The best glucosamine supplements 2024 – tried and tested
Find our reviews of the best glucosamine supplements available in the UK, tried and tested
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring sugar compound that is made by the body from glucose molecules and an amino acid called glutamine. Your body uses glucosamine to construct the building blocks of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and the fluid that cushions your joints. It is an important component of a structural compound called glycosaminoglycans, which helps keep your cartilage elastic, strong and flexible.
We get very little glucosamine from our diets because there are not many foods that are good sources, and of those that are, they tend to be foods we don’t typically enjoy eating – an example being the shells from shellfish like prawns, crabs and lobster. It is not surprising, therefore, that many of us prefer to take glucosamine as a supplement.
Jump to:
- Best glucosamine supplements at a glance
- Who might benefit from supplementing with glucosamine?
- How does glucosamine work?
- How much glucosamine should I take?
- Who should not take glucosamine supplements?
- How should I take a glucosamine supplement?
- What form of glucosamine should I take?
- What format of glucosamine is best?
- What we looked for in glucosamine supplements
Best glucosamine supplements at a glance
In our search for the best glucosamine supplements, we tried a range of capsules and tablets. We tested them for taste and flavour as well as evaluating the nutrient profile, number of additives and whether they're suitable for vegans, those with allergies and other dietary requirements.
Best glucosamine capsules
Best glucosamine capsule: BioCare Glucosamine Hydrochloride, £20.95
Best anti-inflammatory glucosamine capsule: Cytoplan Glucosamine Complex, £14.80
Best clean label glucosamine capsule: PuroLabs Glucosamine Complex, £29.99
Best combination glucosamine capsule: Vitabright Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM+, £18.99
Best glucosamine tablets
Best glucosamine tablet: Vitabiotics Ultra Glucosamine & Chondroitin, £12.99
Best vegan glucosamine tablet: Healthspan Optiflex Glucosamine HCL 1325mg with vitamin C, £15.99
Best budget glucosamine tablet: Holland & Barrett Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg, £11.49
Runner up glucosamine table: MyVitamins Glucosamine HCL & Chondroitin, £20.49
Best glucosamine supplements
Best glucosamine capsules
BioCare Glucosamine Hydrochloride
- Available from RightNutri (£20.95), BioCare (£24.85), Bodykind (£24.85)
Best capsule
Star rating: 4/5
This high dose glucosamine (1000mg) is combined with 160mg of vitamin C to support collagen formation. Our tester found one capsule twice a day fitted easily into her routine. Suitable for vegans and those with shellfish allergy.
Available from:
RightNutri (£20.95)
BioCare (£24.85)
Bodykind (£24.85)
Cytoplan Glucosamine Complex
- Available from Cytoplan (£14.80), Turmeric and Honey (£14.80), Healthpath (£14.80)
Best anti-inflammatory
Star rating: 4/5
As well as 600mg glucosamine hydrochloride, this complex contains MSM (to help with collagen production) and anti-inflammatory botanicals turmeric and Boswellia. Two capsules can be taken every eight hours, reducing to 2 per day as a maintenance dose. Contains shellfish.
Available from:
Cytoplan (£14.80)
Turmeric and Honey (£14.80)
Healthpath (£14.80)
PuroLabs Glucosamine Complex
- Available from Purolabs (£29.99)
Best clean label
Star rating: 4/5
These capsules contain only glucosamine sulphate (532mg), vitamin C (300mg) and chondroitin(200mg) – with no fillers or additives. Our tester found the two capsules per day easy to swallow but commented on the slight smell. Not suitable for vegetarians or those with a shellfish allergy.
Available from:
Purolabs (£29.99)
Vitabright Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM+
- Available from Vitabright (£18.99), Amazon (£18.99), Superdrug (£18.99)
Best combination
Star rating: 4/5
This glucosamine complex includes 651mg of glucosamine from a well-absorbed source (glucosamine sulphate 2KCL), with other important nutrients known to support joint health, including chondroitin, methyl sulfonyl methane MSM and vitamin C. At a cost per daily dose of 21p, it’s great value for money. Contains shellfish.
Available from:
Vitabright (£18.99)
Amazon (£18.99)
Superdrug (£18.99)
Best glucosamine tablets
Vitabiotics Ultra Glucosamine & Chondroitin
- Available from Dolphin Fitness (£12.99), Vitabiotics (£16.30), Amazon (£16.30)
Best tablet
Star rating: 4/5
This well-known brand recommends either one or two tablets per day. Both the glucosamine and chondroitin are derived from fish/shellfish, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or those with a fish or shellfish allergy.
Available from:
Dolphin Fitness (£12.99)
Vitabiotics (£16.30)
Amazon (£16.30)
Healthspan Optiflex Glucosamine HCL 1325mg with vitamin C
- Available from Just my look (£15.95), Healthspan (£15.99), Amazon (£15.99),
Best vegan
Star rating: 4/5
Delivering 1100mg of plant-sourced glucosamine per 1 a day tablet, this product contributed the most glucosamine in a single serving. It also contains vitamin C (20mg) to support cartilage and collagen formation. Our tester found the tablet large, but easy to swallow. Excellent value for money.
