Over 2 million people in the United States suffer from the degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis (OA), according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is the most common type of arthritis which affects the larger weight-bearing joints of the body.
However, it is not life threatening and supplements such as glucosamine sulfate can be used to manage the disease. It is mostly available with chondroitin in a single supplement.
What is glucosamine sulfate?
It is essentially a natural sugar found in connective tissue around your joints called cartilage. This tissue is strong and flexible and acts as a shock absorber for your body. Osteoarthritis affects a person if their cartilage breaks down, causing joint pain and swelling. Glucosamine sulfate is said to provide some pain relief to people with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis.
It plays an important role in making glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins essential building blocks for your joints. Glucosamine sulfate is made of glucose and an amine. It promotes the manufacture of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and sulfur into cartilage.
As you age, your body loses the ability to make sufficient levels of glucosamine needed to maintain cartilage health. Several studies conducted over the years have shown that glucosamine sulfate does help in the treatment of OA.
It can be taken orally or applied topically. It is extracted from shellfish; therefore, people with seafood allergies must avoid taking it. Glucosamine is also manufactured from the cartilage of cows and pigs.
What do the studies say?
A small study conducted with 18 overweight adults has shown that glucosamine taken with chondroitin sulfate reduced inflammation. Chondroitin is similar to glucosamine and helps maintain healthy cartilage. It is prescribed as a treatment for OA in several European nations.
Another study conducted in 2016 found that glucosamine and chondroitin were as effective at relieving knee OA pain and swelling as celecoxib. However, in the United States, the studies have shown mixed results on the effectiveness of glucosamine.
How does it work?
Glucosamine and chondroitin prevent cartilage decay by protecting cells called chondrocytes. Glucosamine is found in different forms such as glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. It helps reduce pain and swelling.
Side-effects of glucosamine sulfate:
The supplement does not have serious side effects, but some people may complain of constipation, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and heartburn. Therefore, you must speak to your doctor before taking the supplement.
It also needs to be noted that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends against the use of glucosamine sulfate as a treatment for knee arthritis. An analysis of as many as eight studies found no concrete evidence suggesting that glucosamine and chondroitin provide a significant benefit to people with knee osteoarthritis.
The bottom line:
Studies have shown slight improvement in some forms of OA. The supplement can prove helpful in certain cases, but additional research is needed to be able to know more about its effectiveness. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), glucosamine sulfate has consistently been a relatively safe oral supplement.
However, before diving into any new supplement regimen, it's important to consult with a primary care physician so they can give personalized advice to ensure the supplement aligns with your health needs.
1. Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplement:
This artificial vanilla flavored glucosamine sulfate supplement is currently an Amazon bestseller. Customer reviews claim that it has helped them with joint pain and swelling. It is a preservative, gluten- and lactose-free alternative. Customer reviews claim that it has helped them with joint pain and swelling. It contains shellfish extract and helps lubricate joints and bones. It is a USP-verified supplement whose verification programs are universally recognized as the trusted standard for dietary supplements.
2. Doctor's Best Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Supplement:
It is a versatile supplement designed to support the health of your skin, hair, nails, and joints. These unflavored capsules contain sodium-free potassium-stabilized glucosamine sulfate. These are gluten-free and provide four important nutrients: glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, from OptiMSM), and hyaluronic acid (from BioCell Collagen).
MSM is a naturally occurring nutrient that provides sulfur, used by the body to maintain joints. Glucosamine sulfate (GS) helps the body manufacture proteoglycans, while MSM supplies bioavailable sulfur needed for joint health. Although the body naturally produces collagen, production decreases with age, resulting in wrinkles, joint pain, and other age-related issues. The BioCell Collagen II in glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid present in the supplement ensures that your body is able to make up for the lost collagen. It also contains shellfish.
3. BioSchwartz's Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Supplement:
The ginger-flavored supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM, collagen, turmeric, ginger, hyaluronic acid, and Fruitex-B. It is a convenient and effective addition to your health routine. The FruiteX-B Difference is a vegan mineral complex called calcium fructoborate shown to enhance joint mobility and comfort. It is free of gluten, soy, milk, dairy, eggs, corn, and wheat. It also does not contain any fillers, binders, chemicals, or preservatives. It also has ingredients sourced from shrimp, crab, lobster, and crayfish.
4. Nutricost Glucosamine Sulfate:
This glucosamine sulfate supplement is packed with ingredients like gelatin capsule, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), stearic acid, silica, and rice flour. These gummies are designed to promote cartilage health, thereby reducing joint pain. It needs to be kept in mind that this is only meant to be taken by healthy individuals 18 years of age or older. It contains shellfish; therefore, it is not to be consumed by people with seafood allergies.
