When researchers examined the cartilage of glucosamine-treated patients who had recovered significant joint function, they found that their previously damaged cartilage had actually regenerated, producing near replicas of healthy cartilage.

The current excitement surrounding glucosamine was precipitated by the book, The Arthritis Cure, by Dr. Jason Theodosakis. This book’s recent rise to number one on the New York Times Bestseller’s list is not surprising. It is well written and approaches the problems of arthritis from several angles.

Glucosamine is a compound widely studied in Europe over the last twenty years as a chondro-protective agent. Chondrocytes are specialised cells found throughout the cartilage matrix, where they produce collagen and proteoglycans (one of the main components of cartilage). Glucosamine is one of the best products in recent years to have caught the attention of health clinicians. This article will cover some of the basics of glucosamine metabolism in the body.

What are Glucosamines?

Glucosamines are chemically classified as amino sugars, which are molecules synthesised from sugars and amino acids. Most amino sugars found in our body are obtained by internal production. In the case of glucosamine, the enzyme glucosamine synthetase combines glucose and glutamine to form glucosamine. Amino sugars are also commonly called proteoglycans.

Unfortunately, people in various injured or diseased states often have difficulty manufacturing enough amino sugars. A young athlete under connective tissue stress or an older osteo-arthritic person will both have higher turnover rates of amino sugars. Thus, they may not be producing enough amino sugars to replace those which are lost. For these types of situations, supplementation with glucosamine would be an ideal way to compensate for lowered glucosamine levels.

Glucosamine sulphate has been studied since the 1970s in Europe. Some of the clinical trials have been nothing short of astounding. The amounts of glucosamine sulphate used varied from study to study. In one clinical trial conducted in Portugal, the dose of 1.5 grams per day ,(500mg, 3 times per day), offered good results in reducing pain in the 1,208 patients involved.

The study was published in the medical journal Pharmatherapeutica. Glucosamine sulphate has even been compared to the powerful pain reliever ibuprofen commonly known as Motrin, Advil, Nurofen, etc. In one eight week, double-blind study, published in Current Medical Research Opinion, 1.5 grams of glucosamine sulphate was compared to 1.2 grams of ibuprofen. Researchers noted that although ibuprofen offered the faster pain relief, the glucosamine sulphate showed the greater overall pain reduction at the end of the study.

Dozens of other clinical trials have continued to confirm the amazing efficacy of glucosamine sulphate. Studies have shown that glucosamine contributes to the production of collagen and helps normalise cartilage metabolism. This can keep your joint wearing, even when you put excess stress on these areas.

Glucosamines and Blood Sugar. Some diabetics may wonder if glucosamine contains any glucose. Fortunately, glucosamines have no effect on circulating blood sugar levels. Although part of the glucosamine originates from simple sugars, it does not have the same effects as sugars.

As such, glucosamines contain no appreciable calories. Enough studies so far have demonstrated the benefits of glucosamines. Don’t wait for arthritis, rheumatism, and osteosteoporosis to take hold. Head it off before it starts and take glucosamine sulphate daily.

References:

1. DrovantiA, Bigna mini AA, Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulphate in osteoanflritis. A placebo con trotted double-blind investigation.

Clinical Therapeutics. 1980,2:260-272.

2. Theodosakis J Adderty B, Fox B. The Arthritis Cure. New York, St Madin’s Press, 1997.

3. Crolle C, D’Este E. Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: A controlled clinical investigation. Cur Med Res Opin. 1980, 17:104-109

4. Var AL. Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee in out-patients. Curr Med Res Opin. 1982 8:145-149.

The Healthy Living Guide

The combination of Glucosamine Sulphate and MSM is thought to be a valuable aid for arthritis and general pain relief. See also Chaparral.

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