Available from:
Just my look (£15.95)
Healthspan (£15.99)
Amazon (£15.99)
Holland & Barrett Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg
- Available from Holland & Barrett (£11.49)
Best budget
Star rating: 4/5
Offering value for money, these high dose 1-a-day tablets provide 750mg of glucosamine from a superior and well-absorbed source (glucosamine sulphate 2KCL) along-with 20mg vitamin C. However, our tester found the size and chalky texture of the tablet made it difficult to swallow. Not suitable for vegetarians or those with a shellfish allergy.
Available from:
Holland & Barrett (£11.49)
MyVitamins Glucosamine HCL & Chondroitin
- Available from Dolphin Fitness (£20.49), MyVitamins (£22.99), MyProtein (£22.99)
Runner up
Star rating: 3.5/5
To support cartilage, glucosamine (500mg) is combined with chondroitin (400mg) in this 1-a-day tablet. Our tester found the size of the tablet difficult to swallow; she also disliked the taste and smell. Not suitable for vegetarians or those with a shellfish allergy.
Available from:
Dolphin Fitness (£20.49)
MyVitamins (£22.99)
MyProtein (£22.99)
Who might benefit from supplementing with glucosamine?
We produce less glucosamine as we age so those who may benefit from supplementation include older adults, sports enthusiasts as well as those with osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and those looking to improve joint function or relieve joint pain.
How does glucosamine work?
Studies suggest glucosamine may delay breakdown and help repair damaged cartilage. How it does this is thought to be by reducing the activity of enzymes that damage cartilage, and instead promote the regeneration of the joint tissue while reducing inflammation. That said, the results from clinical trials have been inconsistent and experts reviewing the evidence have arrived at conflicting conclusions. However, if you want to rebuild your joints for better health eating the components they are made up of, may help.
How much glucosamine should I take?
There is no recommended daily dose for glucosamine because it is not an essential nutrient. However, look for a product that supplies at least 500mg of glucosamine as glucosamine sulphate 2KCL or glucosamine hydrochloride, preferably from a natural source (e.g. marine derived), as these are likely to be better absorbed.
Glucosamine is often combined with ingredients that work synergistically on the joint, these include chondroitin sulphate and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM). Chondroitin is a component of cartilage and gives the joint its bounce and resistance. It can be found in the gristle on animal bones, making bone broth a likely food source. MSM is a source of sulphur and needed by the body, along-with vitamin C, to make collagen
1500mg of glucosamine sulphate is believed to be well-tolerated and may be an effective daily dose for some people – this can be taken together or as three divided doses of 500mg. Studies suggest a safe upper level is 2000mg glucosamine per day combined, if you wish with up to 1200mg of chondroitin sulphate. These are slow acting compounds, because they need to accumulate in the joint, so if you start to supplement you will need to allow time for it to have an effect.
It’s worth saying that studies on the safety of glucosamine have typically been conducted over a short period (up to 3 years), this means the longer-term side effects are not fully understood. Nevertheless, adverse reactions are thought to be mild and may include nausea, heartburn and diarrhoea. Any interactions with medication have not been proven, but caution may be needed for those prescribed anti-coagulants like warfarin, some anti-cancer treatments and if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you may require additional monitoring.
Who should not take glucosamine supplements?
Those with a seafood or fish allergy should check labels carefully because many glucosamine supplements are derived from marine sources. Those with asthma, diabetes and those prescribed warfarin should speak with their GP first. Furthermore, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if supplementation of glucosamine is safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women. If you are vegan or vegetarian check labels to ensure the product is appropriate for you, some supplements use cartilage derived from poultry, beef or fish.
How should I take a glucosamine supplement?
You can take glucosamine at any time of day, although some manufacturers recommend taking it with a meal to minimise stomach upset.
What form of glucosamine should I take?
Glucosamine is available as glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride or as N-acetyl glucosamine. Check labels and, if possible, select a product that supplies glucosamine as glucosamine sulphate 2KCL or glucosamine hydrochloride and preferably from a natural source (e.g. marine derived), as these are likely to be better absorbed.
Those sensitive to sulphur may find N-acetyl glucosamine better tolerated, if you are looking to address joint stiffness and range of motion, glucosamine sulphate may be useful. If you follow a vegan or plant-based diet check product labels to ensure the form of glucosamine is suitable for you – some may be derived from shellfish or animal sources.
What format of glucosamine is best?
Studies are largely inconclusive with head-to-head trials between the two main forms (glucosamine sulphate and hydrochloride) showing no significant difference between them.
What we looked for in glucosamine supplements
Our key criteria were price (which we judged by the cost of a recommended daily dose), the nutrient profile provided in the recommended dose of each product, the format (capsule, tablet) and form of glucosamine that might affect the amount absorbed in the body.
Our panel of testers also trialled each product to see how easy it was to take or use, and they judged flavour and smell where appropriate. All supplements were tested over a similar time period, with notes made according to the testing criteria.
Further reading
5 most talked about supplements – which to take and which to avoid
8 natural energy boosters to try
Expert explains: the Mediterranean diet
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Always keep supplements out of the reach of children.
Unless otherwise stated we tested products available in the UK market and suitable for adults.
Check the product label and ingredients before purchase to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Kerry Torrens
November 2024
Authors
Kerry Torrens Bsc (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a postgraduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy
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