The joint health market has recently undergone a dramatic update, driven by an expanded understanding of the ingredients and their benefits.
Worn or damaged cartilage resulting in stiff painful joints were once thought to be largely or entirely problems of old age, an inevitable result of our longer lifespans. Today however, a new trend has emerged: joint stress and inflammation are now affecting middle-aged and even younger people who engage in high-intensity fitness, marathon running, and competitive sports.¹
Both weightlifting and long-distance running have experienced a surge of popularity in recent years, spurred in-part by social media trends and the influence of Gen Z. One example: entry ballots for the 2026 London marathon have already surpassed 1.1 million, setting a world record and nearly doubling the same figure from two years ago.² While this growing interest in endurance sports brings numerous health benefits, it also means that joint related problems are emerging earlier in life.
Realistically, we also know that arthritis sets in at any age, and reversing its effects is extremely difficult. That’s why joint care and support for healthy joints, should start earlier – especially for active individuals. As a result, many of today’s sports-related supplements (both capsules and powder blends) focus on pre-emptive joint care through nutrition that promotes healthy cartilage.
Science supports glucosamine for joint care
Glucosamine remains a foundational ingredient in joint care, often combined with other ingredients such as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate. Despite the emergence of various new supplements, after three decades of use, glucosamine has stood the test of time with over 7,000 tons imported annually into the US for use in both human and animal products. The glucosamine market is projected to grow steadily at 4-5% per year.³
This kind of longevity in the supplement market is reserved for ingredients that deliver results, perform their stated function and satisfy customers as to their benefits. In the case of glucosamine, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness. For example, a recently published review of 15 glucosamine studies found that glucosamine significantly reduced global pain (measured by the Visual Analog Scale), improved joint stiffness, and enhanced physical function.⁴
The review also reported no serious drug interactions or adverse effects, and concluded that daily supplementation with 1500 mg of oral glucosamine sulfate was both safe and effective for long-term use.⁴ But traditional glucosamine has some drawbacks that eliminate three significant segments of consumers: vegetarians and vegans, people with shellfish allergies, and those committed to factoring in the environmental impact of their product choices.
Problems and solutions in glucosamine production
One only has to look at product labels today in both food and supplement categories to see how ‘vegetable sourced’ or ‘vegan sourced’ is a selling point on an expanding array of products. ‘Eco-friendly’ is also important to millions of those people who use supplements.
Market analysis reflects this shift. One example: a report from widely respected Polaris Market Research projects that the vegetarian supplement market is expected to more than double from 2022 - 2030, from $10.6 billion to $22.11 billion, reflecting a 10.35% annual growth.
The report states: ‘Compared to animal-based products, plant-based foods are thought to be safer and healthier. The sector for plant-based protein supplements has expanded dramatically as a result of growing animal welfare concerns. It is anticipated that rising consumer interest in healthier products and food safety will drive market expansion.’⁵
Ecological concerns are a key factor in the production of glucosamine. The traditional method processes the residue from the Asian shellfish production industry, primarily shrimp farming. This source and the aquaculture methods it uses create substantial short and long-term environmental problems. These are described in a recent article from Scientific World Journal that listed key issues: destruction of coastal mangrove swamps, water pollution, excessive antibiotic use, and toxic waste.⁶
Additionally, the processing of the shellfish residue into glucosamine requires large amounts of lye and sodium hydroxide that create additional wastewater disposal problems.
The eco-factor: Non-GMO corn
In contrast to the shellfish residue production cycle, Ethical Naturals GreenGrownGlucosamine is produced through an environmentally friendly process that begins with non-GMO corn. The corn is converted into glucose, followed by a bacterial fermentation and purification process that produces glucosamine that is chemically identical in purity to that of traditional shellfish-derived sources – without the environmental damage. This is a key factor for those who seek to align their lives with ecological solutions, rather than problems.
Ethical Naturals ISCT patent guarantees pure vegetable source
Because of the high purity level required for USP glucosamine (greater than 98%), common lab techniques such as HPLC cannot determine whether the source is from vegetable or shellfish origin. That’s why Ethical Naturals developed the Isotopic Signature Carbon Tracing (ISCT) test method – a patented technology designed to confirm the botanical origin of GreenGrown Glucosamine.
Granted in 2009, the ISCT patent provides reliable verification that each batch of GreenGrown is 100% vegetable-based. This is especially important for accurate product labeling, as shellfish-derived products may trigger allergic reactions. Every batch of GreenGrown is tested using ISCT to confirm its plant-based origin.
The key benefits that customers find in GreenGrown glucosamine include:
- 100% vegetable source Verified by patented Isotopic Carbon Signature Tracing (ICST)
- USP grade purity Tested through ENI’s NSF Certified QA program.
- Non-GMO Certified by Eurofins International
- Kosher and Halal Certified
- Shellfish-free Making it safe for those with allergies
- Available in powder or granular form For reliable encapsulating or processing
Find out more information on GreenGrown Glucosamine, or other key Ethical Naturals ingredients here, or contact the company at Info@ethicalnaturals.com.
References
- Amoako, A.O.; et al. Osteoarthritis in young, active, and athletic individuals. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 May 22;7:27-32.
- The Guardian. From Tik Tok to the Track: Gen Z are Driving Running’s Third Great Boom.
- Grand View Research. Glucosamine Market Size & Trends.
- Vo, N.X.; et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Glucosamine in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Pharmacy. 2023; 11(4):117.
- Polaris Market Research. Vegan Supplements Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, 2022 – 2030.
- Martinez-Porchas, M.; et al. World aquaculture: environmental impacts and troubleshooting alternatives. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;389623.
