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MSM GC, MSM GC Plus or MSM GC Vegan: which one is right for me?
MSM GC, MSM GC Plus and MSM GC Vegan. Three product names that mean very little until you know what’s behind them. This article helps you choose: we explain, product by product, what’s in it, what the differences are, and why we chose these specific raw materials (OptiMSM®, glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin C, Aquamin®, and undenatured collagen type II).
ℹ Please note: no health claims have been approved in the EU for MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, or undenatured collagen type II. We therefore describe only what these substances are, where they come from, and how they’re produced, not what they might do in the body. The claims about vitamin C are EU-approved.
Which MSM GC is right for me?
The choice between the three variants comes down to three things: whether you want to avoid animal-derived ingredients, whether you want collagen included, and which ingredients you’re already getting from other products.
MSM GC is the base formula: MSM (OptiMSM®), glucosamine (NaturGlux®), chondroitin (ChondroPure®, animal-derived) and vitamin C (Ester-C®). Choose this if a base formula without collagen is enough, and animal-derived chondroitin isn’t a concern for you.
MSM GC Plus contains the same four ingredients, supplemented with undenatured collagen type II (Collavant®, from chicken) and Aquamin® (mineral concentrate from seawater). Choose this if you also want to add collagen type II and Aquamin®’s minerals to your routine.
MSM GC Vegan contains MSM, plant-based glucosamine, microbially fermented chondroitin (MyCondro®) and Aquamin®, with vitamin C, but without collagen (collagen is always of animal origin, it doesn’t exist in plant-based form). Choose this if you eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, or simply prefer ingredients without animal origin.
| Ingredient | MSM GC Tablet |
MSM GC Vegan Capsule |
MSM GC Plus Capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| OptiMSM® | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plant-based glucosamine (NaturGlux®) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Chondroitin | ✔ (ChondroPure®, animal-derived) |
✔ (MyCondro®, microbially fermented) |
✔ (ChondroPure®, animal-derived) |
| Vitamin C (Ester-C®) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Seawater concentrate (Aquamin®) | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Undenatured collagen type II (Collavant®) | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Suitable for vegetarians/vegans | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Contains added excipients | ✔ | Free from excipients | Free from excipients |
Visit the product pages for MSM GC, MSM GC Vegan and MSM GC Plus for the full composition and dosage recommendations.
Is glucosamine suitable for vegans?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that the body produces naturally. In most glucosamine products on the market, you’ll find it’s derived from shellfish. That’s naturally not suitable for people with a shellfish allergy, or for vegetarians and vegans.
That’s why we use a plant-based glucosamine hydrochloride (NaturGlux®), derived from fermented corn dextrose. We also specifically chose glucosamine bound to hydrochloride (HCl) rather than sulfate. This form typically contains around 82% elemental glucosamine, compared to 58-62% in the common sulfate forms on the market.
Chondroitin: animal-derived or microbially fermented
Chondroitin is a polysaccharide (a long chain of sugar molecules). In MSM GC and MSM GC Plus, we use chondroitin sulfate derived from animal cartilage, processed into a standardized extract of high purity (ChondroPure®, typically around 90%).
In MSM GC Vegan we use MyCondro® instead, a chondroitin produced through microbial fermentation, and therefore not derived from animal cartilage!
That makes MSM GC Vegan suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
MSM (OptiMSM®)
MSM is an organic sulfur compound. The MSM in all our products is OptiMSM®, produced through a patented multi-step distillation process. This distillation method is more labor-intensive and costly than the crystallization method used for cheaper MSM sources, but removes impurities more effectively. Every batch is independently tested.
The typical dosage of MSM in supplements is generally between 2 and 8 grams per day; our products contain a lower amount, around 400 mg per dose, alongside the other ingredients.
Looking for a product with only a higher, pure MSM dosage? Take a look at our other MSM products.
Undenatured collagen type II (Collavant®): only in MSM GC Plus
Collagen is a protein family that exists in several variants (including type I, II, and III).
MSM GC Plus specifically contains collagen type II, sourced from chicken (sternal cartilage), under the brand name Collavant®. This collagen is processed in undenatured form, meaning without the high temperatures and chemical treatment used to hydrolyze collagen into smaller peptides, as is the case with most collagen supplements on the market (typically type I and III).
Because of its animal origin, MSM GC Plus is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans; MSM GC Vegan therefore contains no collagen.
Aquamin®: minerals straight from seawater
Aquamin® is a mineral concentrate, sourced from seawater drawn from deep, clean layers of water in the Atlantic Ocean. It is not a synthetic mineral supplement, but a concentrated form of seawater that is subsequently dried into a powder, with a natural ratio of calcium, magnesium and more than 70 trace elements.
This is included in both MSM GC Plus and MSM GC Vegan. Origin and composition are independently tested.
Vitamin C (Ester-C®) and the link with cartilage
Vitamin C is the only ingredient in these formulas for which the EU has approved health claims:
✓ Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones, gums, teeth, and blood vessels
✓ Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
✓ Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
✓ Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
✓ Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the nervous system
The vitamin C in our products is Ester-C®, a buffered form of vitamin C based on calcium ascorbate.
Origin and production
We purchase, inspect, encapsulate and package our raw materials ourselves, rather than outsourcing the formulation to an external party. Every raw material is tested by an independent laboratory, for purity and the absence of contaminants. We work with patented, standardized raw materials (OptiMSM®, Ester-C®, NaturGlux®, ChondroPure®, MyCondro®, Aquamin® and Collavant®) instead of generic bulk ingredients, so you know exactly what’s in the product and where it comes from.
Written by Marijn Lewis, PhD
Science Communication & Nutrition Research at Kala Health
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MSM GC, MSM GC Plus and MSM GC Vegan?
MSM GC contains MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin C. MSM GC Plus adds collagen type II (Collavant®) and Aquamin®. MSM GC Vegan includes the same additions as Plus, but with plant-based glucosamine, microbially fermented chondroitin (MyCondro®) and without collagen.
Are these products suitable for vegans?
Only MSM GC Vegan is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. MSM GC and MSM GC Plus contain animal-derived chondroitin (ChondroPure®); MSM GC Plus also contains collagen (chicken).
What is the difference between undenatured and hydrolyzed collagen?
Undenatured collagen type II remains molecularly intact, while hydrolyzed collagen has been enzymatically broken down into small peptides.
Is Aquamin® the same as seaweed?
No. Aquamin® is a seawater concentrate: concentrated seawater dried into a powder, with a broad profile of trace minerals alongside calcium and magnesium. Some Aquamin variants on the market are seaweed-based, but this one is not.
Can I combine this with blood thinners?
If you use medication, including blood thinners, please consult your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
Do you still have questions?
Want to know more, or have a question about your own situation? Our team of nutrition specialists and therapists is happy to think it through with you. Call us at (+31) 070 345 0290 or email info@kalahealth.eu.
A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult a healthcare professional in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, medication use, or illness. Due to legal restrictions, we are not permitted to publish all information about the effects of this food supplement.
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