Now Foods, Glucosamine & MSM 60 vcaps

Now Foods Glucosamine & MSM – glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin in capsules

Now Foods Glucosamine & MSM is a food supplement that combines three ingredients: glucosamine sulfate, MSM (methylsulphonylmethane) and chondroitin sulfate. Two capsules contain 1100 mg of glucosamine sulfate (from 1500 mg of glucosamine potassium sulfate complex), 500 mg of MSM and 50 mg of chondroitin sodium sulfate. The manufacturer recommends taking two capsules once or twice a day, so the daily amount is two to four capsules. The bottle contains 60 capsules, or 30 servings of two capsules. The capsule shell is made of cellulose, but the glucosamine is derived from shellfish and the chondroitin from cattle, so the product is not suitable for vegetarians or for people allergic to shellfish.

What are glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar, a simple sugar whose molecule contains an amino group. In nature it is found, for example, in the shells of crustaceans, which is also where it is obtained for food supplements. In this product glucosamine is in the sulfate form and complexed with potassium sulfate. MSM, or methylsulphonylmethane, is an organic sulphur compound that occurs naturally in small amounts in many foods.

Chondroitin sulfate is a long-chain carbohydrate made up of repeating sugar units; the chondroitin sulfate in this product is of bovine origin. No nutrient reference value (NRV) has been established for any of the three ingredients, so the table shows only their amounts per two and per four capsules. NOW Foods developed the analytical method for determining glucosamine that AOAC International, the international organisation for analytical methods, has chosen as the official industry standard method.

How to use?

Take two capsules once or twice a day and swallow them with a glass of water or another drink. Do not take more than four capsules a day in total – do not exceed the recommended daily amount. If you also use other products containing glucosamine, MSM or chondroitin, add up the amounts. At two capsules a day the bottle lasts for 30 days, at four capsules for 15 days. The bottle contains a freshness packet that must not be eaten – keep it in the bottle. After opening, keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Key features

• 1100 mg glucosamine sulfate – in two capsules, from glucosamine potassium sulfate complex.
• 500 mg MSM – methylsulphonylmethane in two capsules.
• 50 mg chondroitin sulfate – chondroitin sodium sulfate of bovine origin.
• Flexible dosing – 2 capsules 1–2 times a day, up to 4 capsules a day.
• Soy-free and non-GMO – according to the manufacturer.
• Manufacturer’s test method – the NOW Foods method for determining glucosamine is the official AOAC International standard method.

Who is it for?

Now Foods Glucosamine & MSM is intended for adults who want to use glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin sulfate in one product. As the glucosamine is derived from shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster, crayfish), people with a known allergy to shellfish must not use this product. The chondroitin sulfate comes from cattle, so the product is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, especially glaucoma. Remember that a food supplement is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients, quality and storage

Besides the three main ingredients, the capsules contain only excipients: a cellulose capsule shell and stearic acid and magnesium stearate of vegetable origin. The product contains shellfish. It is not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish or tree nut ingredients, but it is produced in a GMP facility that also processes ingredients containing these allergens. According to the manufacturer, the product is non-GMO and packaged in the United States. NOW Foods is a family-owned company that has been making food supplements since 1968. Because of natural raw materials, the colour of the capsules may vary slightly. After opening, store the bottle in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.