Glucosamine is an amino sugar derived from the chitrin of shellfish. It is utilized by the body to support healthy joint structures.*
What is glucosamine?Glucosamine is composed of glucose and glutamine (an amino acid). It is utilized by chondrocytes to form glycosaminoglycans (GSG’s) and proteoglycans. Both of these constituents attract and bind water into cartilage, increasing resiliency.
Research indicates that glucosamine may actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. A number of studies have been conducted on glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, with a preponderance of positive results. Glucosamine sulfate is considered the more effective of the two. One study from the University of Liege in Liege, Belgium studied the effects of glucosamine sulfate on 212 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants took either 1,500 mg glucosamine or a placebo once daily for three years. The study compared joint-space width at enrollment, one year, and at the study’s conclusion. The 106 patients on placebo had a progressive joint-space narrowing, while participants taking glucosamine experienced no significant joint-space loss, indicating glucosamine may beneficially modify cartilage structure.3 A study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in 1998 investigated the in vitro effects of glucosamine sulfate on proteoglycan and collagen production by chondrocytes taken from osteoarthritic articular cartilage. The results showed “a statistically significant stimulation of PG production by chondrocytes from human osteoarthritic cartilage cultured for up to 12 days in 3-dimensional cultures.” 4 Another study from Italy enrolled eighty inpatients with established OA. They received either 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate or placebo daily for 30 days. The patients treated with glucosamine sulfate experienced a reduction in symptoms almost twice as large and twice as fast as those receiving placebo. Researchers also used electron microscopy of patient’s articular cartilage to support this hypothesis. Patients who received glucosamine sulfate showed a picture more similar to healthy cartilage. The researchers concluded that glucosamine sulfate tends to rebuild damaged articular cartilage and restore articular function.5
How is glucosamine manufactured?Glucosamine is supplied mostly by China. The shells of shrimp and crabs have their proteins and minerals removed producing Chitin or poly N-acetylglucosamine. Manufacturers use acid with a depolymerizing and deacetylating process to produce glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate.
What is the source of your Chondroitin, and is it BSE free?NOW Chondroitin is derived from bovine tracheal tissue. The cattle are raised in China. As with all of our raw materials, we screen Chondroitin very carefully for the presence of any undesirable microbes, and is BSE Free.
----
Nutrition Info Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings Per Container: 120
Amount Per Serving:Potassium (as Potassium Chloride) 245 mg 6%
Glucosamine Sulfate
(from Glucosamine Potassium Sulfate Complex) 1.5 g (1,500 mg) †
* Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
Suggested Use:As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily with meals or on an empty stomach.
Contains shellfish derivative. Contains no yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, salt or fillers.
Other Ingredients:Gelatin (capsule) and Magnesium Stearate.
Warnings:Persons with a known allergy to shellfish should not use this product. Caution: Please discard the inedible freshness packet enclosed.
