Have you decided to add glucosamine to your day, only to find that every pouch prints a different number, a different form and a different source? Ours adds one ingredient that brings authorised health statements with it, 80mg of vitamin C, beside the 1000mg of glucosamine and 100mg of chondroitin printed on the front 3. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones, and to the normal function of the immune system 1. Below, we decode the rest of the pouch, from sulphate 2KCl to a glucosamine made from a plant source rather than shellfish.

Choosing a supplement can feel overwhelming when every label seems to speak its own language. This guide shows you how to read our label, what each number means and which of our two pouches fits your routine.

Glucosamine and chondroitin at a glance

  • Who it suits: adults who want glucosamine and chondroitin with vitamin C, MSM and four plant ingredients in one two-capsule serving.
  • Per serving (2 capsules): 1,000mg of glucosamine sulphate 2KCl and 100mg of chondroitin sulphate, with 80mg of vitamin C (100% of the NRV) and 80mg of MSM 3.
  • What it is made from: plant-source glucosamine, bovine chondroitin and a hypromellose capsule shell 3.
  • Price: 180 capsules for £14.99, about 17p a serving, or 90 capsules for £8.99, about 20p.
  • What the vitamin C brings: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue 1.

01 / FIND YOUR PACK

Which glucosamine and chondroitin is right for you?

Upright Alpha01 Glucosamine and Chondroitin 180-capsule pouch with purple artwork, two pale capsules and a clear glass of water on travertine

GLUCOSAMINE + CHONDROITIN + VITAMIN C

Glucosamine & Chondroitin 1000mg

1,000mg glucosamine sulphate 2KCl per two capsules.
100mg chondroitin and 80mg vitamin C.

AVAILABLE SIZES

90 capsules · 45 servings180 capsules · 90 servings
Explore 180 capsules

Both pouches hold the same capsule and the same panel, so the choice comes down to how long one pouch lasts and whether you want more of one ingredient beside it.

Glucosamine and chondroitin 180 capsules: three months in one pouch

Already sure two capsules a day will suit you? Our Glucosamine & Chondroitin 1000mg, 180 Capsules holds 90 servings for £14.99, about 17p a day, the lower price per serving of the two 3. Each serving gives 1,000mg of glucosamine sulphate 2KCl and 100mg of chondroitin sulphate, with 80mg of vitamin C, 100% of the NRV, the nutrient reference value labels use as their daily yardstick.

Both sizes also sit in our protein and performance range, next to creatine and collagen powders.

Glucosamine and chondroitin 90 capsules: 45 servings to start

Trying glucosamine for the first time? The 90-capsule pouch is the same capsule with the same panel: 45 servings for £8.99, about 20p a day 3. Once the routine sticks, the 180 brings the price per serving down.

Glucosamine with MSM, boswellia, rosehip and turmeric: adding one on its own

Want more of one ingredient than the blend carries? Each also comes as its own product, so you can keep your two glucosamine capsules and add it beside them 3. Our MSM 3000mg capsules give 3,000mg of MSM with 80mg of vitamin C in four capsules, and our Raw Boswellia Serrata 3000mg gives 195mg of boswellic acid in one capsule, or 325mg in the organic 7,500mg capsule.

For rosehip, turmeric and ginger, our Organic Rosehip 10,000mg gives 10,000mg of rosehip fruit from a 20:1 extract in two capsules, and our Organic Turmeric & Ginger 1440mg gives 1,350mg of organic turmeric with 80mg of organic ginger 3. The table further down puts these five beside the blend.

Ginger also comes on its own, as our Organic Ginger Root 1400mg capsules, 1,400mg of organic ginger root in two, or as Organic Ginger Extract 3,750mg and 7,500mg capsules from a 15:1 extract. For more ginger beside turmeric, our Turmeric Extract 4000mg tablets give 3,000mg of turmeric root from a 60:1 extract with 1,000mg of ginger root in two tablets 3.

