2%
Vitamin A (from cod live oil and retinyl palmitate)
27 mcg RAE
3%
Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol) (from cod liver oil and cholecalciferol concentrate)
100 mcg (4,000 IU)
500%
Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol)
0.67 mg
4%
Norwegian Cod Liver Oil
500 mg
†
Total Omega-3 fatty Acids☆
115 mg
†
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)☆
50 mg
†
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)☆
42 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored the potential benefits of vitamin D3 supplementation in alleviating knee pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA). In this open-label clinical trial, we assessed the effects of daily doses of 4000 IU vitamin D3 over three months in 80 patients suffering from knee OA.
Our findings revealed notable improvements in pain levels and overall physical function. The patients showed significant reductions in pain scores measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscores after the treatment period. Remarkably, 86.7% of those treated responded positively to the therapy.
Interestingly, we observed changes in systemic cytokine levels: while some pro-inflammatory markers increased, others, including TNF-α and IL-17, showed significant reductions. This suggests that vitamin D3 not only helps with pain relief but also may influence inflammatory processes in the body.
Overall, our results indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation could be a promising therapeutic option for managing symptoms of knee OA. Nonetheless, future research should further investigate the role of specific inflammatory mediators, like IL-33, in the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Our findings revealed notable improvements in pain levels and overall physical function. The patients showed significant reductions in pain scores measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscores after the treatment period. Remarkably, 86.7% of those treated responded positively to the therapy.
Interestingly, we observed changes in systemic cytokine levels: while some pro-inflammatory markers increased, others, including TNF-α and IL-17, showed significant reductions. This suggests that vitamin D3 not only helps with pain relief but also may influence inflammatory processes in the body.
Overall, our results indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation could be a promising therapeutic option for managing symptoms of knee OA. Nonetheless, future research should further investigate the role of specific inflammatory mediators, like IL-33, in the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Read More
9
Fish oil improves knee function
We explored how fish oil, rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can impact knee pain, particularly for those suffering from osteoarthritis. In our study, we involved 75 participants, divided into three groups, each taking either 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg of fish oil daily for eight weeks. We carefully measured their knee pain and walking abilities before and after the supplementation.
The results were encouraging. Those who took fish oil reported notable improvements in knee performance and function compared to a control group. On a satisfaction scale, the average score was an impressive 9.06 out of 10! While most participants experienced the benefits of fish oil without complications, there was one case of hematuria that was unrelated to the treatment.
Overall, our findings suggest that taking 1,000 to 2,000 mg of fish oil daily can significantly enhance knee performance and is safe for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. However, it’s worth noting that increasing the dose beyond 1,000 mg didn't yield greater benefits.
The results were encouraging. Those who took fish oil reported notable improvements in knee performance and function compared to a control group. On a satisfaction scale, the average score was an impressive 9.06 out of 10! While most participants experienced the benefits of fish oil without complications, there was one case of hematuria that was unrelated to the treatment.
Overall, our findings suggest that taking 1,000 to 2,000 mg of fish oil daily can significantly enhance knee performance and is safe for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. However, it’s worth noting that increasing the dose beyond 1,000 mg didn't yield greater benefits.
Read More
We explored the impacts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on knee pain and inflammation in a mouse model of knee arthritis. Our objective was to see if DHA could ease spontaneous pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility in mice that had been induced with arthritis using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA).
Starting fifteen days after the initial injections, we administered oral DHA in various dosages daily, as well as intraarticular DHA twice a week. We then looked at how these treatments affected spontaneous pain-related behaviors, such as flinching in the injured leg, alongside measurements of knee swelling and overall activity levels. We also investigated whether DHA's effects involved the body's opioid receptors by introducing naloxone, an opioid antagonist.
The results were promising: our findings indicate that DHA significantly reduced pain and inflammation, contributing to improved mobility in the mice. This marks a noteworthy advancement, as it highlights the potential of DHA in managing joint pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, we suggest that DHA treatment could be a valuable option for those suffering from painful arthritic symptoms.
