Shugga: I'm guessing that if you bought the Gl-Ch-MSM complex from VW for $10, you bought the bargain-bin "Vitamin Depot" label that came and went. Two things on this: the Glucosamine is Gl HCl, not Gl Sulfate. There is some debate as to whether or not this is significant. Some say that the failed trials on Gl-Ch are moot because the HCl form that is used is inferior to the Gl Sulfate (and vice versa). Don't sweat it too much, though, seeing as how there still is nothing to really indicate one way or the other. Number two: I have no idea about the quality of the "Vitamin Depot" brand. One thing I hate about the bargain bins at VW is that they sell off smaller companies' products (companies that they've bought out) but that don't necessarily have the same standards of quality. So while things with the Vitamin World label have largely been approved by Consumer Reports, the ones in the bargain bin have NOT.
A final note on that: you should be taking 2 tablets every day (of that particular brand), to reach the 1500mg/1200mg (Gl/Ch) that seems to be the effective amounts. I think that by taking only one, you are not going to see marked results.
There was a NYTimes article earlier this year on a major, long-term study that basically said Gl-Ch did not yield significant results (see below). Of course, like Lisa, there have been many customers that swear by it, and many clinical trials that have supported its use.
The MSM part of it is essentially a painkiller. I'd recommend reading up on it though (I'm not a link-master, like Lisa
) as I've read a few warnings against consistent use (apparently like most painkillers!)
As far as Gl-Ch vs. Fish Oil, I think there's no reason not to take both (barring the $$$ factor). Supposedly the Gl-Ch limits joint-material breakdown, while fish oil decreases joint inflammation. Fish oil, of course, also has a ton of other benefits.