Supporting Joint Comfort
Glucosamine sulfate is a glycoprotein and supports the flexibility and comfort of the body's tendons, ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid, mucus membranes, and structures in the eye, blood vessels, and heart valves. It also acts as an antinflammatory.
Glucosamine sulfate is used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and temporo-mandibular joint arthritis (TMJ). Glucosamine sulfate can significantly improve symptoms of pain in patients with osteoarthritis. In fact, glucosamine may actually slow joint degeneration in patients with osteoarthritis.
Interestingly, in a study comparing the effectiveness of glucosamine to ibuprofen for reducing knee pain, relief was higher for those taking ibuprofen in the first two weeks. However, glucosamine sulfate offered much better results than ibuprofen after 8 weeks of use! And, glucosamine sulfate at 1500 mg per day is better tolerated in many people than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen at 1200mg per day.
More recent studies have shown that glucosamine sulfate contributes to the expansion of joint space, and is thus therapeutic, not simply analgesic.
The Debate -- Glucosamine, Chondroitin, or Both?
In 13 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (six involving glucosamine sulfate alone and seven involving chondroitin sulfate), positive results emerged -- across the board -- for hip and knee osteoarthritis (about 40% improvement compared with placebo).
So, both supplements are quite valuable in supporting aging joints. However, some members are vegetarian and cannot take chondroitin, which is derived from shark and bovine cartilage. Others have experimented and found that they do well on less expensive glucosamine sulfate supplementation.
Listen Up - Veterinarians Often Recommend Glucosamine for Fido
Many of the larger breeds of dogs tend to suffer more from arthritis as they age. Veterinarians commonly recommend glucosamine for family pets. Glucosamine has shown terrific results -- without the side effects commonly associated with prescription drugs. Plus, glucosamine is a lot cheaper, and Co-op members, being a thrifty lot, can appreciate that!