Taking glucosamine with collagen or vitamin C

Already taking a collagen capsule? A daily serving of our Multi Collagen Complex 2400mg or Marine Collagen 2400mg capsules gives 80mg of vitamin C, so with our glucosamine your supplements give 160mg a day 3.

Want more vitamin C beside the glucosamine? Two capsules of our Acerola Vitamin C give 260mg, which brings your day’s supplements to 340mg 3.

02 / THE VITAMIN IN THE BLEND

Glucosamine and chondroitin with vitamin C: what the NHS says

Why does the vitamin C in a glucosamine capsule matter every day? The NHS gives the reason in one line 2.

NHS

“Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.”

Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, nhs.uk 2

Two capsules give you 80mg, 100% of the NRV. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, teeth and skin 1.

Vitamin C also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue 1. Every one of these statements is quoted in full further down, fourteen in all.

03 / READ THE LABEL

Glucosamine sulphate 2KCl: what 1000mg on the label means

One serving, on the panel

Per 2 capsules
Glucosamine sulphate 2KCl
1,000 mg
Chondroitin sulphate
100 mg
Vitamin C
80 mg
Vitamin C NRV
100 %
MSM
80 mg

The front of the pouch prints 1000mg of glucosamine and 100mg of chondroitin, and the panel shows exactly what those figures are: 1,000mg of glucosamine sulphate 2KCl and 100mg of chondroitin sulphate in a serving of two capsules 3. 2KCl names the form: glucosamine sulphate stabilised with potassium chloride 5.

So the 1000mg on the front is glucosamine sulphate 2KCl across two capsules, not in one. The four checks further down turn this into a quick way to hold any other pouch up against ours.

Glucosamine with MSM and plant extracts: what 20:1 and 5:1 mean

The ratio tells you how much plant went into the extract. Ginger root at 720mg from 20:1 extract means 36mg of extract made from 720mg of ginger root, and boswellia at 200mg from a 5:1 extract means 40mg of extract 3. The rosehip line reads the same way, while turmeric powder (50mg) and MSM (80mg) are listed as they are.

MSM is short for methylsulfonylmethane, the full name in the ingredients list, and the turmeric is organic 3. The ingredients also name rice extract, and the list runs in order of weight, with glucosamine sulphate first.

FROM THE SERVING TO ONE CAPSULE Label maths
1000 mgGlucosamine sulphate 2KCl
÷
2Capsules per serving
=
500 mgIn each capsule
VITAMIN C PER SERVING
VITAMIN C80 mg
100%of the nutrient
reference value
1,000mg glucosamine sulphate 2KCl ÷ 2 capsules = 500mg in each capsule · 100mg chondroitin sulphate ÷ 2 = 50mg in each · ginger root 720mg ÷ 20 = 36mg of a 20:1 extract · boswellia 200mg ÷ 5 = 40mg of a 5:1 extract · £14.99 ÷ 90 servings = about 17p a day.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin 1000mg, nutrition panel 3

04 / KNOW THE SOURCE

Where does glucosamine come from? Shellfish, plant sources and bovine chondroitin

Glucosamine is commonly made from chitin, taken from the shells of shrimp and crabs, and it can also be made by fermentation with microorganisms 4. Ours is not from shellfish, and the label says so in its own words: “The glucosamine used in this formula is derived from a plant source rather than shellfish.” 3 The pouch front carries a fish-free formula mark as well.

Chondroitin sulphate from bovine sources, in a hypromellose capsule

Our chondroitin is bovine, as the ingredients list states, and it is the one animal ingredient in each capsule: the glucosamine comes from a plant source and the capsule shell is hypromellose 3.

Plant source

The glucosamine

Bovine source

The chondroitin

Hypromellose

The capsule shell

Vitamin C

80mg per serving

05 / COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS

How to compare glucosamine supplements

Four checks make any two pouches comparable, whichever brand they come from.

