12 Min Read

The Best Glucosamine For Joints

Looking for a glucosamine chondroitin joint supplement that truly relieves joint pain? You’re not alone, with 10 million people in the UK suffering from arthritis according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [1] and another 350,000 people diagnosed each year.

Our in-house expert, dietician Ariel Kaur Maan, explains the key features to look for in a good glucosamine chondroitin supplement, and how they work. She also reviews the best 5 choices to help reduce your joint aches and stiffness.

Does glucosamine chondroitin really work?

The short answer is, yes.

We really can rebuild our joints by eating the substances they are built from, including glucosamine sulphate, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate which are all components of our cartilage.

Real life studies demonstrate a 50% long-term reduction in the need for prescription painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in people taking glucosamine supplements as well as a reduction in consultations and other healthcare. What’s more, treatment for at least 12 months leads to a reduction in the need for total joint replacement for at least 5 years [2]. 

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

Your Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement Checklist

Choose

✅ 1 - CHOOSE at least 600 mg of glucosamine

Remember that the amount of actual glucosamine will be less than the total amount of glucosamine sulphate: you need at least 600mg of pure glucosamine for effective benefits. Look for Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl or Glucosamine Hydrochloride from a natural source (e.g., marine-derived glucosamine) as these are the best absorbed forms.

Look for at least 150 mg of chondroitin, which works with glucosamine to support cartilage elasticity, reduce inflammation, increase joint lubrication and slow cartilage breakdown.

✅ 2 - CHOOSE at least 150 mg of chondroitin

✅ 3 - CHOOSE anti-inflammatory herb extracts

High-curcumin turmeric extract and concentrated frankincense (boswellia serrata extract) [4], are the best herbal anti-inflammatories proven in clinical research. Other popular options include ginger root and rosehip. Reducing inflammation naturally helps to slow down damage and avoid the side effects of pharmaceutical pain killers.

✅ 4 - CHOOSE vitamins and minerals for bone health

Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and other joint-supporting nutrients can further enhance a glucosamine chondroitin supplement’s benefits by supporting bone health.

Avoid

❌ 1 - AVOID ineffective low doses

Some glucosamine chondroitin supplements have doses too low to provide any tangible benefit. Steer clear of long lists of ingredients without the right doses.

Glucosamine HCl without the sulphate form may be less effective. Also, avoid products that do not specify the form of glucosamine used.

❌ 2 - AVOID low-quality forms of glucosamine

❌ 3 - AVOID artificial additives

Choosing a clean glucosamine chondroitin supplement without additives like fillers or bulking agents ensures you get a potent dose of the active ingredients without unnecessary additions that may cause allergies, digestive discomfort, or reduce the effectiveness of the supplement by interfering with absorption.

Pro Glucosamine Blend*

by Swallow

✅ Very high dose of glucosamine (1000 mg)
✅ Effective doses of chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid
✅ Strong Turmeric extract (95% curcumin)
✅ Strong frankincense/ boswellia serrata extract (65% boswellic acid)
✅ Collagen-forming vitamin C
✅ Bone-boosting vitamin D

PROS

CONS

❌ Not the cheapest option
❌ Only available online

Glucosamine Chondroitin
MSM+*

by VitaBright

✅ Effective dose of glucosamine (651 mg)
✅ Effective doses of chondroitin and MSM
✅ Strong ginger root extract & rosehip extract

PROS

CONS

❌ Turmeric dosage low
❌ No hyaluronic acid
❌ No Vitamin D

ChondroMax ®

by Healthspan

✅ Vegan supplement
✅ Strong dose of chondroitin
✅ Well-respected company

PROS

CONS

❌ Slightly low dose of glucosamine (415 mg)
❌ Low vitamin C
❌ No vitamin D

Magnesium Comp. with Zinc + D3

by Bettervits

✅ Easily absorbed with 3 types of chelated magnesium
✅ Added zinc and vitamin D3 to increase absorption

PROS

CONS

❌ Less than the NHS recommended magnesium dose (225 mg)
❌ Contains some additives including bulking agent

Extra Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Tablets

by Solgar

✅ Effective dose of Glucosamine (620 mg)
✅ Strong dose of chondroitin
✅ Shellfish free

PROS

CONS

❌ Not vegan or fish-free
❌ No MSM or hyaluronic acid
❌ No anti-inflammatory herbs

Simply Best Glucosamine & Turmeric Complex

by Simply Supplements

✅ High dose of glucosamine (888 mg)
✅ Effective dose of chondroitin
✅ Very strong turmeric root extract (95% curcumin)

PROS

CONS

❌ No MSM
❌ No vitamin C
❌ No Vitamin D

Ariel Kaur Maan Registered Nutritionist® (BANT RN)

Ariel has extensive clinical and supplement expertise. She specialises in pain management and joint / sports injuries. She guides clients to optimal health through diet, lifestyle and the use of high-quality supplements.

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review but is a sponsored comparison by theswallowco & vitabright. See                                     

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review.
This comparison and ranking are sponsored by theswallowco & vitabright. For further details, please refer to our                                    

How does glucosamine chondroitin work?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are actually two separate compounds, but they work so closely together that most joint supplements contain them both, and are therefore called glucosamine chondroitin. Both are naturally occurring substances in human cartilage.

Glucosamine chondroitin supplements have come a long way over the years. Nowadays, there are some advanced supplements which ALSO include:
1 - Cartilage building compounds: MSM and Hyaluronic Acid
2 - Herbal remedies for pain and inflammation: Turmeric, Boswellia, Rosehip and Ginger
3 - Vitamins and minerals for cartilage and bones: Vitamin C, Vitamin D