This review is for you if you suffer from joint pain. The product under the microscope is Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by Doctor’s Best. As the name suggests, it is a synthesis of three products that reduce the stiffness, pain and inflammation that often come with joint health issues. These three ingredients are in the form of 1500mg glucosamine sulfate, 1200mg chondroitin sulfate and 1000mg MSM. We will return to what it is each of these ingredients does later.
A joint is typically where bones and cartilage meet, such as the knees, shoulders, ankles and wrists. Mobility and the ability to use these joints without pain or limitation can typically occur in old age due to cartilage breakdown, bone brittleness or a lack of lubrication provided by substances such as Omega 3. However, an injury such as a heavy fall or accident can cause this, as can overuse of a joint. Typically, athletes and dancers may overuse their hip or knee joints, for example. Similarly, you can put too much pressure on your lower back joints by sitting for long periods. Diseases such as arthritis may also cause joint pain.
Doctor’s Best says its product supports joint structure, function and comfort. The three main ingredients, says the manufacturer, help the body make proteoglycans. These are compounds present in connective tissue and help improve join structure and therefore, joint functioning.
Ingredients
Each serving of 4 capsules contains:
- Glucosamine sulfate – 1500 mg
- Chondroitin sulfate – 1200 mg
- MSM – 1000 mg
- Chloride -180 mg
- Sodium – 85 mg
- Potassium – 180 mg
Glucosamine sulfate is a fluid surrounding the joints. It helps to keep joints lubricated and absorbs impact. It occurs naturally but is often extracted from shellfish in dietary supplements.
Chondroitin sulfate is a key structural element of connective tissue, cartilage, bone, skin, ligaments and tendons. When found in dietary supplements, it is often derived from bovine cartilage.
MSM is a source of bioavailable organic sulfur. It is often touted as a ‘miracle’ supplement as it lowers inflammation, improves immunity, energy and resistance to disease, and helps repair bodily tissue. It is often found in green leafy vegetables and as a source of biologically-positive sulfur, it is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body. As a result, the importance of MSM cannot be overstated. Commercially available MSM is synthetic and this product uses a trademarked form called OptiMSM.
Chloride, Sodium and Potassium facilitate the movement of fluids into the body and by facilitating the exit from the body, they also help flush out toxins. The high amounts of MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin in this formula should be effective to alleviate joint pain.
Dosage
Take 4 capsules with food, if you are over 18. If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid this product as it contains shrimp, lobster and crab. If you’re taking medication for diabetes, warfarin or glaucoma, consult your doctor first. You should do the same if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Price
You can buy 120, 240 or two packs of 240 capsules for $13. 34, $21.02 and $59.95. The savings is marginal, however the product is reasonably priced to begin with.
Guarantee
There does not seem to be a returns policy for consumers. The product is sold by retail giants such as Amazon. These resellers can contact the manufacturer to enquire about mass returns, it appears. However, this still leaves you as a consumer without direct recourse should you want a money-back guarantee.
Doctor’s Best Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Review – Conclusion
The three key ingredients as combined with the other supportive ingredients are specifically chosen and quality assured. It is clear that much research has gone into putting together this formula, and in what micro amounts. There is slightly less chondroitin and MSM in this formula than in others, but other allied ingredients have been added. This should compensate for the lower MSM dosage in particular. By contrast, many other formulations lack potassium, chloride and sodium.
We feel that the product should alleviate moderate joint pain and contribute to managing healthy joints. When you make a purchase that you will need to abide by chronically, it is important to know when you can start expecting relief, but this has not been stated. This is critical in this context, as there is no guarantee. It is therefore not a risk-free purchase. If this bothers you, it is best to switch to a high potency product, such as one with the three key ingredients present here, as well as turmeric and boswellia. These are additional powerful anti-inflammatories and analgesics, as is ginger.