Glucosamine Glucosamine supplements are one of the most popular in the Western World, vastly outselling Vitamin C. As some people get older they develop a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis which is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling of the joints and a general inability to move about easily. The condition, which is irreversible, is caused by the deterioration and eventual loss of bone cartilage, the soft connective tissue that protects joints and keeps bones from directly rubbing against each other. Some studies suggest that most people over 60 have osteoarthritis though the severity of the symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Arthritis affects nearly 70 million Americans. Numerous allopathic and natural remedies are touted as treatments for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Among them are nutritional supplements based on a substance called Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar in the body that plays a vital role in keeping cartilage and other body tissues healthy. As people get older their bodies start producing less Glucosamine. This gradual diminishing of Glucosamine causes the bone cartilage to lose some of its elasticity and become stiff and inflexible, eventually resulting in osteoarthritis. Glucosamine supplements are designed to slow this process by compensating for the loss of the amino sugar that occurs with age. Glucosamine supplements are believed to help in the production of glycosaminoglycan, a molecule that helps repair and rebuild damaged cartilage. Our bodies naturally make glucosamine as part of its way of keeping our joints lubricated and flexible for maximum mobility. Glucosamine is needed to react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to eventually produce Hyaluronic Acid, which is a glycosaminoglycan. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in cartilage, tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid around the joints. It helps with elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is unique among glycosaminoglycans in that it is nonsulfated, and can be very large, with its molecular weight often reaching the millions. It is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix provides structural support to animal cells. The extracellular matrix is the most important feature of connective tissue in animals. Since glucosamine is naturally occurring in the human body, many find it a viable alternative to over the counter or prescribed pills known to erode the digestive tract or cause internal bleeding or liver problems. Glucosamine is also known as glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine, and chitosamine. The Glucosamine Market The common dosage for the supplement is 1,000 mgs. It is also available in 300, 500 or 750 mgs. as well. It can be taken in one of three ways; as an injection, in solid or pill form, or in liquid form. In most cases, Glucosamine supplements are taken along with supplements based on another naturally occurring substance in the body called chondroitin. Chondroitin is a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water. Supplements based on chondroitin are believed to slow down the production of certain enzymes that are known to destroy cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are typically made from crab, lobster and shrimp shells, though some supplements are based on vegetables. Chondroitin supplements meanwhile are made from the cartilage of cows. Glucosamine is commercially available in either sulfate or in hydrochloride form each of which have very different chemical compositions.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 10:38:54 +0000
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