Kirkland Signature Glucosamine 1500 mg Chondroitin 1200 mg Review
Kirkland Signature Glucosamine & Chondroitin, 280 Tablets is a joint health supplement sold by Costco under its Kirkland Signature brand, item 1665191. The product description states that the formula combines glucosamine and chondroitin, two ingredients described as among the most popular ingredients found naturally within the body. The page says the formula delivers 1200mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin in just two daily tablets, while the bullet points on the same page list Glucosamine HCI 1500 mg and Chondroitin Sulfate 1200 mg. The listed claims include helping to lubricate and cushion joints and helping to protect cartilage. The product is marked as containing two wellness ingredients, with glucosamine described as naturally found in joint tissue and chondroitin described as a key component in cartilage. The page states that the product contains no preservatives added, no gluten and no lactose, and that it is USP Verified. The background section explains that a joint is where two bones make contact and allows movement, and that the ends of bones are covered by smooth cartilage lubricated by synovial fluid. It describes chondroitin sulfate as a highly charged polyanion that retains water in connective tissue, and glucosamine as an important molecular component of glycosaminoglycans, a key structural component in cartilage. The page explains that there are no food sources of glucosamine, that levels may decline with age, and that the easiest way to obtain these ingredients is through supplementation. According to the page, Kirkland Signature glucosamine comes from the exoskeletons of crab and shrimp, and the chondroitin is derived from bovine sources. The ingredient list names glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate sodium (may contain bovine and/or porcine), croscarmellose sodium, cellulose, silica, vegetable magnesium stearate, cellulose coating and artificial flavor. The product carries a shellfish allergen warning for crab, crayfish, lobster and shrimp. The page says there are no artificial colors, no sugar, no gluten and no lactose, and notes that tablet color may vary. The suggested use is two tablets daily, preferably with a meal, for adults. The page advises keeping the product out of reach of children and storing it at 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). The USP verification section describes the United States Pharmacopeia as an independent, scientific, nonprofit organization that sets quality and purity standards for dietary supplements, and states that its drug standards are enforceable in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration. The listing is a 280 tablet quantity, is marked as a tablet form, and is listed in the joint supplements health benefit category. The page is marked FSA Eligible, meaning it may be purchased with a flexible spending account, and it is shown as gluten free and lactose free. Shipping is listed at approximately 3 to 5 business days, with standard delivery via UPS SurePost and express delivery via UPS, and returns are accepted at Costco warehouses.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only97 human studies · 50 improved
3 of these 97 human studies gave the ingredient by injection, not by mouth.
Both main ingredients are at or above the doses used in studies. Chondroitin sulfate, at 1.2 g a day, has the most direct support. Pooled analyses of 13 and 18 placebo-controlled knee arthritis trials found less pain and better function, though results varied between studies and brands [1][2]. Long-term trials linked it to less narrowing of the knee joint space [3][4]. Some large trials found no clear pain or function benefit over placebo, including trials using the same 1200 mg daily dose [5][6]. The glucosamine here is glucosamine hydrochloride. Most of the positive glucosamine studies used a different form, glucosamine sulfate. Those studies found slower joint narrowing and small pain relief [3][7][8]. The large 24-week trial found no clear pain benefit from glucosamine alone [5]. In that trial, the glucosamine and chondroitin combination helped a subgroup with moderate to severe pain [5]. A 2-year trial found that only the combination slowed joint narrowing [9]. Overall, benefits look modest and appear mostly in joint structure. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 97 studies →Hide the studies
- In a pooled analysis of 47 trials of 22,037 people with knee osteoarthritis followed for at least a year, glucosamine sulfate was linked to less pain and less joint space narrowing than placebo, though the estimates were uncertain.Association of Pharmacological Treatments With Long-term Pain Control in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic…
- In 21 trials of 3,965 people with hand osteoarthritis, chondroitin sulfate was not reported to help pain, stiffness or function and had the highest rate of side effects, though the estimate was uncertain.Systematic review and network meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of parmacotherapy for hand osteoarthritis.
- In eight trials of 3,793 people with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine plus chondroitin beat placebo on the overall joint symptom score and slightly on joint space narrowing, but showed no benefit on pain scores.Efficacy and safety of the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and m…
- In six trials with 1,502 people with knee osteoarthritis (four on chondroitin), taking chondroitin sulfate daily for over 2 years slightly slowed the narrowing of the joint space compared with controls.Effect of glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate on the osteoarthritis progression: a meta-analysis.
- In 16 studies of 901 people with jaw joint osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections with or without glucosamine helped over time, but whether they beat conservative care was inconsistent, and glucosamine was not assessed on its own.Effectiveness of treatments for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Pooling seven trials of 372 people with osteoarthritis taking chondroitin sulfate for 120 days or more, it beat placebo on pain and joint function scores, with at least 50% improvement reported, though most patients also used meds.A metaanalysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
- In a pooled analysis of trials in hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine gave statistically significant pain relief over placebo, but the effect was small and of unclear clinical importance, with no clinically important effect at long term.Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- In 30 trials in knee or hip osteoarthritis, glucosamine beat placebo only on stiffness, not on pain or function, and the combination with chondroitin lacked enough evidence to beat placebo.Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomiz…
- In nine placebo-controlled trials in knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulfate significantly reduced joint space narrowing, and the combination with chondroitin did not significantly improve pain or function.Evaluation of efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and their combination regimen in the mana…
- A summary of 13 reviews covering 50 trials found it unclear whether chondroitin sulfate improves pain or function in osteoarthritis because the certainty of the evidence is very low.Is chondroitin sulfate effective for osteoarthritis?
