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Health4U Editorials |
| GLUCOSAMINE What is glucosamine? Glucosamine is a substance called an Amino sugar, these are not the sugars which are used for energy within the body but are components of carbohydrates that are incorporated into the structure of body tissues. Glucosamine is used in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bone, ligaments and heart valves. Glucosamine also has a role to play in mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. One of the primary physiological roles of glucosamine is in the joints where it stimulates the manufacture of glycosaminoglycans, key structural components of cartilage. Glucosamine also helps cartilage to absorb sulphur, helping collagen production, and slowing down the aging process. What is glucosamine useful for? The main use of glucosamine sulphate is in the treatment of osteoarthritis it is a safe and effective alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can also be useful in the treatment of asthma, bursitis, candidiasis, food allergies, osteoporosis, respiratory allergies, tendonitis, vaginitis and various skin problems. The two main types are: Glucosamine sulphate and Glucosamine HCL, they have very few side effects in comparison to NSAIDS, which can erode your digestive tract and cause internal bleeding and liver failure when taken over time or in people over the age of about 45 when your body is to not as capable to heal as effectively. Types of Because raw glucosamine is unstable by itself - it needs to be bound to the sulfate or HCL carrier in order to be stored for any period of time. BUT So if you have one of the KCl or NaCl forms of the sulfate when you think you are buying a quality product, you are actually getting 30% of your dose as ordinary table salt A good liquid brand should include glucosamine sulfate or HCL or both and other "synergistic" (effective in combination) ingredients as well. Glucosamine in tablet form has lower absorption capabilities. Some of the better formulas also contain chondroitin and MSM. Pills and capsules may cost less, and you get less absorption for your money. Liquids are fast - you do not even have to wait for them to dissolve. They start working as soon as you swallow Glucosamine sulphate has been shown to have a 98% abortion rate which can then be distributed to the connective tissues of joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.As people age they lose the ability to produce sufficient levels of glucosamine, a major factor leading to osteoarthritis. Signs and symptoms of deficiency. Osteoarthritis, substantial cartilage degeneration primarily of weight-bearing joints leads to cartilage hardening and large bony spurs at the joint edges these can cause pain and deformity reducing the joints range of motion. The onset can be subtle and often starts with morning stiffness, progresses to pain with movement, of the involved joint (most commonly the knees, hips and joints of the hands) and made worse by prolonged activity but eased with rest.Different types of Glucosamine There are different types of Glucosamine that are available these are sulphate, HCL, NAG. Some have NaCL (or KCl) (or if the ingredients list says potassium or salt after the sulfate), refer to unneeded and cheaper carrier molecules these can be up to 30% of the product's weightSulphate -v- NAG It has been suggested in scientific trials that the evidence for the absorption of the N-acetyleglucosamine (NAG) from is not as efficient as that of the glucosamine sulphate, and when it has been absorbed the ability of it to be used by the cartilage is less than that of glucosamine sulphate which has at lest twice the absorption and utilization of NAG. Sulphate-v- HCL (hydrochloride) Sulphur has been found to be an essential nutrient for joint tissue, from the 1930's it has been demonstrated that people with arthritis are often sulphur deficient, it is also essential for the production of chondrotin and kearatin sulphate which help to reduce the destruction of cartilage. These advantages of sulpur suggest that the lack of sulphate in the HCL from will not give these significant benefits. Glucosamine Sulphate -v- pain relief ( nerophen, asprin ) In clinical trial people on 1200mg of ibuprophen a day show a greater improvement of pain relief, the first 2 weeks, against those on 1500mg of glucosamine sulphate per day. However after 4 weeks those taking glucosamine sulphate showed a significant improvement, with greater pain relief, increased joint mobility and less side effects other trials have shown that the longer glucosamine sulphate is used the greater the benefits. There was no difference of side effect between the placebo and glucosamine sulphate within the studyThere is also some evidence that NSAIDs they may inhibit sulphur absorption and therefore reduce the natural repair of cartilage.Glucosamine Sulphate has a excellent safety record in human studies, as such it has been recommended by some experts as the preferred oral choice for long term use for rheumatic disorders. Side effects when they do appear are normally light to moderate problems like upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and indigestion. If these symptoms happen then the glucosamine sulphate should be taken with meals Sulphur sensitive Some people are “allergic to sulphur” this is normally in association to sulphur drugs or sulphate food additives. Sulphur is a essential mineral and the sulphate form of sulphur is present in human blood. As a result it is extremely well-tolerated by the body and no allergic reactions have been reportedDosage The standard dosage for glucosamine sulphate is 500mg 3 times a day. Larger individuals may need to modify this dosage based on body weight, 20mg per Kg body weight daily. If diuretics are taken again the dosage may need to be increased.
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| OSTEOPATHY... Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation |
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