Almost all glucosamine on the UK market is derived from shellfish — which rules it out for anyone with a shellfish allergy, and for vegans and vegetarians. Flexi-Time uses vegan-source glucosamine hydrochloride at 300mg per capsule, alongside MSM, 2631mg of turmeric providing 50mg of curcuminoids, and twelve further botanicals and enzymes.
Vitamin C Carries the Cartilage Claim
Glucosamine and MSM are widely used in joint formulas but carry no EU-authorised health claims. What does carry one here is vitamin C: it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones — along with blood vessels, gums, skin and teeth.
Collagen is the structural protein in bones, cartilage, gums, skin, tendons and blood vessels, and vitamin C is a required co-factor for its synthesis. That is the regulator-assessed mechanism behind this formula.
The turmeric is the headline botanical at 2631mg equivalent per capsule, standardised to deliver 50mg of curcuminoids — the active polyphenols in turmeric.
What's in Every Capsule — All Doses Declared
EU-authorised vitamin claim:
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Vitamin C — 12mg (15% NRV) · contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage, bones, blood vessels, gums, skin and teeth · also normal immune function, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal nervous system and psychological function, protection of cells from oxidative stress, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E, and increased iron absorption
The joint nutrients:
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Turmeric — 2631mg equivalent, providing 50mg curcuminoids · Curcuma longa · by far the largest ingredient · curcuminoids are the natural polyphenols associated with turmeric
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Glucosamine hydrochloride — 300mg · vegan source, not shellfish · an amino sugar the body also produces naturally
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Bamboo — 300mg equivalent, providing 22.5mg silica · Bambusa vulgaris · the richest natural plant source of silicon
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MSM (methylsulphonyl methane) — 200mg · a naturally occurring source of sulphur found in plants, animals and humans
The botanicals and enzymes:
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Korean Panax ginseng — 100mg equivalent · one of the most researched adaptogens
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Nettle leaf — 100mg equivalent · Urtica dioica · traditional mineral-rich botanical
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Rosehip — 100mg equivalent · Rosa canina · traditional British botanical, a natural vitamin C source
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Horsetail — 50mg equivalent · Equisetum arvense · traditional silica-bearing herb
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Ginger root — 40mg equivalent · Zingiber officinale · from the same family as turmeric
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Montmorency cherry — 20mg · Prunus cerasus montmorency · the specific sour cherry variety used in published research
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Apple cider vinegar — 5mg · Malus sylvestris
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Bromelain (6GDU) — 5mg · enzyme found in pineapple
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Papain — 5mg · Carica papaya · enzyme found in papaya
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Kelp — 5mg equivalent · Ascophyllum nodosum · natural source of trace minerals and iodine
60 capsules in an HPMC vegetarian shell, in a base of brown rice flour. Vegan. Vegetarian. Halal approved.
ALLERGY ADVICE: the glucosamine is vegan-sourced, not shellfish-derived. Manufactured in a facility that also handles nuts, wheat, soy, dairy and other common allergens.
Every capsule is: ✓ Vegan glucosamine — no shellfish · ✓ 2631mg turmeric, 50mg curcuminoids · ✓ MSM 200mg · ✓ Halal approved · ✓ All doses declared
How to Take It
Take 1 capsule, two to three times per day, preferably with food. Joint nutrients are cumulative rather than acute — give it several weeks of consistent use.
For higher-dose turmeric specifically, CurcuminBoost is the dedicated organic option. For collagen itself, Marine Collagen Nourish provides 9,000mg of marine peptides per serving — though note that one contains fish.
Is This You?
- You have a shellfish allergy, or follow a plant-based diet, and standard glucosamine is off the table
- You need halal approved joint support
- You want turmeric at a meaningful dose with the curcuminoid content stated, not just "contains turmeric"
- You'd rather have fourteen ingredients at declared doses than glucosamine alone
- You want a regulator-approved cartilage claim behind the product, via vitamin C
Explore the full Joints & Bones UK and Halal Vitamins UK collections.
Questions We Get Asked
Is the glucosamine from shellfish?
No. Almost all glucosamine sold in the UK is derived from shellfish shells, which makes it unsuitable for anyone with a shellfish allergy and for vegans and vegetarians. The glucosamine hydrochloride in Flexi-Time is vegan-sourced, at 300mg per capsule. That is the main reason this formula exists.
Which ingredient carries the authorised claim?
Vitamin C. It contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones — an EU-authorised health claim. Glucosamine and MSM are widely used in joint formulas but carry no authorised claims of their own, and we would rather be clear about that than imply otherwise.
How much turmeric is in it?
2631mg equivalent weight from extract per capsule, providing 50mg of curcuminoids — by far the largest ingredient in the formula. If turmeric is your main interest, CurcuminBoost is our dedicated organic turmeric product.
What do bromelain and papain do here?
They are enzymes found in fruit — bromelain from pineapple, papain from papaya. Both are included at 5mg alongside the botanicals. They are a traditional inclusion in joint formulas rather than ingredients carrying authorised claims.
Food supplements should not replace a varied diet or healthy lifestyle. Contains kelp, a natural source of iodine. Consult your GP before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medication including blood thinners, or managing a thyroid or diagnosed health condition.
