Glucosamine & Chondroitin Capsules

Osteo care - Glucosamine/Chondroitin
Health Article: Daily Mail:

There are two main types of arthritis, a painful inflammation of the tissues of the joints..

Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear between the cartilage and joints and is mostly felt in the knees, hips, spine and neck. Up to 85 per cent of elderly people have X ray proof of osteoarthritis. Pain killers, steroid injections and daily doses of anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the joints become swollen, inflamed and painful. It affects around two per cent of the population, and is thought to be an autoimmune disease - where the body's immune system turns on the body and attacks it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Aspirin may be prescribed to relieve the pain and stiffness, steroids and in some cases powerful medication to suppress the immune system may also be prescribed.

Our bones and joints are surrounded by connective tissues which give them support. This tissue is a thin jelly-like material made up of water and substances called mucopolysaccharides. One of the main mucopolysaccharides is a compound called chondroitin sulphate, one of the main ingredients of cartilage. Without chondroitin the cells that make cartilage are unable to keep it in good repair. As we age our cells make less chondroitin sulphate. Recent research shows that supplements of chondroitin sulphate can reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis. It is particularly recommended if your joints were heavily used in sport or athletics when you were younger, or if you have begun to notice wear and tear symptoms in your joints more recently.

Glucosamine is another nutritional supplement often taken to reduce the pain of arthritis. It is a form of amino sugar and is found naturally in the body. In supplement form it is extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells and helps rebuild damaged joints, tendons, cartilage and soft tissue.
 

Chondroitin and Glucosamine - joint mobility
Health Article: Daily Mail:

Glucosamine sulphate is an essential building block that enables the body to manufacture compounds called glycosaminoglycans (GAGS). These act as the framework for collagen to form around, and are a vital part of the skeletal structure. GAGS are also found in the fluids that lubricate joints and tendons, optic fluid, and in connective tissue.

It appears to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, improve mobility and reduce pain, and speed up healing in damaged joints. Chondroitin sulphate is chemically similar to glucosamine, except that it is only obtained from cartilage (many people prefer marine-sourced chondroitin to animal-sourced).

Chondroitin helps cartilage hold water, which maintains its elasticity and compressibility, and allows joint movement to remain fluid and flexible. It also helps cartilage to hold onto nutrients and allow other molecules to move through the tissue, which is an important function given that cartilage is not nourished by the blood supply.

Chondroitin, which is lost as cartilage erodes in arthritis-type disease, may promote healing of the bones and may also help to restore joint function in people with osteoarthritis.

Together, these two similar compounds may help a number of joint-related pain and mobility problems and assist the healing of sports injuries. Because glucosamine is a readily absorbed amino sugar, anyone with diabetic or blood sugar metabolism problems should consult their GP before taking.