Adrien Gagnon Glucosamine Sulfate 500mg - 360 Caps

GLUCOSAMINE

By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist

Glucosamine is a precursor molecule for the formation of cartilage...

Glucosamine is an amino sugar, which is a precursor in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). It is found in large concentrations in the shells of shellfish, and in the cell walls of some fungi. GAGs are also an essential component of joint cartilage, so supplementation with glucosamine may help provide the building blocks for cartilage formation.

Studies show that glucosamine supplementation improves joint function and decreases pain in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Natural health practitioners may also recommend glucosamine for: joint injury, osteoarthritis, inflammation, bursitis, tendonitis and skin problems.

Early Research

Decades ago, researchers found that glucosamine and chondroitin are both building blocks for the molecules that make up tendons, ligaments, bones, and synovial fluid. In the 1970’s, co-supplementation was found to reduce pain in osteoarthritis sufferers. Researchers also found that the formerly degenerating joint cartilage had actually begun to repair itself. From then on, glucosamine was frequently recommended to help protect joint health, especially in combination with Chondroitin. These two molecules supply proteoglycans, which are an essential component of joint cartilage.

Glucosamine Declines with Age

Research continued and found that with age, the ability to regenerate and restore joint structure begins to fail, often due to a decrease in the body’s natural production of glucosamine sulfate and other structural molecules in the body. This deficiency causes slowing in the production of new joint and connective tissue and in the repair of old tissue. When the body’s repairs cannot keep up with injury occurring in the joint, it begins to degrade, which results in pain and stiffness. Research has repeatedly found that co-supplementing glucosamine and chondroitin can help to reduce pain in those suffering from arthritis. It can also decrease the destruction of cartilage that occurs when arthritis sufferers use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For more information, please see our Joint Health article.

Questioning the Results

As the decades passed, further research was performed that brought the benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation into question. Finally, the GAIT study published in 2008 found that this combination was most effective for moderate to severe arthritis pain in the knee, and gave 79% of sufferers a 20% or greater reduction in pain. Unfortunately, glucosamine and chondroitin have been found to have much less effect in those with only slight pain. It is important to note that supplementation of chondroitin and glucosamine was also found to take several weeks of ongoing supplementation for benefits to occur. This helped to clarify the reason for the previous conflicted results in shorter research studies.

Deficiency

A deficiency of GAGs in the body can lead to joint deterioration because of insufficient cartilage synthesis. Break down of joint structure results in pain, and stiffness, especially after periods of rest, which is a condition known as Osteoarthritis. It can also cause creaking and cracking joints. It is likely that those with particularly low levels of GAGs will benefit from glucosamine supplementation. If this is not the underlying cause of the symptoms of the degeneration, then supplementation may not resolve the symptoms.

Co-Supplementation

When it is found in joint support formulas, glucosamine is often combined with other supplements that promote joint healing. Two common examples are chondroitin and MSM. Collagen is also commonly supplemented in conjunction with any of these. This is primarily due to the fact that research has often combined these supplements together to examine their treatment of joint deterioration, rather than examining each one individually.

How Can I Take Glucosamine?

There are a few different forms of glucosamine available such as: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. You can find any of these in powdered form alone in capsules, or in combination supplements for joint health. The recommended dose supported by research is 500mg taken three times daily. Generally, glucosamine should be taken with meals, as this will increase the amount of stomach acid and enzymes present to allow for proper absorption. Supplementation may need to continue for over a month (even 2-3 months in some cases) before full benefits are seen.

Glucosamine– Quick Facts

Sources

· Shellfish.

Applications

· Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammation, Joint Injury

Optimum Dosage

· 1500-2000 Mg Daily. (Clinical Doses May Be Higher As Recommended By Your Practitioner).

Works Well With

· Chondroitin Sulfate, Msm, Collagen Type Ii, Bromelain

Important Information

· Usually Combined With Chondroitin Sulfate.
· Glucosamine Has No Toxicity Associated With It Although Can Theoretically Alter Blood Sugar Levels.
· Glucosamine May Cause Stomach Upset.
· Some Glucosamine Is Sourced From Shellfish And Individuals With Shellfish Allergies Should Use Caution When Choosing A Glucosamine Supplement.