Starting fifteen days after the initial injections, we administered oral DHA in various dosages daily, as well as intraarticular DHA twice a week. We then looked at how these treatments affected spontaneous pain-related behaviors, such as flinching in the injured leg, alongside measurements of knee swelling and overall activity levels. We also investigated whether DHA's effects involved the body's opioid receptors by introducing naloxone, an opioid antagonist.
The results were promising: our findings indicate that DHA significantly reduced pain and inflammation, contributing to improved mobility in the mice. This marks a noteworthy advancement, as it highlights the potential of DHA in managing joint pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, we suggest that DHA treatment could be a valuable option for those suffering from painful arthritic symptoms.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Reduced knee pain
My husband's rheumatologist suggested Carlson Vitamin D several years ago. He asked if I had arthritis, which I do, and recommended I try it too. I have noticed a difference in my knee pain and have shared this vitamin with friends.
Read More
7.5
Improved knee pain
It's great for daily use, and I have genuinely improved my vitamin D levels, which has helped with my joint pains.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7
- All Researches
9
We focused on the effects of vitamin D (VITD) in reducing knee pain linked to osteoarthritis (OA) using a study conducted on Wistar rats. The rats were induced with OA through a combination of surgical methods known as ACLT (anterior cruciate ligament transection) along with medial meniscectomy. This allowed us to closely observe the direct impact of VITD on pain levels and cartilage health.
Our investigations revealed that VITD not only alleviated pain but also minimized cartilage destruction. We measured pain severity through various tests, examined knee structure through histopathological studies, and analyzed different biological markers including inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are linked to cartilage degradation.
The results were quite promising. Not only did VITD show a significant reduction in pain, but it also decreased inflammation and the destruction of chondrocytes, or cartilage cells. These benefits appear to stem from VITD's ability to lower the expression of MMPs, which are known contributors to cartilage breakdown in OA.
Overall, our findings strongly suggest that adding vitamin D to treatment regimens could be beneficial for those suffering from knee pain related to osteoarthritis, making it a potential ally in managing this common joint condition.
Our investigations revealed that VITD not only alleviated pain but also minimized cartilage destruction. We measured pain severity through various tests, examined knee structure through histopathological studies, and analyzed different biological markers including inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are linked to cartilage degradation.
The results were quite promising. Not only did VITD show a significant reduction in pain, but it also decreased inflammation and the destruction of chondrocytes, or cartilage cells. These benefits appear to stem from VITD's ability to lower the expression of MMPs, which are known contributors to cartilage breakdown in OA.
Overall, our findings strongly suggest that adding vitamin D to treatment regimens could be beneficial for those suffering from knee pain related to osteoarthritis, making it a potential ally in managing this common joint condition.
Read More
We conducted a compelling study to investigate how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), often found in omega-3 supplements, influences knee pain in individuals aged 40 and older. The research was carefully designed as a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with four groups over an 8-week period. The participants dealt with persistent knee discomfort, scoring more than 3 on a visual analog scale for pain.
Among the groups, some received DHA alongside an omega-3 product called AvailOm, while others were given the omega-3 product alone or a placebo. Notably, those consuming the combined treatment of DHA and AvailOm showed improvements in both quality of life and muscle strength. There was a significant reduction in pain levels for participants taking AvailOm compared to those on placebo, particularly noticeable by the eighth week.
The study findings suggested that the omega-3 product effectively reduced pain perception and enhanced physical functionalities, including better performance on the Up and Go test. While the overall increase in omega-3 fatty acids was encouraging, the specific contributions of DHA to these improvements remain ambiguous due to the lack of isolation of DHA's effects in the results.
Overall, our study presents promising evidence that omega-3 supplementation can provide relief from knee pain and enhance quality of life in older adults suffering from this condition, though the unique role of DHA warrants further exploration.
Among the groups, some received DHA alongside an omega-3 product called AvailOm, while others were given the omega-3 product alone or a placebo. Notably, those consuming the combined treatment of DHA and AvailOm showed improvements in both quality of life and muscle strength. There was a significant reduction in pain levels for participants taking AvailOm compared to those on placebo, particularly noticeable by the eighth week.