- In 18 placebo-controlled trials in knee osteoarthritis, chondroitin sulfate reduced pain and improved function, but results varied widely between studies, brands and study sizes.Efficacy of Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Exploring Inconsiste…
- In a review of three small trials of jaw joint osteoarthritis, glucosamine appeared about as effective as a med, with no placebo comparison reported.Interventions for the management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
- A review of treatments for osteoarthritis found glucosamine hydrochloride had no effect on pain while glucosamine sulfate had a moderate effect, and none of the supplements changed how the disease progressed.Supplementary methods in the nonsurgical treatment of osteoarthritis.
- A review of diet studies in rheumatic diseases found moderate evidence that glucosamine in osteoarthritis gives a small benefit on disease progression.Effects of diet on the outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs): systematic review and meta-analyses in…
- A review of 146 studies, mostly on osteoarthritis and joint pain, found over 90% of efficacy studies reported positive outcomes with glucosamine and chondroitin, commonly given at 1500 mg glucosamine daily, with few side effects.The Safety and Efficacy of Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin in Humans: A Systematic Review.
- In 1583 people with painful knee osteoarthritis, 1500 mg of glucosamine daily for 24 weeks did not reduce knee pain significantly better than placebo, though the combination with chondroitin helped a subgroup with moderate-to-severe pain (79.2% vs 54.3%).Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis.
- In a trial of 1,583 people with knee osteoarthritis, chondroitin sulfate did not significantly reduce knee pain versus placebo, but people taking it had less knee joint swelling.Potential effects of chondroitin sulfate on joint swelling: a GAIT report.
- In 1,120 adults with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulfate 500 mg three times daily combined with chondroitin reduced knee pain and improved walking function over 16 weeks, with no difference between the capsule, sachet, and glucosamine hydrochloride versions.Combined glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, once or three times daily, provides clinically relevant analgesia in knee …
- In 662 adults with knee osteoarthritis, chondroitin sulphate at 1200 mg daily for 2 years did not reduce pain or improve function significantly more than placebo.Read the study on PubMed (20525840) →
- In 627 adults with knee osteoarthritis, a new fixed-dose glucosamine sulfate 1,500 mg with chondroitin 1,200 mg daily for 24 weeks reduced pain as well as the reference product, with 89.4% of people meeting the responder threshold.Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with a new formulation of a fixed-dose combination of glucosamine sulfate and bovine ch…
- In 606 people with painful knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin for 6 months reduced pain about as much as a med, with 79.7% meeting response criteria, and had few side effects.Read the study on PubMed (25589511) →
- Over 2 years, 1500 mg daily glucosamine sulfate alone did not reduce knee pain more than placebo, and only the glucosamine plus chondroitin combination slowed joint space narrowing.Glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluat…
- In 407 middle-aged overweight women without knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulfate taken for 2.5 years did not significantly reduce the development of knee osteoarthritis compared with placebo.Prevention of knee osteoarthritis in overweight females: the first preventive randomized controlled trial in osteoarthri…
- Over 3 years in 319 postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulfate stopped joint space narrowing seen with placebo and improved WOMAC symptom scores.Glucosamine sulfate reduces osteoarthritis progression in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: evidence from t…
- In a placebo-controlled 24-week trial of 307 adults with knee arthritis taking 1 g of chondroitin sulphate daily, the main pain and function measures did not reach significance, though 68 percent of the chondroitin group were responders versus 56 percent on placebo, with slightly better pain and quality of life.Effect of chondroitin sulphate in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-cont…
- In a 2-year placebo-controlled trial of 300 people with knee osteoarthritis, 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate daily stopped the joint space narrowing seen in the placebo group on knee X-rays, though it did not change symptoms significantly.Chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial.
- In 255 adults with osteoarthritis, a 4-week course of glucosamine produced pain relief similar to a Chinese herbal capsule, but the herbal capsule scored better on overall joint symptom and quality-of-life measures."Efficacy and safety of Xinfeng capsule in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, c…
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 252 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 1,500 mg daily of glucosamine sulfate for 4 weeks produced a larger drop in Lequesne symptom scores than placebo, and 55% of glucosamine users were responders versus 38% on placebo.Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee.
- In 251 people with Kashin-Beck disease, glucosamine hydrochloride alone did not significantly improve WOMAC scores over 6 months compared with placebo, while a combination with chondroitin sulfate did.Chondroitin sulfate and/or glucosamine hydrochloride for Kashin-Beck disease: a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled s…
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 222 adults with hip osteoarthritis, 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate daily for two years did not reduce pain or stiffness, or slow joint narrowing, better than placebo.Effect of glucosamine sulfate on hip osteoarthritis: a randomized trial.