  • The form: glucosamine sulphate, stabilised with potassium chloride (2KCl) or sodium chloride, or glucosamine HCl, named on the panel 45.
  • The serving: how many capsules carry the figure on the front. Ours is two.
  • The source: shellfish, or a plant source as on our label.
  • The vitamin C: 12mg, 15% of the NRV, is the least a serving needs to carry the vitamin C statements, and ours gives 80mg 13.

The table sets our two pouches beside the single ingredients from the blend, with prices correct at the time of writing.

Pack, serving, declared ingredients and price snapshot
ProductServing · what the label declaresChoose your routine

Glucosamine & Chondroitin 1000mg, 180 Capsules

2 capsules · 1,000mg glucosamine sulphate 2KCl (plant source) · 100mg chondroitin sulphate (bovine) · 80mg vitamin C (100% NRV) · 80mg MSM · ginger, boswellia, rosehip and turmeric

Choose if two capsules a day is already your routine · 90 servings · £14.99: about 17p a serving

Glucosamine & Chondroitin 1000mg, 90 Capsules

Same capsule, same panel per 2 capsules

Choose if you want to try the blend first · 45 servings · £8.99: about 20p a serving

MSM 3000mg, 120 Capsules

4 capsules · 3,000mg MSM · 80mg vitamin C · 5mg BioPerine black pepper extract

Choose if you want MSM on its own · 30 servings · £8.99: about 30p a serving

Raw Boswellia Serrata 3000mg, 90 Capsules

1 capsule · 3000mg from a 10:1 extract · 195mg boswellic acid

Choose if you want boswellia on its own · 90 servings · £7.99: about 9p a serving

Organic Boswellia Serrata 7500mg, 90 Capsules

1 capsule · 7,500mg from a 15:1 extract · 325mg boswellic acid

Choose if you want organic boswellia on its own · 90 servings · £8.99: about 10p a serving

Organic Rosehip 10,000mg, 120 Capsules

2 capsules · 10,000mg organic rosehip fruit from a 20:1 extract

Choose if you want rosehip on its own · 60 servings · £8.99: about 15p a serving

Organic Turmeric & Ginger 1440mg, 90 Capsules

2 capsules · 1,350mg organic turmeric (67.5mg curcuminoids) · 80mg organic ginger · 10mg organic black pepper

Choose if you want turmeric and ginger on their own · 45 servings · £6.99: about 16p a serving

06 / UNDERSTAND THE CLAIMS

Glucosamine and chondroitin benefits: the vitamin C claims UK rules authorise

Every health claim on the Great Britain register passed a scientific review: independent scientists examined the research and the evidence behind it before it was authorised 1. The law itself says that health claims shall be “based on and substantiated by generally accepted scientific evidence” 6.

Every benefit on this page comes from the vitamin C in each serving, authorised on the Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register 1. A claim for vitamin C needs at least 15% of the NRV in a daily serving, and two capsules give 100%, so every statement below applies in full 13.

Here are all fourteen, word for word 1:

The 90-capsule pouch carries every one of them too, at the same 80mg a serving.

07 / KEEP IT SIMPLE

How to take glucosamine and chondroitin capsules

  1. Two capsules with water

    The label says two capsules daily with water and names no time of day, so pair them with a meal you never skip and they become part of your daily wellbeing routine 3. The 180-capsule pouch then covers 90 days, and the 90-capsule pouch 45.

  2. Keep the pouch cool and dry

    Store the pouch in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and out of reach of young children 3.

Your daily glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin C in one

Two capsules bring plant-sourced glucosamine, bovine chondroitin and four plant ingredients together with a full NRV of vitamin C, and vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage. At about 17p a day, the 180-capsule pouch makes it a simple two-capsule habit.

Shop glucosamine & chondroitin

08 / A LITTLE MORE CLARITY

Glucosamine and chondroitin FAQs

Is glucosamine and chondroitin suitable for vegetarians?

Each capsule holds one animal ingredient: the chondroitin is bovine, while the glucosamine comes from a plant source and the capsule shell is hypromellose 3. For a plant-based choice, our MSM, boswellia and rosehip capsules are vegan, hypromellose shells included.

