GLUCOSAMINE

• Glucosamine is a dietary supplement used to treat arthritis (osteoarthritis).
• Other names for Glucosamine include: Chitosamine and NSC-758.

Dosage: There are many doses for this medicine. The most common doses for Glucosamine are listed below. Ask your doctor if your health problem is not on the list or if the dose is not given for a product you want to use.

• Osteoarthritis: Glucosamine sulfate 500 milligrams three times daily, by mouth (1)
• Glucosamine sulfate has been given as an injection (shot) of 400 milligrams once a day for one week. Please consult your healthcare professional about this dose

• Glucosamine sulfate is an amino sugar synthesized in our bodies from glucose. It is the starting point for important macromolecules that make up many body tissues including proteoglycans, the substance of cartilage in the joints. It is involved in the synthesis of mucous membranes in the digestive and respiratory tract. It is one of the chemicals that forms the cushioning ingredients in joint fluids and surrounding tissue. It contributes to making the synovial fluid thick and elastic. In other words, Glucosamine sulfate plays a role in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone, ligaments, heart valves and in mucous secretion of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. Any deficiency of glucosamine can slow the production of these macromolecules causing specific weakness in these tissues. Glucosamine sulfate’s positive effects on degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis are touted by many.
• Glucosamine sulfate has a positive effect on a variety of health problems, primarily those that involve the breakdown of synovial fluid, damage to muscles, tissues, and ligaments, inflammation of disc and sciatica nerve, and inflammation of joints associated with aging. When our lubricating synovial fluid becomes thin, its ability to cushion is reduced. Cartilage, bones, and tendons can rub against each other causing damage, loss of movement and pain. Especially excruciating pain results when discs in the spinal cord put pressure on the nerves because the synovial fluid is too thin. Glucosamine sulfate makes the synovial fluid thick and gelatinous increasing its cushioning ability, lessening the friction and pain.
• Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis is a chronic condition primarily of the weight bearing joints of the body. Almost half the population has some form of joint degeneration by age 60. It is also associated with certain occupations and sports such as ballet and football, or it can occur in a joint after an injury or fracture. "In OA the normally smooth cartilage becomes softened and dull. It begins to lose its elasticity, and its surface may become worn in spots. It also thins out, so it can’t absorb as much synovial fluid. Consequently, the bones move closer together, and the joint space narrows. Eventually the cartilage may grow so thin in spots that the bones begin to rub against each other." (David S. Pisetsky. The Duke University Medical Center Book of Arthritis. Fawcett Colombine Books. 1991.) Small pieces of bone and cartilage may become loose and get caught inside the joint or cause bony spikes that irritate the joint. As we age there is less ability to manufacture and restore cartilage. Symptoms of degenerative joint disease include stiffness, soreness when initiating movement, and varying degrees of pain, from minor to intense.

• Glucosamine sulfate is isolated from shellfish chitin and converted to glucosamine sulfate. Natural Factors glucosamine sulfate is 99% pure and should not be a problem for those allergic to shellfish.

• First reports in scientific literature were in the 1970s. In those early days it was glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) that was used.

• Researchers have found no contraindications for glucosamine sulfate.

• Yes. "Sulfa" short for sulfonamide refers to an old-fashioned antibiotic and has no connection whatsoever with the organic compound glucosamine sulfate. "It is impossible to be allergic to sulfur because sulfur is an essential mineral. The sulfate form of sulfur is present in relatively high concentrations in human blood." (Michael T. Murray, The Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Publishing. 1996.)

• A bit of chemistry here: glucosamine sulfate is produced by combining glucose with glutamine to form glucosamine through the action of the enzyme glucosamine synthetase. NAG is also produced this way. However, there is one more step: it is then acetylated to form n-acetyl glucosamine or NAG.

• Over 20 double-blind studies have been conducted on glucosamine sulfate. NAG has not been nearly as rigorously tested.  Glucosamine sulfate is a glucosamine molecule attached to a sulfur molecule. The sulfur molecule helps glucosamine metabolism. Glucosamine sulfate has a 98% absorption rate and when absorbed is distributed directly to join tissues. NAG, quite a different molecule, is not as easily absorbed and handled quite differently by the body. Glucosamine is a very small molecule compared to NAG.  It’s like swallowing a flaxseed versus a whole grapefruit. Glucosamine sulfate is the preferred form because the sulfur molecule helps to metabolize any extra glucosamine and it links to other sulfur molecules in the joints which increases cartilage strength.

• Most regular glucosamine sulfate products available contain between 8% and 12% sodium, and 12% chloride. Chloride can also be a problem for those with hypertension. (Percentages are by weight)

• By itself glucosamine sulfate is a safe, effective remedy for painful joints; however, it seems to be more effective when taken with chondroitin sulfate. Both substances work together to protect and rebuild cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate enhances the viscosity of synovial fluid, providing much needed lubrication, while chondroitin inhibits damaging enzymes and stimulates the transport of nutrients.

• 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 implications, especially when used to heal connective tissue. Glucosamine sulfate is a small and simple molecular building block used to repair damage cause by arthritis or to aid body builders and athletes with joint pain by helping to repair and lubricate the cartilage around damaged joints.

• The body absorbs glucosamine sulfate quickly and efficiently when ingested. It is found in seashells and high quality supplements of Glucosamine sulfate are available from Bodybuilding.com.

• According to convincing research, glucosamine sulfate may take a part in healing wounds as well as regenerating cartilage in joints. By providing joints with the essential raw materials, glucosamine sulfate can help rebuild cartilage and lessen joint pain. Research shows that it is absorbed into the body at a rate much more effective than other "joint-healers". 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, glucosamine sulfate works as a rebuilder of cartilage in humans.

• Not only can those who suffer from arthritis and joint pain benefit from glucosamine sulfate intake, but athletes and bodybuilders can greatly benefit as well. In fact, nearly everybody who trains with weights may have a tendency to overuse certain joints, and consequently, glucosamine can help to regain cushioning, protecting cartilage around joints. A deficiency has not been found to occur in humans.

• 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.