- In 216 Thai adults with knee osteoarthritis, 1500 mg daily of prescription-grade glucosamine sulfate for 24 weeks did not reduce symptoms more than placebo.A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Among Undenatured Collagen Type II, Glucosamine Sulfate, and Diacerein on Osteoarthrit…
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 201 adults with chronic knee pain, 1,500 mg daily of glucosamine hydrochloride for 24 weeks did not slow knee cartilage damage or reduce a urine marker of cartilage breakdown compared with placebo.Effect of oral glucosamine on joint structure in individuals with chronic knee pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled cl…
- In 200 people with knee osteoarthritis, 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times daily for 4 weeks worked about as well as a med, with 48 percent responding, and caused far fewer side effects.Read the study on PubMed (11548225) →
- In 189 people with knee osteoarthritis, 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine daily for 6 months lowered the inflammation marker IL-6 by 9%, while a med did not lower it.Read the study on PubMed (30648524) →
- In 178 Chinese adults with knee osteoarthritis, 1500 mg glucosamine sulfate daily for 4 weeks significantly reduced symptoms, as effective as a med but with fewer side effects and dropouts.Read the study on PubMed (9638313) →
- In 177 people with hip or knee osteoarthritis taking 1500 mg glucosamine sulfate daily for 26 weeks, 94% reached at least a 20% reduction in WOMAC pain, with or without omega-3 fatty acids added.Effect of glucosamine sulfate with or without omega-3 fatty acids in patients with osteoarthritis.
- Over 6 months, 1200 mg chondroitin sulfate plus 1500 mg glucosamine sulfate daily did not beat placebo for knee pain in 164 adults with knee osteoarthritis; in the full-group analysis it was worse than placebo, while per-protocol completers showed no difference.Combined Treatment With Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine Sulfate Shows No Superiority Over Placebo for Reduction of J…
- In 150 adults with Kashin-Beck disease, oral glucosamine sulfate for 12 weeks significantly reduced pain, stiffness and WOMAC scores compared with placebo, though less than hyaluronic acid injections.Hyaluronic acid and glucosamine sulfate for adult Kashin-Beck disease: a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- In 143 adults with knee or hip osteoarthritis, glucosamine hydrochloride for 6 weeks gave better relief of joint pain and stiffness than glucosamine sulfate, with 75.4% of patients rated as effectively treated.[Efficacy and safety evaluation of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of osteoarthritis].
- In a 2-year trial of 138 people with knee osteoarthritis, 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate daily reduced loss of medial knee cartilage volume more than a med, as measured by MRI.Read the study on PubMed (27809891) →
- In 137 people with knee osteoarthritis who had improved on glucosamine, stopping it for 6 months did not lead to more flares than placebo, so no added benefit from continuing was seen.Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled glucosamine discontinuation trial in knee osteoarthritis.
- In 136 people with jaw joint osteoarthritis, oral glucosamine plus hyaluronic acid injection gave greater long-term benefit than placebo plus injection at one year, with lower inflammatory markers (IL-6 and IL-1β) and higher TGF-β; the dose was not stated.Glucosamine oral administration as an adjunct to hyaluronic acid injection in treating temporomandibular joint osteoarth…
- In 130 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 1 g of chondroitin sulfate daily for 3 months gave a non-significant overall improvement in function versus placebo, but significant benefits in completers, including less pain at rest and a lasting effect one month after stopping.Chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee: a prospective, double blind, placebo controlled multicenter clinical …
- In a 3-month placebo-controlled trial of 129 people with knee osteoarthritis and psoriasis, 800 mg daily of chondroitin sulphate reduced knee pain and stiffness more than placebo, and improved quality of life.Effectiveness of chondroitin sulphate in patients with concomitant knee osteoarthritis and psoriasis: a randomized, doub…
- In 128 people with knee osteoarthritis, adding glucosamine hydrochloride to a med gave better function and pain scores and lower inflammatory markers than a med alone.Read the study on PubMed (34602400) →
- In 127 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate taken once daily for 3 months reduced joint pain and improved symptoms more than placebo, and performed the same as 400 mg taken three times daily.Efficacy and tolerability of chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg/day vs chondroitin sulfate 3 x 400 mg/day vs placebo.
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 120 adults over 90 days, a liquid supplement combining collagen with glucosamine and chondroitin reduced joint pain by 43% and improved joint mobility by 39%, alongside better skin elasticity.Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin ela…
- In 120 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 800 mg daily chondroitin sulfate given as two 3-month courses per year reduced knee function scores by 36% over 1 year versus 23% with placebo, and slowed joint space narrowing.Intermittent treatment of knee osteoarthritis with oral chondroitin sulfate: a one-year, randomized, double-blind, multi…
- In a post hoc analysis of a 2-year trial of 1200 mg daily chondroitin sulfate versus a med, chondroitin reduced knee cartilage loss only in patients with certain serum biomarker levels, suggesting a possible subgroup response.Levels of serum biomarkers from a two-year multicentre trial are associated with treatment response on knee osteoarthrit…
- In a placebo-controlled 3-year trial of 119 adults with finger joint arthritis taking 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate daily, fewer patients developed new erosive joint damage than on placebo.Chondroitin sulfate: S/DMOAD (structure/disease modifying anti-osteoarthritis drug) in the treatment of finger joint OA.
- In 100 Japanese adults with knee pain, a supplement containing 1,200 mg glucosamine daily for 16 weeks improved knee function in both groups, with only some measures of leg strength and walking speed beating placebo and no overall difference from placebo.Glucosamine-containing supplement improves locomotor functions in subjects with knee pain: a randomized, double-blind, p…
- In 100 people with knee osteoarthritis, a new glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate capsule worked about as well as an established glucosamine and chondroitin product over 12 weeks, with both reducing pain and similar safety.Multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of combined glucosamine sulfate and…
- In 98 people with knee osteoarthritis, 500 mg of glucosamine three times daily for 2 months did not reduce pain more than placebo.Randomized, controlled trial of glucosamine for treating osteoarthritis of the knee.
- In 80 adults with Kashin-Beck disease, a chondroitin and glucosamine mixture taken twice daily for 8 months kept knee joint space stable, while the placebo group's joint space narrowed.Effects of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in adult patients with Kaschin-Beck disease.
- In 80 adults with osteoarthritis, 415 mg chondroitin sulfate plus 500 mg glucosamine twice daily for 84 days gave smaller improvements in pain, stiffness and walking than a curcumagalactomannoside plus glucosamine combination.Curcumagalactomannoside/Glucosamine Combination Improved Joint Health Among Osteoarthritic Subjects as Compared to Chond…
- In 80 adults with knee osteoarthritis and moderate pain, a daily 20 mL liquid mix containing 250 mg chondroitin, 750 mg glucosamine and 50 mg hyaluronan for 8 weeks did not significantly improve pain or quality of life compared with placebo.Liquid combination of hyaluronan, glucosamine, and chondroitin as a dietary supplement for knee osteoarthritis patients …
- In 73 Japanese adults with knee osteoarthritis, 1560 mg daily of chondroitin sulfate for one year relieved pain faster than the low dose in patients with severe symptoms, with good tolerability.Efficacy of Chondroitin Sulfate for Painful Knee Osteoarthritis: A One-Year, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Clini…
- In 70 adults with knee osteoarthritis over six months, a glucosamine and chondroitin combination improved pain and function scores, but it did not differ from a newer multi-ingredient product, which reduced stiffness more and showed a larger drop in knee joint inflammation on scans.[Comparative efficacy of a combination of undenatured type II collagen, Boswellic acids, methylsulfonylmethane, vitamins…
- In 70 adults with knee arthritis followed for 6 months, chondroitin sulfate cut joint lining swelling by about half and relieved pain, while a med did not reduce swelling.Effect of chondroitin sulphate on synovitis of knee osteoarthritic patients.
- In a 6-month placebo-controlled pilot of 69 people with knee osteoarthritis and joint swelling, 800 mg daily of chondroitin sulphate led to less loss of knee cartilage volume than placebo, with the difference seen as early as 6 months and lasting to 12 months.Chondroitin sulphate reduces both cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis patients starting…
- In 67 men with knee osteoarthritis, pain and function improved in all groups after 6 weeks, and adding high-intensity laser to glucosamine/chondroitin and exercise gave a larger synovial thickness reduction than glucosamine/chondroitin with exercise alone, though the chondroitin contribution could not be separated from the laser effect.Efficacy of pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
- In 65 people with knee osteoarthritis, a nutrition formula with glucosamine plus exercise improved WOMAC scores faster than placebo plus exercise, with 63% reaching a clinically important improvement at 3 months versus 31% on placebo.Nutrition supplementation combined with exercise versus exercise alone in treating knee osteoarthritis: a double-blinded…
- In 65 postmenopausal women with knee arthritis, adding the probiotic Probio-M8 to chondroitin sulfate over 4 months lowered WOMAC symptom scores compared with placebo plus chondroitin sulfate and shifted immune signaling markers in an anti-inflammatory direction.Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Probio-M8 enhances chondroitin efficacy for knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal…
- In 60 people with knee osteoarthritis flares, adding collagen to a glucosamine and chondroitin combination reduced pain and improved walking more than the same combination without collagen over 8 weeks.[Combination therapy for exacerbations of pain in osteoarthritis with non-fixed combinations].
