Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Salmon Nasal Proteoglycan

A proteoglycan extracted from salmon nasal cartilage, popular in Japan for joints and skin. Two small randomized trials exist, one measuring cartilage blood markers and one facial skin, and neither has been independently confirmed.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Knee joint discomfort Limited evidence

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in people with knee joint discomfort measured biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and reported favourable changes. Biomarker shifts are not the same as pain relief or improved function, and the study was small.

  • Facial skin ageing Limited evidence

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported improvements in facial anti-ageing measures with salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycans. It is a single small trial, and cosmetic skin endpoints are prone to measurement variability.

  • Long-term or clinical outcomes Limited evidence

    No trial has tested salmon proteoglycan in diagnosed osteoarthritis using standard pain and function scales such as WOMAC, or over more than a few months. Comparison with glucosamine or chondroitin has not been published.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTrials used roughly 10 mg/day of salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan for 8–12 weeks, which is also the typical label dose.
SafetyNo serious adverse effects reported in the published trials. Derived from salmon, so unsuitable for people with fish allergy and for vegetarians. No long-term safety data, and it has not been studied in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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