Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine Sulfate is a naturally occurring amino sugar, which forms the building
blocks of vital compounds called mucopolysaccharides. Mucopolysaccharides are
necessary for the construction and maintenance of virtually all connective tissue
and lubricating fluid in the body, including tendons, ligaments, cartilage and
synovial (joint) fluid.
Glucosamine - The Nutritional Building Block of Healthy Cartilage
Glucosamine is the fundamental molecular building block of the macromolecules
that attract and hold water in cartilage. Your body makes glucosamine, but under
many conditions - including injury and aging - it cannot make enough. Supplemental
glucosamine has been shown in studies to support the body's production of healthy
cartilage.
Amino Sugars - the Cellular Connection
Glucosamine is an amino sugar: a molecule made from an amino acid and a simple
sugar. Our bodies use approximately 10 amino sugars. They are burned for energy
and are essential to the manufacture of tissue components. Amino sugars are
the basis of virtually all connective tissues and lubricating fluids in the
body.
Just as amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, amino sugars are the
building blocks of giant molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known
as proteoglycans and mucopolysaccharides. GAGs are large, spongy, water-holding
molecules that form the gel-like matrix of the body's "ground substance",
the glue that holds us together. This substance is found in all connective tissue
and mucous membranes. Glucosamine macromolecules are the basic substrate of
cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Your Body Needs to Make Glucosamine
During the course of normal wear-andtear on the body, connective tissue is constantly
broken down, and then replaced or restructured, creating a continuous demand
for glucosamine. Since dietary glucosamine is usually low, the body must synthesize
it from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Under normal circumstances, the
body is able to meet its needs for glucosamine synthesis, but under a variety
of less-than-optimal conditions, production of glucosamine - and its assembly
into larger GAGs - may be impaired. These conditions include severe stress,
surgery, burns, major injuries, as well as aging.
Glucosamine and the Production of GAGs
In one study of 80 adults, both range of joint movement and comfort increased
for the group taking glucosamine supplements, as compared to those only given
a placebo. The cartilage samples of the glucosamine group were viewed under
an electron microscope; though previously damaged, they now appeared rebuilt
and healthy. In another study, more than 1200 adults were given 1500 mg of glucosamine
for five to nine weeks. Ninety-five percent of them demonstrated a "sufficient"
or "good" clinical response. Furthermore, the positive results continued
for up to three months after supplementation stopped.
Supplement Facts for 500 mg tablets
Serving Size: 1 tablet
Amount %DV
Glucosamine Sulfate (as glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride) 500 mg
Other Ingredients: sorbitol, stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium
stearate.
Warning: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional
before using Glucosamine Sulfate product.
Suggested Use: One Glucosamine Sulfate tablet, three times daily.
