Clinical-Grade Joint Matrix Support: Pure Freeze-Dried Marine Cartilage with Naturally Occurring Mucopolysaccharides, Type II Collagen, and Bioavailable Calcium
Item #: N3272 | UPC: 733739032720 | Brand: NOW Foods | Form: 750 mg Gelatin CapsulesNOW® Foods Shark Cartilage 750 mg is a whole-food, marine-derived connective tissue supplement designed to reinforce articular cartilage integrity, support joint mobility, and provide natural bone-fortifying minerals. Unlike synthetic or isolated joint supplements, shark cartilage delivers an unadulterated, biologically intact structural matrix composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—primarily chondroitin sulfate—alongside native Type II collagen, phosphorus, and 1,000 mg of elemental calcium per daily serving (77% Daily Value).
Sourced exclusively from the freeze-dried backbone of sharks harvested as a regulated byproduct of the seafood industry, NOW® Shark Cartilage is processed without chemical bleaching agents, harsh industrial solvents, or synthetic fillers. Each batch is strictly assayed in cGMP-certified facilities for heavy metals, microbial safety, and natural mucopolysaccharide content.
Articular cartilage is an avascular, aneural tissue dependent on synovial fluid and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis for nutrient perfusion and mechanical resilience. NOW® Shark Cartilage acts through three primary biological pathways:
Shark cartilage is exceptionally dense in sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), most notably chondroitin-4-sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate. These long unbranched polysaccharide chains carry high negative electrostatic charges that attract and retain water molecules inside the cartilage matrix. This osmotic swelling pressure provides articular joints with their shock-absorbing capacity. Clinical research indicates that exogenous chondroitin precursors stimulate chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis while downregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13)—enzymes responsible for degrading joint cartilage [Wang et al., 2023].
Type II collagen forms the fibrillar network that entraps proteoglycan aggregates in human joint cartilage. Oral administration of native, marine-derived collagenous proteins provides the essential amino acids (proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline) required for endogenous collagen fibril repair, improving articular joint range of motion and comfort during load-bearing activity [Uchida et al., 2015].
With 1,000 mg of natural calcium complexed with organic phosphorus and marine trace minerals per serving, this formula provides the mineral building blocks necessary to maintain bone mass density (BMD) and support the subchondral bone plate supporting the cartilage layer.
Transparency is foundational to verified supplement quality. Below is the full label breakdown per manufacturer specification:
Serving Size: 6 Capsules (4,500 mg total)
Servings Per Container: 50 (300 Capsules Total)
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories 10 | — |
| Total Carbohydrate 1 g | < 1%* |
| Protein 2 g | 4%* |
| Calcium 1,000 mg | 77% |
| Sodium 55 mg | 2% |
| Shark Cartilage (with natural mucopolysaccharides) 4.5 g (4,500 mg) | † |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Gelatin (capsule shell), Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), Stearic Acid (vegetable source), and Silica.
Allergen Declaration: Contains Fish (shark).
Free From: Manufactured without yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, crustacean shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a cGMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Consumers seeking joint mobility supplements often compare whole marine cartilage against isolated compounds:
| Attribute | NOW® Shark Cartilage (750 mg) | Bovine Cartilage | Glucosamine / Chondroitin Salts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source Origin | Freeze-dried marine elasmobranch skeleton | Bovine (cow) trachea | Synthetic or fermented shellfish chitin |
| Active Compounds | Whole matrix: GAGs, Type II Collagen, Calcium, Phosphorus | Type I & II Collagen, Chondroitin | Isolated chemical salts (e.g., Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin sulfate) |
| Elemental Calcium | High (1,000 mg / serving) | Low to moderate | Negligible |
| Absorption Pathway | Macromolecular breakdown + direct peptide absorption | Enzymatic digestive hydrolysis | Rapid intestinal mono-saccharide uptake |
| Primary Application | Combined joint cushioning & bone density support | Immune modulation & connective tissue | Localized cartilage lubrication |
To achieve the clinically modeled intake of marine mucopolysaccharides and minerals, adhere to the following protocol:
Because shark cartilage contains biologically active angiogenesis-inhibiting fractions and significant elemental calcium, clinical prudence is necessary:
Marine apex organisms can accumulate environmental contaminants if not rigorously screened. NOW® Foods addresses this through stringent quality parameters:
Shark cartilage 750 mg is primarily used as a natural dietary supplement to support joint mobility, maintain articular cartilage cushioning, and promote bone density. It supplies bioavailable chondroitin sulfate, glycosaminoglycans, Type II collagen, and 1,000 mg of elemental calcium per 6-capsule serving.
The recommended serving is 6 capsules daily (totaling 4,500 mg of shark cartilage). For optimal tolerance and absorption, split the intake into 2 or 3 capsules twice daily with meals.
Yes. A full serving of 6 capsules contains 1,000 mg of elemental calcium (77% of the Daily Value). Individuals who already consume high-calcium diets, take additional calcium supplements, or have renal conditions should monitor total daily calcium intake to prevent hypercalcemia.
Standard joint supplements typically deliver isolated chemical salts (such as Glucosamine HCl or bovine Chondroitin Sulfate). NOW Shark Cartilage provides a biologically complete whole-tissue matrix that includes natural glycosaminoglycans alongside Type II collagen proteins, organic phosphorus, and bioavailable calcium.
Shark cartilage should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, growing children, individuals recovering from recent surgery or major trauma, or anyone with cardiac conditions, hypercalcemia, or advanced kidney disease. Always consult your physician before starting supplementation.
Yes. NOW Foods conducts extensive analytical testing using ICP-MS instrumentation to verify that all shark cartilage lots meet stringent safety thresholds for heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, in compliance with cGMP standards.
Because connective tissue remodels slowly, most clinical evaluations of oral mucopolysaccharides and cartilage derivatives recommend consistent daily use for 8 to 12 weeks to observe meaningful improvements in joint flexibility and comfort.
