TargetedMuscle, boneAnimal-derived

Glucosamine

Weak-to-moderate joint evidence, but regular users in UK Biobank had 15% lower mortality — likely via inflammation.

3/5· Multiple human trialsEstimated monthly cost: ≈ 8 €

Dose

1,500 mg glucosamine sulphate daily.

Timing

With food.

⚠ Cautions

Shellfish allergy (sourced from shells); may potentiate warfarin.

What it is

An amino sugar from cartilage; glucosamine sulphate is the studied form.

What the evidence shows

Li 2020 (UK Biobank, n=466,039, 9 years): –15% all-cause and –18% cardiovascular mortality in users, adjusted. Knee OA RCTs: small pain reduction, sulphate form better.

Goals

Muscle, strengthHealthy years

Sources

Li ZH et al. Associations of regular glucosamine use with all-cause and cause-specific mortality – UK Biobank. Ann Rheum Dis (2020) ↗

Last reviewed: 6 September 2026

This site is educational and does not replace medical advice. Start any supplement or drug only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.