Glucosamine
Glucosamine is formed when glucose combines with an amino acid. It is a building block for cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a form of glucosamine that has some extremely beneficial uses, especially for healing connective tissue.
Glucosamine sulfate is a small and simple molecular building block used to support mobility and flexibility in joints.
The body absorbs glucosamine sulfate quickly and efficiently when ingested. It is found in seashells and high quality supplements of Glucosamine sulfate.
What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
According to convincing research, glucosamine sulfate may take a part in supporting lubrication and supporting sulfate uptake in particular cartilage. Research shows that it is absorbed into the body at a rate much more effective than other "joint-supporters". Because of the small size of the molecules, they are absorbed at a rate of 98%--compare that to the mere 13% absorption rate of chondroitin sulfate, and you can understand why glucosamine sulfate works so much better. By stimulating production of additional synovial fluid, studies show that glucosamine sulfate helps keep joints in the body rolling smoothly. Recent studies have found that as a readily absorbed building block for cartilage.
Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Athletes and bodybuilders can greatly benefit from supplementing glucosamine sulfate. In fact, nearly everybody who trains with weights may have a tendency to overuse certain joints, and consequently, glucosamine can help to cushion and lubricate joints. A deficiency has not been found to occur in humans.
How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Most studies show that supplementing a balanced diet with about 500 mg three times a day is very effective. There have been no reported cases of toxicity associated with proper dosages of glucosamine sulfate.
CHONDROITIN
Chondroitin sulfate is one of the major constituents of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called mucopolysaccharides. It is a primary part of cartilage. Classified as a type of glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate is rich in sulfur and is a relative of glucosamine. Animal cartilage is the only significant food source of Chondroitin sulfate.
What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
Not only does chondroitin provide structure and holds water and nutrients, but it allows other molecules to move through cartilage. This is a very important property, as there is no blood supply to cartilage. As a result, joint support is greatly increased through supplementation. Chondroitin and similar compounds are also exist in the bladder and lining of blood vessels. Here they help to prevent abnormal movement of blood, urine, or components across the barrier of the vessel or bladder wall.
Japanese researchers have found that Chondroitin sulfate in synovial fluid collected from the temporomandibular joint provides a useful indicator of the degree of damage there, and that chondroitin may play a role in determining the viscosity and elasticity of tissues and fluids. A recent in vitro study done by scientists in Belgium found that chondroitin had potentially beneficial effects on human cartilage cells.
Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Because the body makes chondroitin, the possibility of a dietary deficiency is uncertain. A daily requirement has not been set.
How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Most products potency ranges from 400 to 600 mg. Chondroitin may also be combined with vitamin C. Nausea might occur at intakes greater than 10 grams per day. No other adverse side-effects have been reported.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as Sulfonyl sulfur is found in the fluid and tissues of all living organisms and in a variety of raw plant and animal foods. It is no longer present in foods that have been stored during shipping or held in storage, even though they contained MSM in their natural state. It bonds with moisture, and when any dehydration occurs, the MSM goes with it.
Like Glucosamine and Chondroitin, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), may provide raw materials the body needs. MSM is a pure, organic, non-toxic, non-metallic element that occurs widely in nature. It's a metabolite of the compound dimethysulfoxide, and by weight is 34% elemental sulfur, making it one of the richest sources of sulfur. As the eighth most abundant element in all living organisms, sulfur is found in more than 150 types of bodily compounds, from enzymes and tissues to hormones and antioxidants. It's also a component of structural protein, the type found in hair, skin, and joints. Sulfur also occurs in connective tissue, in a key structural component called collagen. (Collagen helps form cartilage).
Recommended dosage: 1-2 grams per day.
