As we age, glucosamine levels in cartilage decline and the potential for debilitating problems like osteoarthritis become a greater concern. Glucosamine sulfate, a natural amino sugar, contains substances called glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. ...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
As we age, glucosamine levels in cartilage decline and the potential for debilitating problems like osteoarthritis become a greater concern. Glucosamine sulfate, a natural amino sugar, contains substances called glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. These substances are vital building blocks and necessary for the healthy maintenace of the connective tissue (tones, tendons, ligaments, mucous membranes, etc.) in our bodies.
The bulk of reserach surrounding glucosamine sulfate focuses on its benefits for osteoarthritis. Many studies have shown that glucosamine sulfate, while effective on its own, is more effect when combined with chondroitin sulfate. A 2004 study based out of India demonstrated how a combination of glucosamine sulfate plus MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) was more effective together than either nutrient was on its own. This study involved 118 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Studies invloving the blend of all three ingredients have yet to be published, but, as all three have outperformed the placebos significantly in clinical trials (especially in combinations of two), it stands to reason that the efficacy of the three together would be the greatest.
Both glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrocholride seem to be equally effective; while some health authorities point to the improved bioavailability of the hydrochloride form, most of the studies have used the sulfate form. Obviously, for anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to the sulfate form, glucosamine hydrochloride is an option.
There have not been any reports of serious side effects with glucosamine sulfate and all signs indicate that it can be taken safely for months or years (conversely, NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding). The supplement takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months before beneficial effects are noticed, but once it begins to work, glucosamine may allow for a reduction (or even elimination) in levels of NSAID dosages. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are unsure how to proceed.
It is important to note that there is still much disagreement as far as an ideal dosage goes simply because research has not determined an ideal dosage. As with most supplements (vitamins and minerals excluded), there are not rigid requirements for dosages, and the ranges are typically much greater than those of pharmaceutical products.
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Directions
Adults: Take two caplets daily with water or as directed by a health care practitioner.
Cautions
Not recommended for those on potassium-reduced diets, especially those with severe renal disease.
Also, not recommended for those having adverse reactions to sulfate.
Do not use if you have shellfish allergies, pregnant or breast-feeding.
Consult a health care practitioner if you experience gastrointestinal pain, bowel movement disturbances or if you have diabetes. Discontinue use if allergic reaction occurs.
Label Information
This product contains no artificial preservatives, color, milk, soya, corn, wheat or yeast.
Additional Information
Swiss Herbal products are an exclusive line of premium quality, natural source vitamins, minerals and supplements as well as herbs, cosmetics and herbal remedies. All products are prepared to the highest standards of quality control, from raw materials right through the entire manufacturing process. Samples are sent to independent laboratories to verify that these high standards are met or surpassed for purity, potency, stability and freshness.
All Swiss Herbal products are packed in tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade& recyclable containers.
All vitamins and supplements are guaranteed for purity, potency and stability for up to three years.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