5. NOW Supplements:
This glucosamine sulfate supplement is packed with ingredients like gelatin capsule, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), stearic acid, silica, and rice flour. These capsules are designed to promote cartilage health, thereby reducing joint pain. It needs to be kept in mind that this is only meant to be taken by healthy individuals 18 years of age or older. It contains shellfish; therefore, it is not to be consumed by people with seafood allergies.
6. Nutramax Cosamin® DS Joint Health Supplement:
A premium dietary supplement, it contains the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which helps inhibit certain enzymes responsible for cartilage damage. It is proudly made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. It is free from gluten and is ideal for both men and women seeking a natural boost to their health regimen. The supplement has been developed by a pharmacist and contains high-quality ingredients. These unflavored capsules are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
7. Luma Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
These unflavored keto-friendly instantized capsules can boost joint health and mobility. The capsules are easy to swallow and are best taken with water. It contains several high-quality ingredients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric, boswellia, bromelain, and quercetin. Turmeric has become a popular dietary supplement in recent years due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. While Boswellia, an herbal extract, is said to reduce inflammation in people with conditions such as arthritis.
8. Vimerson Health's Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Support Supplement
This gluten-free option not only contains glucosamine and chondroitin, but has also been fortified with collagen to help your skin stay young and hydrated. It can be used by both men and women. The presence of ingredients such as boswellia, bromelain promotes paint relief and lubrication. It is made in the USA in a GMP-certified and UL-certified facility. It is free from gluten, dairy, sugar, and soy. It is a non-GMO user-friendly product with a flip-top bottle. However, people suffering from glaucoma are advised to consult a healthcare professional before taking this product.
9. S RAW SCIENCE Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Capsules
The supplement includes both chondroitin with glucosamine and MSM, which prevent cartilage breakdown and at the same time provide bone support. It contains crab and shrimp and is not safe for people with a shellfish allergy. The unflavored capsules also contain collagen peptide, bovine powder, cellulose, and silicon dioxide. The supplement not only supports your joints health, but also helps you stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle. It should be noted that it is not meant to be consumed by pregnant or lactating women.
10. Doctor's Best Vegan Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Supplement:
This unique supplement is made with 100% vegetable-sourced glucosamine sulfate, a high-purity methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, from OptiMSM), and Mythocondro, the first formulation to contain non-animal-derived chondroitin sulfate. The non-animal-derived chondroitin sulfate provides 43% higher absorption than animal-origin chondroitin sulfate. It also provides bioavailable sulfur essential for joint health, hair, skin, and nails. The supplement supports overall health and not just joint support.
11. Nature's Gummies Joint Support Supplement
Nature's Gummies' advanced formula supports bones, joints, and cartilage health. It includes Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps the body defend against free radicals and oxidation. This easy-to-swallow glucose sulfate supplement comes in the form of tasty raspberry flavor. Its berry flavor ensures that it is both enjoyable and beneficial. It is made at a CGMP facility and tested by third parties for purity and accuracy. In addition to glucosamine sulfate, it contains glucose syrup, sugar, glucose, pectin, modified starch, citric acid, vegetable oil (containing carnauba wax), purple carrot juice concentrate, and natural flavor.
12. Dr. Bo Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Turmeric capsules
Dr. Bo's capsules are triple strength pills made for hip, bone, and knee health. They do not contain wheat, dairy, soy, sugar, nuts, casein, yeast, or gluten. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity, potency, and safety. The supplement also has sustainability features. It is Climate Neutral Certified, which essentially implies that the carbon footprint of the product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset. The Climate Neutral label is given by ClimatePartner, a firm that helps businesses with their climate action strategy. Dr Bo's also offers a full refund or a replacement product if customers are not satisfied with its results within 30 days.
13. TNVitamins Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM Complex Capsules
The supplement manufactured by TNVitamins provides joint support while nurturing normal joint function and can be used by both men and women. It is suitable for all age groups except minors. It is also non-GMO Project Verified, making it a reliable choice for those seeking natural alternatives for glucosamine sulfate. Manufactured, tested, and bottled in a third-party certified facility, the company ensures superior quality and consistency in every capsule.
14. Nature Made TripleFlex, Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM
The Nature Made TripleFlex capsules combine a powerful blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin D, and MSM. It has no artificial flavors. It works to improve long term joint mobility and flexibility. Each bottle contains 120 caplets designed to support overall health. The triple strength formula not just aids smooth movement but also replenishes key nutrients for long term benefit.
15. Extra Strength Healtionist Glucosamine Chondroitin Gummies:
The supplement has been produced in GMP-certified facilities with strict quality control standards. It contains elderberry extract in addition to glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate sodium, turmeric extract, hyaluronic acid, calcium fructoborate and MSM. Elderberry extract makes it suitable to be consumed by men, women and children. Elderberry is often used as a high antioxidant support. It is a dark purple-colored berry from the European elder tree. It is used to treat cold, flu and other conditions such as high cholesterol. It is a popular ingredient in found in various supplements.
