Information for Health and Well-Being
Articles in English | Hindi Mein Jankari

Different forms of Glucosamine

Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body and helps keep joint cartilage lubricated to maintain its shock absorbing abilities. More than 40 million Americans have degenerative joint diseases. About 20 million have osteoarthritis with over 2 million people suffering from crippling rheumatoid arthritis.

The benefits associated with taking glucosamine combined with the fact that it does not have the side effects that many pain killers do, have made it popular not only for arthritis sufferers but athletes as well. Even pets who are prone to arthritis and poor bone health can benefit from taking glucosamine.

Glucosamine supplements are available commercially either as capsules, tablets, topical analgesics or liquid. Glucosamine present in topical analgesics are quick acting and do relieve pain - however the pain relief is temporary. Glucosamine when ingested has the highest benefit. Capsules are convenient - however they contain binders or fillers and may not be fully absorbed. Liquid glucosamine on the other hand does give you the full strength dosage. Moreover it is more easily and quickly absorbed by the body as shown by several studies. The rate of absorption of liquid glucosamine is 80-85%. Also studies showed that liquid glucosamine provided pain relief in one to two weeks in comparison to glucosamine capsules which took between six-ten weeks to show results.

Benefits of Liquid Glucosamine

• Liquid glucosamine is more easily absorbed.
• Liquid glucosamine is quickly absorbed
• Liquid glucosamine provides dosage in full strength
• Liquid glucosamine provides fast and longest lasting pain relief
• Liquid glucosamine is easily administered to pets
• Many people have difficulty swallowing pills in which case liquid glucosamine would be the ideal choice

Some ingredients included in liquid Glucosamine

Generally glucosamine in conjunction with other ingredients such as chondroitin and boswellin show the most compelling results

Glucosamine is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extra cellular matrix of cartilage. It absorbs and releases water with each step, thereby acting as a shock absorber for the joints. With more glucosamine, there is more joint protection. It is the essential and principal ingredient that determines the quantity of proteoglycan (water-holding) molecules that are formed in the body. The proteoglycans are large, water-binding molecules made up of (both) proteins and sugars. These are a major building block of healthy, vital cartilage. Glucosamine also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) which are important proteins found in cartilage. They serve to "bind" the water within the cartilage matrix, slowing the deterioration of your joints, and easing your pain.

Shark Cartilage provides a source of chondroitin sulfate (20%) which works synergistically with glucosamine to assist in rehabilitating the cartilage that is damaged in your body. Our studies indicate that the use of shark cartilage improves the absorption of the glucosamine.

Chondroitin Sulfate serves to attract fluids into proteoglycan molecules which assists you in two ways. First, it draws nutrients into your cartilage. Secondly, it increases the flow of fluid into your cartilage to add resiliency. It also serves to protect existing cartilage from premature degeneration by blocking "bad" enzymes that destroy cartilage and as well, prevent nutrient replenishment. Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring component of cartilage that aids in the lubrication and cushioning of joints. Chondroitin also provides structure and flexibility to your joints.

Manganese Ascorbate is a mineral that enhances the effectiveness of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates and synthesizes the production of healthy cartilage. It is essential for a healthy immune system and aids in the production of mucopolysaccharides, which are critical for maintaining healthy joints.

Yucca has a lengthy history in easing stiff joints by blocking compounds that prevent the normal formation of cartilage. The root is rich in saponins that elevate your body's ability to produce "natural" cortisone. Yucca also helps to block the release of toxins from the intestines that inhibit the normal function of cartilage. Yucca also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Bromelain helps to inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds which reduce pain and swelling. Unlike aspirin, bromelain does not inhibit the production of prostaglandins, essential to healthy joints.

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory agents. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and ALA) are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, anchovies, and rainbow trout and soybean oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. Omega-6 fatty acids (lineolic acid) comes from various common vegetable oils. The body converts lineolic acid into GLA which can help reduce joint inflammation.

Boswellin has been used for centuries in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine to maintain healthy joints. Boswellic acids improve blood supply to the joints and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. At least one study has indicated that they may open up collateral blood circulation to provide a more adequate blood supply to your joints. Boswellin also serves to reduce swelling and improve mobility where individuals experience stiffness in the joints.

Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) is essential for growth and repair of body tissues and it also aids in bone formation, and at the same time protecting against deterioration.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) mobilizes your body's self-defense mechanisms that in turn, assist your immune system in overcoming disease. It is also a powerful antioxidant required to produce collagen, which is the main supportive protein in cartilage, tendon, and connective tissue. Collagen is the protein that "holds our bodies together" and is critical to the structure and integrity of healthy joints and also protects against bone deterioration.

Vitamin E (Tocopheral) is an antioxidant that acts to protect red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation damage. It also assists your body in maintaining healthy membrane tissue.

More information on Glucosamine and Chondroitin:

Benefits of glucosamine

Chondroitin sulphate - how effective is chondroitin?

Benefits of Chondroitin