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Each 3-tablet serving of Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM provides you with 1500 mg Glucosamine Hydrochloride, and 1,500 mg Methyl Sulfonylmethane (MSM). These are two of the most popular and effective nutrients for supporting joint health, enhancing joint mobility, and reducing the risk of developing degenerative joint problems, such as Osteoarthritis.
But does it really work? What do you miss out on buying a supplement without Chondroitin?
In this review we’ll compare the Schiff product to two other top rated Glucosamine supplements; Kirkland Signature Glucosamine HCI, and Move Free Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM. This includes the best time of day to take it, recommended dosage, price, ingredients, and customer feedback.
We’ve also added recommendations for the best supplements to combine with Schiff Glucosamine to maximize your results. Two examples are Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly used to inhibit the inflammation process associated with Osteoarthritis, reducing the pain felt in your knees, hips, and hands.
Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM Ingredients
Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM is usually available for the same price as the standard Schiff Glucosamine, but price per serving is more expensive. That’s because for the MSM version you take 3 tablets per day, instead of 2 per day with the pure glucosamine HCL.
Both supplements also contain 3.3 mg of hyaluronic acid (HA) per serving, but is this enough to be effective?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, with the highest concentrations found in the eyes and joints. It has already been approved by the FDA during certain eye surgeries, and works as a lubricant in the joints to improve mobility.
The FDA has also cleared HA for use under the name Gel-One®, for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. This is for patients who have failed to respond adequately to non-pharmacologic therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen.
Does hyaluronic acid boost joint health?
Numerous clinical studies also attest to the benefit of HA for treatment of osteoarthritis. One study, where patients were given 200 mg of HA each day for 12 months, found that symptoms of knee osteoarthritis were improved in patients aged 70 years or younger. This was when combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises.
Unfortunately Glucosamine Plus MSM doesn’t include any chondroitin sulfate, which is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage, particularly in the fluid around the joints. Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) has also been used, which doesn’t have as much scientific backing as glucosamine sulfate.
Because of the way the glucosamine has been derived from shellfish, it’s also not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. If you’re looking for a vegetarian glucosamine supplement, one of the current bestsellers is DEVA Vegan, which contains no gelatin or shellfish, is gluten free and soy free, and certified by the Vegan Society.
Allergen warning: Contains soy and shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, and crayfish)
Schiff Glucosamine – Product Summary
- Highest potency glucosamine for joint health
- Glucosamine maintains healthy function of joint cartilage
- MSM comforts and soothes sore joints
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) protects and cushions joints
- Easy-to-swallow tablets
Health benefits of Schiff Glucosamine
For a comprehensive list of glucosamine health benefits, we recommend our Glucosamine Buying Guide.
When is the best time to take it?
Recommended use
For best results, take three tablets daily with a meal, or one tablet three times daily with meals.
Schiff Glucosamine vs. Kirkland Signature
Schiff Glucosamine vs. Move Free
What sizes are available?
Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM has a serving size of 3 tablets, where each bottle provides you with 50 servings. By following the recommended daily dose, this should last you 50 days.
At the time of writing this review, each serving was priced at $0.27, which was around 50% more expensive than the Schiff 2000 mg Glucosamine. Part of the reason behind the increased price is the addition of MSM.
Who are Schiff?
Schiff has over 70 years experience in developing quality nutritional supplements, with research and high standards at the core of their philosophy. Product purity and potency is ensured by following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
As a company, Schiff currently manages 5 main brands; Schiff Vitamins, MegaRed, MoveFree, Digestive Advantage, and Airborne. In October 2012, Bayer HealthCare LLC signed a merger to acquire Schiff and all its brands in a deal that valued Schiff at approx. $1.2 billion.
Since 1936, Schiff has developed an extensive range of health and wellness supplements. These are designed to help with joint health, sleep support, and immune support, as well as digestive health and heart health.
Some of their current bestsellers include Schiff Glucosamine MSM, MoveFree Joint Health, and Digestive Advantage Probiotic Gummies. Each of these products currently has hundreds of highly rated reviews on Amazon.
Review Overview
Overall Review Rating
4 / 5
Schiff probably have more glucosamine products than any other nutritional supplement company. The doses range from 1,500 mg per serving up to 2,000 mg per serving, but always use coated tablets as the delivery system.
The variation really is excellent, with supplements that combine glucosamine with vitamin D3, MSM, hyaluronic acid (HA), and even calcium frutoborate (Move Free).
However, Schiff also seem to shy away from chondroitin sulfate, and that’s something we find difficult to understand. This is clearly visible in Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM, where you have every major ingredient you would expect from a joint health supplement, except chondroitin.
Even their Triple Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin supplement has just 200 mg per serving, which is still 1,000 mg less than Zenwise Labs, Dr. Tobias, and Doctor’s Best glucosamine.
In summary, Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM is a slightly more expensive version of Kirkland Signature Glucosamine (with the addition of HA). The fact that glucosamine hydrochloride has been used is a little disappointing (less clinical evidence to prove its benefits compared to sulfate), as is the lack of chondroitin. Scientific studies have shown the two ingredients are much more effective when taken together.
If you’re looking for a good value glucosamine supplement that also includes chondroitin, we can recommend the Hips Knees & Joints product from Dr. Tobias, or Joint Support from Zenwise Labs.
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