Joint supplements by type
| Type | Products here | Daily dose | Pack lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine sulphate | OstroVit 1400 mg capsules | 1 capsule, 1400 mg | 90 days |
| Glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C | OstroVit powder, 150 g | 3 servings (7.5 g): 1170 mg glucosamine sulphate, 2000 mg MSM, 500 mg chondroitin sulphate, 140 mg hyaluronic acid, 1000 mg vitamin C | 20 days |
| MSM | OstroVit tablets, Swanson capsules | 2000 mg (2 tablets) or 500 mg (1 capsule) | 45 or 100 days |
| Boswellia serrata resin | Swanson 400 mg, Swanson 800 mg, Swanson with turmeric | 800 mg, or 300 mg with 300 mg turmeric | 50 or 60 days |
| Type II collagen | NOW Foods UC-II 40 mg, BioCell from NOW Foods and Swanson | 40 mg (1 capsule), or 1140 to 1200 mg hydrolysed collagen (4 capsules) | 60 or 30 days |
| Hyaluronic acid | OstroVit 70 mg tablets | 1 or 2 tablets, 70 to 140 mg | 45 to 90 days |
The milligrams are not comparable across types. UC-II works in tiny amounts by design, while MSM is dosed in grams. Compare within a type and use the price per day on each card.
What each ingredient is
Glucosamine and chondroitin are components of cartilage; here glucosamine is a sulphate salt made from crustaceans. MSM is an organic sulphur compound. Boswellia is the resin of Boswellia serrata. Type II collagen is the collagen of cartilage: UC-II is a small daily amount, while BioCell is hydrolysed collagen from chicken sternal cartilage that also contains chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is sold here as sodium hyaluronate.
Because combination products overlap, add up what you take. A BioCell dose already contains chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, and the OstroVit powder contains glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.
What the EU allows us to say
There are no EU-authorised health claims for glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, boswellia, collagen or hyaluronic acid. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 only authorised wording may be used, so this category promises nothing about joints, pain or mobility. If a seller does, it is not an approved EU claim.
The register does contain one statement about cartilage, and it concerns a vitamin. Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 permits it for products that supply at least 15% of the NRV of vitamin C (80 mg) per daily dose. Of the products here only the OstroVit powder qualifies, with 1000 mg (1250% NRV):
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
Check before you take it
OstroVit products are not for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone allergic to an ingredient, and the glucosamine is made from crustaceans. The NOW Foods and Swanson labels for collagen, boswellia and MSM carry their own warnings, such as talking to a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or taking medicines, so read each one. The Swanson Boswellia and Turmeric label also says not to use it with liver or gallbladder problems or medicines without asking a doctor. Joint problems that last are a matter for a doctor, and supplements do not replace treatment.
Questions
Which type should I choose?
None has an authorised health claim, so there is no EU-approved reason to prefer one. Choose by what suits your diet (shellfish allergy, chicken cartilage), the daily dose and the price per day.
Can I take several together?
Combination products already contain several ingredients. If you add a separate one, add up the amounts and follow every label.
Is glucosamine suitable if I am allergic to shellfish?
The OstroVit glucosamine is made from crustaceans and its label warns about allergies. Check the ingredient list and ask a doctor.
Is anything here vegan?
No product in this category is described as vegan. Collagen comes from chicken cartilage, glucosamine from crustaceans, and some capsules are gelatin.
What about collagen for skin or hair?
See collagen and type II collagen. The same rule applies: no authorised health claims. Turmeric products are in turmeric and curcumin.
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 (nutrition and health claims)
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (permitted health claims)
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex XIII (reference intakes)
- EFSA: Health claims
Content reviewed by Inese Kalniņa, dietitian.
2026-10-06