Glucosamine & Chondroitin FAQs

What is glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a monosaccharide derived from glucose and glutamine (an amino acid). It is used to produce substances in the body that attract and bind water into tissues, making them more resilient. It is especially important to maintain properly functioning joint structures.

How is glucosamine manufactured?

Animal-derived glucosamine is produced by removing the proteins and minerals from the shells of shrimp and crab. Vegetable-derived glucosamine is produced through the fermentation of corn and other grains.

NOW has developed the Official AOAC Method for testing glucosamine and has used this method for the past five years.

What is the source of NOW's Chondroitin?

NOW's Chondroitin is derived from bovine tissue from cattle. As with all of our raw materials, we screen Chondroitin very carefully for the presence of any undesirable microbes. NOW’s state-of-the-art analytical lab has developed a method of testing chondroitin, which is currently being verified by independent labs around the world and is expected to become an Official Method used to test all products containing chondroitin sulfate.