- In 60 overweight adults with knee osteoarthritis, 600 mg of non-animal chondroitin sulfate daily for 12 weeks improved knee function and pain scores and lowered C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared with placebo.Effectiveness of Non-Animal Chondroitin Sulfate Supplementation in the Treatment of Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis in a Gr…
- In 59 adults with jaw joint osteoarthritis, 1,200 mg daily of glucosamine sulfate for 6 weeks did not reduce pain or improve jaw opening more than placebo.No effect of glucosamine sulfate on osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joints--a randomized, controlled, short-term…
- In a 12-week placebo-controlled pilot of 54 people, a supplement with glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen improved knee symptoms, quality of life, and stiffness more than placebo.Effects of cartilage-supporting nutritional supplementation on knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life in a 12-…
- In 53 people with knee osteoarthritis, a glucosamine, chondroitin and curcumin supplement with physical therapy improved pain on movement and Lequesne function scores more than placebo, but resting pain did not differ between groups.The efficacy and safety of a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate and bio-curcumin with exercis…
- In 43 college soccer players without joint disorders, 2 g of glucosamine daily for 16 weeks lowered blood and urine markers of cartilage breakdown compared with placebo, with no supplement-related side effects.Evaluation of the effect of the administration of a glucosamine‑containing supplement on biomarkers for cartilage metabo…
- In a 1-year pilot of 42 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 800 mg daily chondroitin sulfate significantly reduced joint pain and improved mobility compared with placebo, and appeared to stabilize joint space width.Effects of oral chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.
- In 39 women with knee osteoarthritis, adding 1500 mg daily of glucosamine sulfate to exercise for 12 weeks gave no extra benefit over exercise alone for pain, function, or knee cartilage on MRI.Assessment of the effect of glucosamine sulfate and exercise on knee cartilage using magnetic resonance imaging in patie…
- In 36 older adults with knee osteoarthritis doing strength training for 12 weeks, glucosamine lowered a blood marker of cartilage turnover (COMP) by 13% compared with placebo, while a med did not.Read the study on PubMed (19679221) →
- In a 16-week crossover trial of 34 men with knee or low back joint disease, 1500 mg daily glucosamine with chondroitin and manganese ascorbate relieved knee osteoarthritis symptoms more than placebo.Glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese ascorbate for degenerative joint disease of the knee or low back: a randomized, …
- In a small trial of 31 adults with jaw joint disc displacement, 1,500 mg daily of glucosamine with chondroitin for 8 weeks improved mouth opening and lowered inflammatory markers IL-1β and IL-6 more than tramadol, though pain relief was similar.Effects of glucosamine-chondroitin combination on synovial fluid IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2 levels in internal derangem…
- In a 4-week pilot of 30 adults with swollen knee osteoarthritis, a daily supplement containing 240 mg chondroitin sulfate improved pain and function scores and lowered inflammatory IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10 in joint fluid, while the non-supplement control group showed no change.Effect of an oral preparation containing hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, hydrolyzed collagen type II and hydrolyze…
- In 26 adults with jaw joint osteoarthritis, three months of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane added to a joint injection gave no extra benefit over the injection alone after 12 months.Does glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane supplementation improve the outcome of temporomandibula…
- In 24 adults with knee osteoarthritis, adding glucosamine and chondroitin for 4 weeks to exercise and manual therapy gave no extra benefit on pain, function, or other outcomes.Effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation in addition to resistance exercise training and manual th…
- In 16 people with degenerated kneecap cartilage, glucosamine sulfate over 6 months reduced pain and improved knee function compared with the control group.Glucosamine sulfate effect on the degenerated patellar cartilage: preliminary findings by pharmacokinetic magnetic reson…
- Glucosamine hydrochloride did not significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain compared with placebo on the main questionnaire over 8 weeks, though some secondary measures favored it and 49 percent of users said they were better.Effect of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of pain of osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Over 90 days in adults with knee osteoarthritis, a glucosamine and chondroitin combination reduced pain scores by about 14% and daily-activity scores by 6%, less than the 33% and 20% gains from undenatured type II collagen, with no placebo group.Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial.
- In a small preliminary trial, a glucosamine and chondroitin skin cream applied with ultrasound plus exercise showed no statistically significant difference between groups for knee cartilage pain and stiffness, though some patients had less pain.Phonophoretic application of a glucosamine and chondroitin nanoemulsion for treatment of knee chondropathies.
- In 96 people with exercise-related knee injuries, adding glucosamine hydrochloride tablets to rehabilitation for 8 weeks improved knee scores, pain, and C-reactive protein more than rehabilitation alone; this article has been retracted, so the result should be treated with caution.Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy Plus Glucosamine Hydrochloride for Exercise-Induced Knee Injuries and the Effect on…
- In 60 people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, a marine compound (LD-1227) improved symptoms faster and more than a glucosamine plus chondroitin mixture (400 mg chondroitin) over 18 weeks, though this trial did not test chondroitin alone against placebo.Testing a novel bioactive marine nutraceutical on osteoarthritis patients.
- In 54 people with osteoarthrosis, 1200 mg daily of glucosamine hydrochloride for 2 months reduced walking pain and stiffness scores and lowered the need for anti-inflammatory painkillers compared with diclofenac, with the benefit lasting about 3 months.[Experience with glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with osteoarthrosis].
- In 53 people with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulphate given by iontophoresis, massage, or both for 12 weeks reduced pain and improved knee movement and function in all groups, while joint space width changes differed between methods; no placebo group was used.Symptoms-modifying effects of electromotive administration of glucosamine sulphate among patients with knee osteoarthrit…
- In 50 people with early knee osteoarthritis, two chondroitin sulphate drugs both improved pain, walking and function scores, with Chondrolon showing gains sooner (around 8 months versus 12 months for Structum).[Functional indices in assessment of gonarthrosis treatment efficacy with structum and chondrolon].