The study findings suggested that the omega-3 product effectively reduced pain perception and enhanced physical functionalities, including better performance on the Up and Go test. While the overall increase in omega-3 fatty acids was encouraging, the specific contributions of DHA to these improvements remain ambiguous due to the lack of isolation of DHA's effects in the results.
Overall, our study presents promising evidence that omega-3 supplementation can provide relief from knee pain and enhance quality of life in older adults suffering from this condition, though the unique role of DHA warrants further exploration.
Read More
9
Fish oil improves knee function
We explored how fish oil, rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can impact knee pain, particularly for those suffering from osteoarthritis. In our study, we involved 75 participants, divided into three groups, each taking either 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg of fish oil daily for eight weeks. We carefully measured their knee pain and walking abilities before and after the supplementation.
The results were encouraging. Those who took fish oil reported notable improvements in knee performance and function compared to a control group. On a satisfaction scale, the average score was an impressive 9.06 out of 10! While most participants experienced the benefits of fish oil without complications, there was one case of hematuria that was unrelated to the treatment.
Overall, our findings suggest that taking 1,000 to 2,000 mg of fish oil daily can significantly enhance knee performance and is safe for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. However, it’s worth noting that increasing the dose beyond 1,000 mg didn't yield greater benefits.
The results were encouraging. Those who took fish oil reported notable improvements in knee performance and function compared to a control group. On a satisfaction scale, the average score was an impressive 9.06 out of 10! While most participants experienced the benefits of fish oil without complications, there was one case of hematuria that was unrelated to the treatment.
Overall, our findings suggest that taking 1,000 to 2,000 mg of fish oil daily can significantly enhance knee performance and is safe for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. However, it’s worth noting that increasing the dose beyond 1,000 mg didn't yield greater benefits.
Read More
We explored the impacts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on knee pain and inflammation in a mouse model of knee arthritis. Our objective was to see if DHA could ease spontaneous pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility in mice that had been induced with arthritis using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA).
Starting fifteen days after the initial injections, we administered oral DHA in various dosages daily, as well as intraarticular DHA twice a week. We then looked at how these treatments affected spontaneous pain-related behaviors, such as flinching in the injured leg, alongside measurements of knee swelling and overall activity levels. We also investigated whether DHA's effects involved the body's opioid receptors by introducing naloxone, an opioid antagonist.
The results were promising: our findings indicate that DHA significantly reduced pain and inflammation, contributing to improved mobility in the mice. This marks a noteworthy advancement, as it highlights the potential of DHA in managing joint pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, we suggest that DHA treatment could be a valuable option for those suffering from painful arthritic symptoms.
Starting fifteen days after the initial injections, we administered oral DHA in various dosages daily, as well as intraarticular DHA twice a week. We then looked at how these treatments affected spontaneous pain-related behaviors, such as flinching in the injured leg, alongside measurements of knee swelling and overall activity levels. We also investigated whether DHA's effects involved the body's opioid receptors by introducing naloxone, an opioid antagonist.
The results were promising: our findings indicate that DHA significantly reduced pain and inflammation, contributing to improved mobility in the mice. This marks a noteworthy advancement, as it highlights the potential of DHA in managing joint pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, we suggest that DHA treatment could be a valuable option for those suffering from painful arthritic symptoms.
Read More
8
We investigated the role of vitamin D3 in managing post-operative knee pain in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Our study involved 240 patients divided into three groups. One group received vitamin D3 supplements before surgery, another group received them afterward, and the last group had normal vitamin D levels from the start.
By examining bone pain levels at different intervals post-surgery, we could see how vitamin D3 supplementation could affect recovery. The results showed that correcting vitamin D deficiency before surgery led to significantly better pain control afterward. It highlighted the importance of checking vitamin D levels before undergoing knee surgery, as proper treatment can enhance patient outcomes dramatically.
Overall, our findings suggest that addressing vitamin D deficiency is a critical factor for a smoother post-surgery recovery process. It not only helps in reducing pain but also may contribute to better overall knee function after surgery.
