What Is Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM?
Today we review Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM. Gout is one of the most common, and painful, conditions. It is a type of arthritis that results when high levels of uric acid in the blood form crystals to form around a joint. It usually starts in the big toe but can spread to other joints such as the knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
Three ingredients commonly found to provide natural support for joint structure and function are glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). As the name of this product indicates, Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM contains all three. This indicates that the product may be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with degenerative arthritic joint conditions, but whether it is effective in dealing with gout in uncertain.
Ingredients
- Glucosamine Sulfate (from 1,500mg Glucosamine Potassium Sulfate Complex) 1,100mg
- Chondroitin Sodium Sulfate (from bovine cartilage) 1,200mg
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) 300mg
Other ingredients: Gelatin (capsule) and Magnesium Stearate
Also contains shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster, and crayfish)
Although it does not contain wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, eggs, fish or tree nuts, it is manufactured in a facility that processes other ingredients that may contain these allergens.
Glucosamine is essential for the formation of cartilage, which is an essential building block for joints and supports their mobility and flexibility. Glucosamine sulfate occurs naturally in the fluid around the joints of the human body. For supplements like this one, it is harvested from the shells of certain shellfish – in this case, crab, shrimp, lobster, and crayfish. This supplement, therefore, is not suitable for anyone with a shellfish allergy or intolerance.
Chondroitin can also promote normal joint mobility. As Chondroitin sulfate, it is found in the body’s connective tissues such as joint cartilage, but it is also found in bone, skin, ligaments, and tendons. When manufacturing supplement, Chondroitin sulfate is usually extracted from bovine cartilage, and therefore this supplement is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Finally, MSM is a bioavailable sulfur that is found naturally in the body. Sulfur works in conjunction with Glucosamine to provide the building blocks of collagen, with is essential for the maintenance of healthy joints and cartilage.
Now Foods’ Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM is said to contain an effective dosage of MSM.
Dosage
Take 3 capsules daily.
What Is The Cost?
As the price of Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM varies widely, you should shop around for the best deal you can find.
For example, a container of 90 capsules (30 servings) is sold for $23.99 on the manufacture’s site; but the same container costs $12.52 on Amazon.
You could also purchase 180 capsules (60 servings) for $43.99 on the manufacturer’s site, compared to only $21.65 on Amazon.
Manufacturer’s Guarantee
The manufacturer does not offer a specific guarantee for its Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM capsules. However, Now Foods does have a standard return policy. You can return any new, unopened items that were purchased through a third party supplier within 60 days of your purchase, and receive a full refund – less any shipping fees.
Our Final Review Of Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM
This product. which is manufactured in a GMP certified facility, contains three of the most widely used ingredients found in joint health supplements, but there is little to indicate that it would be an effective treatment for gout.
In addition, we are concerned that the pricing varies so widely among different retail sources. The manufacturers’ returns policy also appears to be quite stringent: 60 days is not really enough time to ascertain whether the product is effective.