Glucosamine and chondroitin: Consumer Reports tests 19 products

Glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown in clinical trials to be effective for people with osteoarthritis. Sold separately or in combination, these overthe-counter dietary supplements can be found at pharmacies and health food stores. Now Consumer Reports (CR) has taken on the question of which brands actually contain what they claim on the label. The question is important because, unlike prescription drugs, these products are unregulated.

To meet CR standards, the products tested must have at least 90% of the amount of glucosamine or chondroitin claimed on the label. The least expensive combination products that met this standard are: Puritan's Pride Maximum Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin, Spring Valley Glucosamine Chondroitin Double Strength (Wal-Mart), Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, GNC Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Schiff Move...