By examining bone pain levels at different intervals post-surgery, we could see how vitamin D3 supplementation could affect recovery. The results showed that correcting vitamin D deficiency before surgery led to significantly better pain control afterward. It highlighted the importance of checking vitamin D levels before undergoing knee surgery, as proper treatment can enhance patient outcomes dramatically.
Overall, our findings suggest that addressing vitamin D deficiency is a critical factor for a smoother post-surgery recovery process. It not only helps in reducing pain but also may contribute to better overall knee function after surgery.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.3
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Reduced knee pain
My husband's rheumatologist suggested Carlson Vitamin D several years ago. He asked if I had arthritis, which I do, and recommended I try it too. I have noticed a difference in my knee pain and have shared this vitamin with friends.
Read More
7.5
Improved knee pain
It's great for daily use, and I have genuinely improved my vitamin D levels, which has helped with my joint pains.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Montemor CN, Fernandes MTP, Marquez AS, Bignardi PR, Poli RC, et al. Impact of Reduced Vitamin D Levels on Pain, Function, and Severity in Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis. Nutrients. 2025;17. 10.3390/nu17030447
- Mende LK, Kuthati Y, Wong CS. Curcumin and Vitamin D Supplement Attenuates Knee Osteoarthritis Progression in ACLT + MMx Rat Model: Effect on Cartilage Protection and Pain Reduction. Nutrients. 2025;17. 10.3390/nu17020349
- Rajani AM, Mittal A, Kulkarni VU, Rajani KA, Rajani KA. Role of Pre-operative Correction of Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Controlling Post-operative Bone Pain after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty. Malays Orthop J. 2024;18:7. 10.5704/MOJ.2411.002
- Gottreich JR, Katz JN, Jones MH. Nonsurgical Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments for Reducing Inflammation as Measured on MRI Scans: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024;12:23259671241272667. 10.1177/23259671241272667
- Zuo A, Jia Q, Zhang M, Zhou X, Li T, et al. The association of vitamin D with knee osteoarthritis pain: an analysis from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database. Sci Rep. 2024;14:30176. 10.1038/s41598-024-81845-6
- Wang QW, Ong MT, Man GC, Yeung YM, He X, et al. The effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis: Study protocol for a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2024;19:e0309610. 10.1371/journal.pone.0309610
- Saengsiwaritt W, Jittikoon J, Chaikledkaew U, Tawonsawatruk T, Honsawek S, et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on circulating level of autophagosome protein LC3A, inflammation, and physical performance in knee osteoarthritis. Clin Transl Sci. 2023;16:2543. 10.1111/cts.13646
- Wang Z, Zhu Z, Pan F, Zheng S, Parameswaran V, et al. Long-term effects of vitamin D supplementation and maintaining sufficient vitamin D on knee osteoarthritis over 5 years. Arthritis Res Ther. 2023;25:178. 10.1186/s13075-023-03167-8
- Wang R, Wang ZM, Xiang SC, Jin ZK, Zhang JJ, et al. Relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1200592. 10.3389/fmed.2023.1200592
- Busa P, Huang N, Kuthati Y, Wong CS. Vitamin D reduces pain and cartilage destruction in knee osteoarthritis animals through inhibiting the matrix metalloprotease (MMPs) expression. Heliyon. 2023;9:e15268. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15268
- Shen J, Lin X, Lin Y, Xiao J, Wu C, et al. Supplementation of hyaluronic acid injections with vitamin D improve knee function by attenuating synovial fluid oxidative stress in osteoarthritis patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Front Nutr. 2023;10:1026722. 10.3389/fnut.2023.1026722
- Divjak A, Jovanovic I, Matic A, Lucic AT, Gajovic N, et al. The influence of vitamin D supplementation on the expression of mediators of inflammation in knee osteoarthritis. Immunol Res. 2023;71:442. 10.1007/s12026-022-09354-0
