| Ingredient | Studied for | Evidence in short | Usual form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boswellia serrata | Joint comfort, stiffness and function in short trials | Small short trials and a meta-analysis of 7 studies show improvement vs placebo; larger studies needed | Capsule, tablet |
| Chondroitin sulfate | Joint comfort | Cochrane review: small short-term benefit, uncertain in larger and independent trials | Tablet, capsule, powder stick |
| Eggshell membrane | Knee joint comfort and stiffness | Small industry-funded trials, mixed results; some subscores improved, main scores often did not | Capsule |
| Glucosamine | Joint comfort and mobility | Large trials and meta-analyses show weak or mixed results overall | Tablet, capsule, powder stick |
| MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) | Knee joint comfort and physical function | Small trials mixed; one negative at 3 g a day, others positive at other doses | Tablet, powder |
| Proteoglycan (salmon nasal cartilage) | Everyday knee comfort; skin elasticity and hydration | Two small trials (Japan, China); knee pain scores did not differ from placebo overall | Capsule, tablet, powder, drink |
| Undenatured type II collagen | Knee joint flexibility and comfort during activity | Several small trials positive for knee comfort; most industry-funded | Capsule, tablet |
Japan-made supplement OEM
Joint and mobility supplements made in Japan
Joint supplements are one of the longest-established categories in Japan, from glucosamine and chondroitin to newer Japanese ingredients such as salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan. The evidence ranges from large trials with weak or mixed results to small trials that are often industry-funded.
Many joint trials were run in people with a joint condition, which is a fact about the research and not a basis for product claims. Each guide explains the populations studied and the wording that stays on safe ground.
Joints and mobility ingredients at a glance
What each ingredient has been studied for, how strong the published evidence is, and the usual dosage form.
“Studied for” describes research on healthy functions. It is not a claim that any product prevents, treats or cures a disease.
Before you choose a formula
Dosage form selection How tablet, capsule, softgel, powder, jelly, drink and gummy compare for a Japan-made supplement Export labelling and documents Japanese vs destination-market labels, over-labelling, country-of-origin rules, and factory documents to request Food-medicine boundary (食薬区分) How Japan's shoku-yaku kubun system decides food versus medicine status, and what it means for an export OEM order Starting a Japan-made supplement brand The steps from concept to launch for a brand that wants a supplement made in Japan
Frequently asked questions
Is there strong evidence for glucosamine?
Large trials and meta-analyses show weak or mixed results overall. The guide sets out the main studies and how to describe the ingredient honestly.
Which joint ingredients carry allergen labelling?
Glucosamine is often made from shellfish, and proteoglycan and some collagen types come from fish or chicken. Allergen rules differ between Japan, the EU and the US, so check them for every market you sell in.
What dosage form suits a joint supplement?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are taken in hundreds of milligrams to grams, so tablets and powder sticks are common. Type II collagen and proteoglycan work at smaller amounts and fit capsules.
Contact
Tell us what you want to buy or sell — in Vietnam or Japan
Selling into Vietnam or Japan, sourcing from either, or a product made under your own brand. One Japanese-managed team in Ho Chi Minh City, working in English, Japanese and Vietnamese.