16. Solgar Extra Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
These unscented multivitamin tablets provide nutritional support for the cartilage and joints. The unique formula enhances mobility and flexibility. It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin; they provide the structural material glycosaminoglycans needed for healthy cartilage. Its USP is Ester-C, which helps maintain the necessary enzymes needed for collagen formation in their active state. These tablets are non-GMO and certified gluten-free. They also do not contain gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, or sugar. They are free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. However, it does contain shellfish. The tablets come in "recyclable amber glass." These bottles are made from 50% cullet (broken or refuse glass) and can be recycled.
17.Vitalitown Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Supplement:
This is one glucosamine supplement that does not contain shellfish. This is easy to swallow and intended for both men and women (adults). It contains 12 "joint-loving ingredients" to repair connective tissues. It is made up of a natural blend of botanicals and their constituents and provides antioxidant benefits. It has herbs like turmeric, boswellia, bromelain, and quercetin.
Bosewellia combined with quercetin offers protection against oxidative stress. The tablets are also free of artificial fillers, flavors, preservatives, and additives. The product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and made without hormones or chemicals. It contains no shellfish, gluten, dairy, soy, egg, fish, tree nuts, or peanuts. It is ideal for those looking to enhance joint health and maintain cartilage integrity.
18. ZEBORA Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Support Supplement
The plant-derived glucosamine sulfate supplement is made from non-GMO corn, especially for people with shellfish allergies. The 9-IN-1 formula has MSM, Turmeric, Boswellia, Quercetin, Bromelain, L-methionine, and Hyaluronic Acid. It provided 3000 mg per serving of higher content. The supplement is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than the ones made with shellfish extract.
19. Pure By Nature Joint Support Supplement:
This turmeric-flavored supplement is gluten-free and contains a powerful combination of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, boswellia extract, and turmeric. It is an all-natural formula without peanuts, soy, dairy, or gluten. It is also free of artificial colors and flavors. This non-GMO supplement is manufactured in the USA. Boswellia extract acts as an anti-inflammatory support, turmeric helps fight free radicals, and methionine supports liver health.
20. DONA Crystalline Glucosamine Sulfate Joint Supplement Pills for Knee Comfort
Dona is the original crystalline glucosamine sulfate shown to be effective in clinical trials. Each bottle contains a 30-day supply of glucosamine sulfate in caplet form. It is recommended that these capsules be taken with water or juice. The optimal effect of the supplements is seen after 12 weeks of daily intake. It uses the finest raw ingredients backed by scientific testing. Three clinical trials have shown that the supplement promotes not just cartilage health but also lubricates joints. It may help you live a natural and healthy life.
21. Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM
Schiff's joints supplement contains Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCl), which has a high potency of active Glucosamine. It comes with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to help promote overall joint mobility. The supplement available in tablet form is gluten-free. Each bottle contains 150 tablets providing bone and joint support. It is unflavored and comes in softgel form.
22. Bluebonnet Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM Supplement
This non-GMO, gluten, soy and dairy-free supplement can cater to a wide group. The unflavored supplement comes in capsule form. Each bottle contains 120 capsules, providing 40 servings. It contains a special combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, plus Vitamin C. It is free of milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, barley, soybeans, rice, and sugar. It is in easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules for maximum assimilation and absorption.
23. Runner Joint Support Supplement
This supplement is especially engineered for active runners and contains concentrated glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. The MSM concentration in the formula is three times what is available in other similar supplements. It is manufactured in the USA in a GMP-compliant facility. It is free from GMOs and is free of artificial flavors.
24. 21st Century Glucosamine Relief®:
The supplement is a great alternative for those looking for an alternative free of artificial preservatives, yeast, flavors, and colors. However, it is not meant for people who are diabetic or have a shellfish allergy. It contains glucosamine derived from shrimp and crab shells. Its ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C and D, among others. It has been made in an FDA-approved manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona, USA.
25. Flexacil Ultra Maximum Strength Joint Health and Support Supplement:
The unique all-natural formula by Flexacil contains the highest-grade glucosamine and chondroitin available. It is manufactured in the USA at a GMP-accredited facility and is 3rd party tested for purity. It uses OptiMSM, a premium, patented form of MSM, containing the purest, safest, most consistent quality of MSM available. It is free of ingredients like titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, and artificial colors. It also does not contain preservatives, allergens, artificial flavors, sugar, preservatives, or gluten. Flexacil offers an alternative that also contains hyaluronic acid, a compound great for skim health.