- In 24 adults with erosive hand osteoarthritis, 800 mg daily of chondroitin sulfate plus a med for 24 months slowed the increase in eroded finger joints compared with a med alone, but did not stop the erosions from progressing.Chondroitin sulfate in erosive osteoarthritis of the hands.
- In an open study of 112 people with knee osteoarthritis, three weekly knee injections of hyaluronate with chondroitin sulfate lowered pain scores over 6 months, though there was no control group.Effectiveness of intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate-chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: a multicen…
- In 84 adults with knee osteoarthritis, a 6-week open-label trial found that 415 mg chondroitin sulfate plus glucosamine twice daily produced less improvement in pain, function and walking than a low-dose curcumagalactomannoside product.Influence of a low-dose supplementation of curcumagalactomannoside complex (CurQfen) in knee osteoarthritis: A randomize…
- In an open, uncontrolled 6-month study of 78 adults with knee or hip osteoarthritis, a supplement containing chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine reduced pain and improved walking and daily function scores.Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement Containing Hydrolyzed Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Glucosamine in Pain Reduc…
- In 72 people with one-sided knee osteoarthritis, 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate daily over six months reduced pain and improved function, with a significant change in the cartilage breakdown marker Coll2-1 at three and six months, in an open-label study without a placebo group.Effect of chondroitin sulfate on soluble biomarkers of osteoarthritis: a method to analyze and interpret the results fro…
- In an uncontrolled study of 46 people with knee osteoarthritis, 3 months of a glucosamine-chondroitin-quercetin supplement improved pain, daily activity and knee joint fluid properties, but 22 people with rheumatoid arthritis showed no such benefit.Effects of an oral administration of glucosamine-chondroitin-quercetin glucoside on the synovial fluid properties in pat…
- In 61 people with hip, knee or finger osteoarthritis, chondroitin sulfate over three months significantly reduced pain and let patients cut their daily anti-inflammatory meds use by 72%, with no serious side effects, in an open study without a control group.[Results of a multicenter study of chondroitin sulfate (Condrosulf) use in arthroses of the finger, knee and hip joints]…
- In 2030 people with osteoarthritis taking two glucosamine, copper and ginger capsules daily for 6 months, good adherence was seen in 80 percent and was linked to pain reduction; the study had no control group and the glucosamine dose per capsule was not stated.Predictive factors of adherence to an association of glucosamine sulfate, copper, and ginger extracts in patients with s…
- In a long-term study of people with painful knee osteoarthritis, taking anti-inflammatory meds and not meeting physical activity guidelines were linked to more joint space narrowing over one to two years; the abstract does not report a separate effect of glucosamine.Clinical risk factors associated with radiographic osteoarthritis progression among people with knee pain: a longitudina…
- In elderly patients with knee arthritis, adding chondroitin sulfate to usual care reduced pain, stiffness and functional limits by the second month, and all patients cut back on anti-inflammatory pain tablets.[Clinical use of chondroitin sulfate in patients with osteoarthritis in geriatric practice].
- A six-month cost analysis found glucosamine sulphate cost-effective compared with paracetamol and placebo for knee osteoarthritis, though between-group differences in quality-of-life scores were not consistently significant.Glucosamine sulphate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: cost-effectiveness comparison with paracetamol.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only1,161 reviews · 94% positive
Buyers who wrote in are mostly positive about these glucosamine and chondroitin tablets, and the ratings total about 1,120 across the stores, mainly Costco with a small number on Amazon. Most of the praise is for easing knee and joint pain, usually after several weeks of daily use. Some reviews on the pages are for dog dental treats (Dentastix), and I left them out. The reviews below are about the tablets only. **What buyers say it did for them:** Many describe long-standing knee pain easing. One says it has "helped my knees for decades now," and another reports "I haven't had any pain in 2 years" after also losing weight and becoming more active. A buyer on an aromatase inhibitor after chemotherapy says "at least 30% of my joint pain and stiffness is gone." One with severe arthritis says the pain disappeared and their hand braces were no longer needed. Another says a knee that ached for about 20 years eased within "a week and a half." **What buyers complain about:** The written reviews contain no real complaints. The Costco page's rating breakdown shows 34 one-star and 9 two-star ratings, so some buyers were dissatisfied, but their reasons are not in the text. The Amazon page shows no one- or two-star ratings, but 12% three-star ratings with no explanation. The main caveat reviewers give is that it is not a cure-all. One says "I still have pain at times," and that it "certainly wasn't instant." **Time to work:** Several stress patience. One reviewer saw a difference after a month or so, and another was told they would one day notice the pain was gone after about a month. The Costco summary also mentions advice to allow two to three months before judging. Reviewers are measured, noting that other factors, such as weight loss or activity, may have played a part. **Taste, smell, pill size or form:** The reviews say nothing about taste, smell, or pill size. One reviewer mentions taking "two capsules a day," which is the only hint about how it is taken. Dosage is not discussed beyond that. **Value for money:** One reviewer calls it "a good product, at a good price." Another prefers Kirkland because the bottles are larger. The Costco summary notes that trust in the brand comes up repeatedly, with one buyer saying they like everything they have gotten from Kirkland. **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** It seems to suit adults with knee pain, osteoarthritis, or joint pain and stiffness, including long-term users who take it daily. One buyer preferred it to a glucosamine product with MSM. The reviews do not identify any group it failed, so who it did not suit cannot be said from the text. The Amazon page's two written reviews, one praising customer service and one saying the product matched its description, say nothing about performance. Any judgment on Amazon rests on the star breakdown: 71% five-star, 17% four-star and 12% three-star.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only7 of 10 recommend it
Chondroitin, the main ingredient, gets a mixed response from the panel, and five of the ten spoke about it. Two recommend it, one for kidney stone risk alongside vitamin A and one for recovery and joint comfort; one has taken it for decades and puts it in his own joint formula; one rates it only 'okay' with the least evidence of the joint options and notes that cell studies hint at skin benefits; and one warns that it, like glucosamine, no longer fixes knee problems. No chondroitin doses were given. Glucosamine is a smaller ingredient in this product, and the panel is split on it: several use or recommend it for joints, recovery or gut support, while others call the evidence weak or mixed, and one advises avoiding it during pregnancy.
