NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Brand: NOW · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains calcium, a mineral essential for bone health. However, the data does not provide specific information on the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Our assessment is that while calcium is well-studied, the overall efficacy of this specific supplement for its intended use is not supported by the data provided for this product.
How it works
Calcium is a master regulator for your body. It supports bone mineralization and density, and it is critical for neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. Think of it as the key building block that keeps your skeleton strong and your muscles able to relax properly after contracting.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports for all supplements in the database. For calcium specifically, high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer [NIH ODS]. Side effects of very high blood calcium include poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent need to urinate, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
You should be cautious with this supplement. Since data on the glucosamine and chondroitin combination is not available here, focus on the calcium component. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake without medical supervision. If you take any of the listed medications, separate your calcium dose by at least two hours. Start by getting your calcium from food sources first, and consult your doctor before adding any supplement [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide