The most helpful supplements are the ones that provide proteins and compounds that naturally occur in your body. The right supplements can help improve performance and help with deficiencies. One popular option is glucosamine supplements, which can potentially improve arthritis and osteoporosis.
As is the case with any nutritional supplement, glucosamine caplets are not a substitute for medical treatment. As the name suggests, supplements are designed to add on to your healthcare regimen for holistic well-being. Since the FDA does not review supplements, it’s incumbent upon the user to exercise caution with any supplements. That said, many have found glucosamine to be a valuable aid in relieving joint pain, including runners and those suffering from arthritis.
For a brief science lesson, glucosamine is a natural compound that occurs in cartilage. Glucosamine is vital to the health of cartilage, and glucosamine depletion adversely affects the well-being of knees, wrists, and other joints. Supplements are designed to reduce inflammation in cartilage and reduce pain by restoring glucosamine levels. These supplements come in several forms, including glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, and they typically include chondroitin. Chondroitin has similar properties as glucosamine.
Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride have distinct characteristics, but there is limited research on which of these is more effective. As is always the case, it’s good to consult a doctor, as there are some side effects. Glucosamine supplements can negatively interact with blood thinners. Also, they’re typically derived from shellfish, which is worth noting if you’re allergic. Still, they can provide several potential health benefits that make them worth considering. We’ve rounded up a few popular options to consider.
1. Vimerson Health Glucosamine Chondroitin
Vimerson Health’s supplement comes with 1,500mg of Glucosamine Sulfate and 150mg of Chondroitin Sulfate, in addition to 150mg of turmeric and other natural non-GMO ingredients. The product is produced in the USA. Each bottle contains 90 capsules, and the recommended dosage is three capsules a day. That makes this bottle a one-month supply.
Pros: In addition to glucosamine, the formula includes helpful ingredients like chondroitin, turmeric, and MSM.
Cons: Lower dosage than some other options, which may be an issue for those with more severe pain.
2. Schiff Glucosamine 2000mg With Hyaluronic Acid
Unlike the other products, this supplement comes with Glucosamine HCL (hydrochloride), rather than Glucosamine sulfate. It also does not include chondroitin. Like other glucosamine supplements, it is derived from shellfish. It can potentially provide relief for a variety of purposes, including hip replacements, joint pain, and even for their pets. The lack of chondroitin, MSM, and other ingredients may reduce the overall effectiveness.
Pros: Two tablet serving size is more convenient than some of the other options’ three or four. Affordable value with a high dosage of glucosamine (in hydrochloride form).
Cons: Lacks some helpful ingredients like chondroitin and MSM.
3. BioSchwartz Glucosamine Chondroitin
BioSchwartz’s glucosamine supplement uses a variety of naturally occurring ingredients to help bolster joint health. The capsules consist of a blend of ingredients that simultaneously relieve pain and help fortify the joints. Pain relief comes in the form of anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger root, while collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine sulfate help restore cartilage. The products are third-party tested and gluten-free.
Pros: Third-party tested and made with non-GMO ingredients. Natural ingredients include Boswellia Serrata extract, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
Cons: Capsules may be big for some.
4. Arazo Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin
This supplement from Arazo is a mix of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. These ingredients can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. Other natural ingredients include turmeric, Boswellia, and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, along with improving skin health, also helps with inflammation and joint pain. Each bottle consists of 180 capsules, which is twice as many compared with other options on this list.
Pros: Bottle has 180 capsules compared with standard 90, making it a good value. Variety of anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, Boswellia, and MSM.
Cons: Pills are somewhat large.
5. Nutririse Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement
Nutririse’s supplement is a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients like MSM and turmeric, as well as fortifying ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Each bottle consists of 90 capsules, which are meant to be taken three times a day. That makes this a one month supply. Each serving has 1,500mg of glucosamine sulfate and 150mg of chondroitin sulfate. The capsules are made from vegetable cellulose, making if a good option for those who don’t eat meat. However, like most of the other options, the glucosamine is derived from shellfish.
Pros: Non-GMO, made in the US, third party tested supplement. Strong glucosamine dosage.
Cons: Packaging says “Vegetarian capsules,” which is true of the capsules themselves, but can be misleading since shellfish is used for the glucosamine.
6. Doctor’s Best Glucosamine Capsules
Each bottle of Doctor’s Best consists of 240 capsules. It’s a good value compared with most other options, which only provide 90 capsules. The only drawback is that the serving size is four pills a day, compared with most of the other options’ dosage of three pills a day. However, that’s still a two month supply, rather than a one month supply. The formula consists of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. The dosage is lower than some of the other picks, which can be good for those looking for a more moderate approach.
Pros: Affordable value for a two-month supply. Non-GMO. Soy and gluten-free.
Cons: The four-capsule-a-day dosage is higher than other three-a-day options.