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Siim Land · Chondroitin · neutral
- Explains that while there are no human studies on chondroitin for skin anti-aging, cell studies suggest it stimulates procollagen expression and promotes wound healing and skin regeneration.
- States that glucosamine does actually improve joint pain, despite some thinking it's a scam supplement.
- Notes that glucosamine, often considered a gimmick for joint health, may also be beneficial for skin anti-aging due to its sulfur content supporting glutathione production and inhibiting MMPs.
- States that Chondroitin has the least evidence for skin and joint health compared to MSM and glucosamine, placing it in the 'okay' tier.
- Notes that Glucosamine Sulfate is known for joint benefits, has anti-inflammatory effects, and even skin anti-aging effects, possibly through its sulfur content aiding glutathione synthesis, rating it as 'good' but not 'god tier'.
- Would include chondroitin in an 'unlimited' supplement stack, primarily for its potential skin benefits rather than joint health.
- Would include glucosamine in an 'unlimited' supplement stack due to research for joint health and its association with lower heart disease and mortality, though it's not a top priority.
- Places chondroitin sulfate in the 'okay tier', noting it is a sulfur compound mostly for joint health, but has the least evidence among joint supplements and for lifespan, despite some potential skin and joint benefits.
- Discusses Chondroitin as a supplement for joint health, often combined with glucosamine, but notes that its effectiveness for longevity is not well-established.
- Recommends glucosamine, stating it has joint benefits, is associated with reduced mortality and heart disease in humans, increases autophagy, and has shown longevity benefits in animal studies.
- Discusses Glucosamine as a popular supplement for joint health, often used for osteoarthritis, but notes that its role in longevity is not as prominent as other compounds.
- Used to take glucosamine in the past but no longer does, as he has already tested most supplements.
- Notes that Chondroitin has the least evidence for skin and joint health compared to glucosamine and MSM, placing it in the 'okay tier'.
- Discusses chondroitin sulfate as a supplement.
Dave Asprey · Chondroitin · warns
- Implies chondroitin is ineffective for joint health, grouping it with glucosamine as 'age-old supplements for knees' that are 'just dead in 2025' and not fixing the problem.
- Notes that people dealing with osteoarthritis typically take high doses of glucosamine, MSM, and similar supplements, spending about $60-70 a month with virtually no benefit.
- Found that taking glucosamine HCL significantly improved his knee pain when he was younger.
- Recommends glucosamine HCL, not glucosamine sulfate, as an affordable old-school supplement for knee and joint pain, suggesting up to a gram.
Thomas DeLauer · Chondroitin · uses
- Has been taking chondroitin religiously since the 90s after meeting a jacked 63-year-old man who recommended it, leading to the creation of his own 'Joint Warfare' supplement which includes it.
- Notes that glucosamine chondroitin used to be popular for joint pain, but the literature on its efficacy was weak.
- Notes that the literature for glucosamine and glucosamine chondroitin for joint pain was pretty weak in terms of efficacy.
- Has been taking glucosamine religiously since the 90s after meeting a jacked 63-year-old man who recommended it, leading to the creation of his own 'Joint Warfare' supplement which includes it.
- Mentions that people might suggest glucosamine for joint or muscle stiffness, but implies there are other factors at play.
- Advises skipping glucosamine and chondroitin, suggesting to go straight for a quality collagen protein instead.
- Advises skipping glucosamine and chondroitin, suggesting to go straight for a quality collagen protein instead.
Dr. Eric Berg · Chondroitin · recommends
- States that chondroitin sulfate is the most potent inhibitor of kidney stones and can reduce the risk of getting them.
- Recommends glucosamine for osteoarthritis, noting it is a precursor for cartilage, increases lubrication and synovial fluid in joints, and helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage.