Is this glucosamine made from shellfish?

No. Glucosamine is often made from shrimp and crab shells, but ours comes from a plant source rather than shellfish, as the ingredients list states 34. The pouch front carries a fish-free formula mark too.

Can I take glucosamine and chondroitin every day?

Yes. The label is written for daily use, two capsules a day with water, so the 180-capsule pouch covers 90 days of that routine 3. It is not intended for children, and the label asks you to consult a doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take any medication 3.

What time of day should I take glucosamine?

The label names no time, so choose the meal you’re least likely to miss. Breakfast, lunch or dinner all work, as long as the two capsules go down with water 3.

What is the difference between glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine HCl?

They are two forms of glucosamine, the sulphate and the hydrochloride 4. Ours is glucosamine sulphate 2KCl, the sulphate form stabilised with potassium chloride, and the panel’s 1,000mg refers to that form 35.

How much vitamin C is in glucosamine and chondroitin capsules?

80mg in every two-capsule serving, 100% of the NRV 3. It is the ingredient that brings the authorised statements: vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function and to normal energy-yielding metabolism, among the fourteen quoted above 1. The NHS says that taking less than 1,000mg of vitamin C supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm 2.

If you’re looking for a dedicated vitamin C supplement, our Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg gives 1,000mg in each two-capsule serving 3.

What can a glucosamine supplement say about joints?

UK rules allow no joint statement for glucosamine or chondroitin: both were assessed, neither is authorised on the GB register, and so this guide makes none 1. The statement this capsule can carry comes from its vitamin C: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage 1.

YOUR ROUTINE, YOUR CHOICE

So, 90 or 180 capsules?

Choose the 180-capsule pouch if two capsules a day is already your routine: 90 servings at about 17p each. Choose the 90-capsule pouch if you’d like 45 servings to try it first. Either way, every serving gives 1,000mg of plant-sourced glucosamine sulphate, 100mg of bovine chondroitin and 80mg of vitamin C, with the fourteen vitamin C statements that come with it.

Two pale hard capsules in an ivory dish with a glass of water, ginger and turmeric on warm stone against a green backdrop
A closer look at the two-capsule routine.Illustrative image

GO TO THE SOURCE

Sources & references

Checked against the product labels and the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register, September 2026.

  1. Department of Health and Social Care. Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register, GOV.UK (vitamin C entries and their conditions of use; glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM entries non-authorised). Accessed 2026-09-25. View source
  2. Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C – NHS. Accessed 2026-09-25. View source
  3. Alpha01. Glucosamine & Chondroitin 1000mg, 180 and 90 capsules: nutritional information panels, ingredients, suggested use, storage, pouch front and prices; MSM 3000mg, Raw Boswellia Serrata 3000mg, Organic Boswellia Serrata 7500mg, Organic Rosehip 10,000mg, Organic Turmeric & Ginger 1440mg, Organic Ginger Root 1400mg, Organic Ginger Extract 3,750mg and 7,500mg, Turmeric Extract 4000mg, Multi Collagen Complex 2400mg, Marine Collagen 2400mg, Acerola Vitamin C and Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg: nutritional information panels. Accessed 2026-09-25. View source
  4. Protity AT, Zhou S. (2025). Recent advancement of glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine production using microorganisms: A review. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 52:kuaf014 (cited only for how glucosamine is produced and the names of its forms; its health statements are not used). PMC. View source
  5. Chang C, Ibi A, Zhang Y, Du M, Roh YS, O’Brien R. (2025). Does Salt Form Matter? A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Crystalline and Regular Glucosamine Sulfate in Healthy Volunteers. Nutrients, 17(15):2491 (cited only for how glucosamine sulfate is stabilised with potassium or sodium chloride). PMC. View source
  6. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, Article 6: scientific substantiation for claims, as it applies in Great Britain. legislation.gov.uk. Accessed 2026-09-25. View source

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