Joint Health Supplements Stand Out with MyCondro™

MyCondro™ transforms joint health supplement formulations: quality, bioavailability, and clean-label suitability.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan, a natural substance produced by the body and an essential component of cartilage. It is widely used in joint health supplements.

However, the main source of CS used in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals is extracted from animal sources (bovine, porcine, marine, avian). Animal-derived CS suffers from inconsistent quality, structural variability, and potential contamination risks. Its bioavailability also remains limited, and its use may be further restricted by ethical, religious, and dietary considerations, including the possibility of allergy reactions.

MyCondro™ is the first non-animal CS produced through a patented fermentation process. This innovative, evidence-based alternative combines proven efficacy, consistent quality, superior bioavailability, and clean-label suitability.

Its formulation advantages — including stability, solubility, and proven efficacy at low dosage — make it highly versatile for product development in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. MyCondro™ is also fully compatible with complementary ingredients, such as glucosamine, MSM, collagen, and other active ingredients for joint health, further enhancing the overall effectiveness of formulations.

With its clean-label credentials, certification possibilities, and strong marketing potential, MyCondro™ provides supplement manufacturers with a vegan, sustainable, and effective solution that addresses the growing demand for evidence-based joint health supplements.

Formulation Advantages: What Makes MyCondro™ Easy to Work With

Very fine granulometry 

MyCondro™ is supplied as a fine, off-white powder with a mean particle size of around 24 μm. This very fine granulometry ensures homogeneity and consistent performance across batches. When needed, the powder can be granulated to increase bulk density and improve handling, which facilitates accurate dosing, uniform blending, and easier use in formats such as tablets.

High solubility 

A key advantage is its high solubility: MyCondro™ is classified as very soluble by USP standards (requiring less than one part solvent for one part solute). This makes it especially well-suited for liquid applications, including stick-packs, gels, and ready-to-drink formulas. Its excellent solubility profile also allows easy incorporation into functional dairy products, including milk powders, where it dissolves uniformly without affecting texture or stability.

Excellent stability 

MyCondro™ also demonstrates excellent stability and safety. Shelf-life studies show a stable and consistent profile for at least three years, with only minimal (<5%) active loss, even under challenging conditions (40 °C).

High compatibility 

In addition, the ingredient is highly compatible with common excipients and nutrients, reducing formulation hurdles compared to animal-derived chondroitin sulfate.

Low-dose efficacy 

Its clinically validated low dosage requirement (600 mg/day) further enhances flexibility, allowing smaller serving sizes or more space to combine MyCondro™ with other joint-supporting ingredients in a single formulation.

Product Development Considerations: Turning Science into Finished Products

MyCondro™ offers strong formulation flexibility, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of consumer-preferred dosage forms. It flows and compresses well when paired with standard excipients, and its low effective dosage (600 mg/day) supports compact, consumer-friendly formats that are easy to take. Thanks to its high solubility, MyCondro™ is also well-suited for innovative delivery systems beyond traditional tablets and capsules, opening opportunities for lifestyle-oriented products.

• Easy-to-swallow tablets: The most commercially accepted format by end users. Granulation ensures optimal handling and allows for tablets with consistent quality and stability.
• Capsules: A daily dose of 600 mg can be easily delivered in just two size-0 capsules, making it convenient for consumers.
• Stick gels: With its high solubility, MyCondro™ is ideal for liquid formats such as stick gels, offering on-the-go convenience and fast absorption appeal.
• Other water-based applications: MyCondro™ can also be formulated into functional gummies, ready-to-drink beverages, or single-dose liquid bottles.

Together, these possibilities give brands the flexibility to target younger, active, and lifestyle-driven consumers seeking modern supplement formats.

Formulation Guidelines: Best Practices for Working with MyCondro™

Processing conditions

If water absorption exceeds 20%, the powder may shift from solid to liquid. For this reason, careful environmental control is essential during processing and storage.

• Work under controlled environments with relative humidity (RH) < 45% and room temperature below 25 °C.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to ambient conditions during handling and formulation.

Granulometry and flowability

MyCondro™ has a very fine granulometry, requiring careful handling. As a soft, non-free-flowing powder, it may present challenges in direct compression or encapsulation.

• For improved flowability, the use of a flow agent such as silicon dioxide is recommended.
• Granulation (dry or wet) enhances bulk density and handling, making it possible to obtain tablets with optimal rheological characteristics.

Solubility

MyCondro™ is highly soluble in water, though dissolution can be slow at room temperature.

• The solubilization process can be accelerated by applying gentle heating while stirring.

Packaging and storage

• Use blister packs for tablets or capsules, or sachets and stick-packs for powder blends.
• Select packaging with strong protection against moisture and air.
• Finished products should ideally be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C.

Shelf-life stability

MyCondro™ demonstrates excellent stability for at least three years.

• To maintain the target dose over time, applying a 5% overage of active ingredient is recommended.

Complementary Ingredients: Building Stronger Joint-Health Formulas

MyCondro™ can be combined with several complementary ingredients to create well-rounded and differentiated formulas.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin represent a classic pairing, widely recognized by consumers and supported by long-standing use in joint health supplements. Together, they provide complementary support for cartilage structure and comfort.
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve stiffness and supports overall mobility, making it a natural fit in joint-support complexes.
• Type-II collagen plays a role in cartilage repair and integrity, and in combination with chondroitin, it offers a synergistic effect by supporting both protection and regeneration of cartilage.

Emerging combinations are also gaining attention, especially with botanicals such as boswellia or curcumin, which address the growing demand for natural joint support. Increasingly popular in natural health products, these plant-based extracts appeal to consumers seeking holistic, “clean-label” solutions.

Thanks to its clinically validated low daily dose of 600 mg, MyCondro™ leaves room for multiple active ingredients within the same formula, avoiding the risk of oversized capsules or tablets.

Ethical Differentiation and Clean-Label Advantage with MyCondro™

MyCondro™ combines evidence-based efficacy, superior bioavailability, and consistent quality with unique formulation advantages such as high solubility, stability, and effectiveness at a low daily dose of just 600 mg.

Compared with animal-derived chondroitin sulfate, MyCondro™ offers a strong marketing differentiation by combining consistent quality, superior bioavailability, and a clean-label profile with vegan and sustainable credentials.

Its versatility makes it relevant to a wide range of consumer demographics. It addresses the needs of the aging population looking for moderate osteoarthritis support and improved mobility, while also appealing to active adults seeking support for fitness and sports recovery.

Clean-label opportunities further strengthen its positioning. MyCondro™ is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, non-GMO, allergen-free, and cruelty-free. As an ethical alternative to animal-derived chondroitin sulfate, with high purity and no additives or synthetic material, it fully meets the requirements of clean-label formulations and supports brands seeking to innovate with transparency and consumer trust.