- Lin T, Peng S, Lu S, Fu S, Zeng D, et al. Prediction of knee pain improvement over two years for knee osteoarthritis using a dynamic nomogram based on MRI-derived radiomics: a proof-of-concept study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023;31:267. 10.1016/j.joca.2022.10.014
- Strath LJ, Hernandez PV, Nodarse CL, Johnson AJ, Edberg JD, et al. Clinical vitamin D levels are associated with insular volume and inferior temporal gyrus white matter surface area in community-dwelling individuals with knee pain. Front Neurosci. 2022;16:882322. 10.3389/fnins.2022.882322
- Jin X, Ding C, Hunter DJ, Gallego B. Effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation on knee osteoarthritis - A target trial emulation study using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022;30:1495. 10.1016/j.joca.2022.06.005
- Peng HM, Weng XS, Li Y, Feng B, Qian W, et al. Effect of alendronate sodium plus vitamin D tablets on knee joint structure and osteoarthritis pain: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022;23:584. 10.1186/s12891-022-05521-4
- Pérez-Piñero S, Muñoz-Carrillo JC, Victoria-Montesinos D, García-Muñoz AM, Andreu-Caravaca L, et al. Efficacy of Extract and/or an Omega-3-Based Product for Improving Pain and Function in People Older Than 40 Years with Persistent Knee Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2023;15. 10.3390/nu15173848
- Kubo Y, Ikeya M, Sugiyama S, Takachu R, Tanaka M, et al. Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on quadriceps weakness immediately after total knee arthroplasty: a pilot, randomized, open-label clinical trial. J Phys Ther Sci. 2023;35:93. 10.1589/jpts.35.93
- Iverson C, Bacong A, Liu S, Baumgartner S, Lundström T, et al. Omega-3-carboxylic acids provide efficacious anti-inflammatory activity in models of crystal-mediated inflammation. Sci Rep. 2018;8:1217. 10.1038/s41598-018-19252-x
- Valdes AM, Ravipati S, Menni C, Abhishek A, Metrustry S, et al. Association of the resolvin precursor 17-HDHA, but not D- or E- series resolvins, with heat pain sensitivity and osteoarthritis pain in humans. Sci Rep. 2017;7:10748. 10.1038/s41598-017-09516-3
- Huang J, Burston JJ, Li L, Ashraf S, Mapp PI, et al. Targeting the D Series Resolvin Receptor System for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Pain. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69:996. 10.1002/art.40001
- Barden AE, Moghaddami M, Mas E, Phillips M, Cleland LG, et al. Specialised pro-resolving mediators of inflammation in inflammatory arthritis. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2016;107:24. 10.1016/j.plefa.2016.03.004
- Peanpadungrat P. Efficacy and Safety of Fish Oil in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. J Med Assoc Thai. 2015;98 Suppl 3:S110.
- Torres-Guzman AM, Morado-Urbina CE, Alvarado-Vazquez PA, Acosta-Gonzalez RI, Chávez-Piña AE, et al. Chronic oral or intraarticular administration of docosahexaenoic acid reduces nociception and knee edema and improves functional outcomes in a mouse model of Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced knee arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2014;16:R64. 10.1186/ar4502
- Gruenwald J, Petzold E, Busch R, Petzold HP, Graubaum HJ. Effect of glucosamine sulfate with or without omega-3 fatty acids in patients with osteoarthritis. Adv Ther. 2009;26:858. 10.1007/s12325-009-0060-3
- Stonehouse W, Benassi-Evans B, Bednarz J, Vincent AD, Hall S, et al. Krill oil improved osteoarthritic knee pain in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116:672. 10.1093/ajcn/nqac125
- Sasahara I, Yamamoto A, Takeshita M, Suga Y, Suzuki K, et al. l-Serine and EPA Relieve Chronic Low-Back and Knee Pain in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 2020;150:2278. 10.1093/jn/nxaa156
- Kubo Y, Sugiyama S, Takachu R, Tanaka M, Ikeya M, et al. Association between serum n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and quadriceps weakness immediately after total knee arthroplasty. PLoS One. 2020;15:e0228460. 10.1371/journal.pone.0228460