- Recommends N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) as a precursor to the GAG structure, which can help improve psoriasis by controlling rapidly dividing cells, stimulating GAG production in the colon and skin, and providing an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Recommends taking chondroitin sulfate in addition to vitamin A to reduce the risk of kidney stones, citing research that demonstrates its effectiveness.
- Dr. Berg lists glucosamine as a remedy for dental pathogens.
- Recommends glucosamine to help build up the joints and provide relief for osteoarthritis.
- Recommends his Joint Pain Relief product, which he created for himself, containing traditional ingredients like glucosamine, natural vitamin C, Tendoguard collagen for tendons and cartilage repair, adrenal extracts for anti-inflammatory support, stinging nettle root, turmeric, and boswellia.
Ben Greenfield · Chondroitin · recommends
- Ben Greenfield recommends chondroitin as a natural compound that supports recovery and joint comfort.
- Does not personally take D-glucosamine but plans to research its dosage and sourcing after seeing data suggesting it mimics calorie restriction and extends lifespan.
- Mentions glucosamine sulfate as an ingredient in the NOVOS supplement, which has decent human research for cellular longevity and staving off DNA damage.
- Ben Greenfield recommends glucosamine as a natural compound that supports recovery and joint comfort.
- He says that his company Kion combines ancestral nutrients with modern molecules like glucosamine chondroitin.
- Uses glucosamine chondroitin as part of his herbal anti-inflammatories for soreness.
- Says he personally designed and formulated Kion Flex, a complete shotgun formula for joints, containing elements like cidel, mirastoliates, turmeric, glucosamine chondroitin, and tart cherry to heal the body.
- Says he personally designed and formulated Kion Flex, a complete shotgun formula for joints, containing elements like cidel, mirastoliates, turmeric, glucosamine chondroitin, and tart cherry to heal the body.
- Consumes glucosamine chondroitin along with other nutrients to control inflammation levels.
- Mentions glucosamine sulfate as a substance injected in Prolotherapy to trigger healing.
- Includes chondroitin as an ingredient for joints.
- Includes glucosamine as an ingredient for joints.
- Recommends glucosamine chondroitin as something that can enhance the effects of Celadrin.
- Recommends chondroitin sulfate as something that can bind lectins and can be found in any store.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Glucosamine · neutral
- States they don't use glucosamine chondroitin much and haven't looked into the database in many years, noting mixed evidence and that it wouldn't be their first, second, or third line of defense for consistent injury issues.
- Discusses whether glucosamine chondroitin actually helps joints.
- Considers glucosamine a 'tier two' supplement, noting that while the effect is small, there seems to be some evidence for its efficacy.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses glucosamine and Alzheimer's.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Glucosamine · uses
- Uses N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), describing it as a safe, non-toxic compound derived from shrimp, to support the gut wall.
- Notes that glucosamine is found only in beef and a lack of it has been associated with harm to the body, including connective tissue dysfunction.
Peter Attia · Glucosamine · uses
- Would make a smoothie with whey protein isolate, glutamine, glucosamine, and flaxseed oil for recovery after his run.
Bryan Johnson · Glucosamine · warns
- Advises avoiding Glucosamine Sulfate during pregnancy.
- Bryan Johnson takes Glucosamine Sulfate KCI daily as part of his Longevity Mix, which supports cartilage, joints, & skin.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 2 for Joints and Mobility
Pooled placebo-controlled trials show chondroitin sulfate reduces knee arthritis pain and improves function [1][2], and joint narrowing slowed in long-term trials [4]. With 94% of 1161 reviews positive, this meets the tier 2 rule, although several large trials disagree on pain.
Where the evidence disagrees: 22 of the 97 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Musculoskeletal system
Combine with: Glucosamine and chondroitin work well alongside other joint-supportive nutrients. Consider adding MSM (1,000-3,000 mg daily) for sulfur-based connective tissue support and comfort, and a high-quality omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA) to help modulate inflammation. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II, 40 mg) or hydrolyzed collagen peptides can support cartilage matrix and joint comfort through complementary mechanisms. Curcumin (with piperine or in a bioavailable form) and Boswellia serrata offer additional support for occasional joint discomfort. Vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis, and vitamin D3 with K2 and magnesium supports the bone underlying the joint. Hyaluronic acid (80-200 mg) may add synovial fluid support. Note that glucosamine is often derived from shellfish, so those with shellfish allergies should check the source. It may also affect blood sugar in some people and can interact with a med, so consult a healthcare provider if on meds or meds.
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported; one pooled analysis found chondroitin well tolerated.
Supplement Facts
Total Carbohydrates 2.5 g · Glucosamine HCl 1.5 g · Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium 1.2 g
| Calories | 10 | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.5 g | |
| Sodium | 108 mg | |
| Glucosamine HCl | 1.5 g | † |
| Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium | 1.2 g | † |
Other ingredients: Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium, Croscarmellose Sodium, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Hypromellose, artificial Vanilla flavor, Polyethylene Glycol, Carnauba Wax.
Directions: SUGGESTED USE: Take two tablets daily with a full glass of water.
Label source: NIH label database · Report a label change
Sizes and barcodes: 220 Tablet(s), UPC 0 96619 51023 8 (off market)
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Graded November 10, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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