Glucosamine Sulphate

The main component of ligaments, tendons, cartilages and spinal discs is collagen, which is the most abundant protein found in mammals, with its purpose being to actually connect cells together.  The name collagen is derived from Greek, and means to ‘produce glue’. 

The tissues mentioned above are also rich in proteoglycans, which are 95% glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) and 5% protein.  These GAGs act as a framework for collagen to model onto, and consequently are responsible with collagen for continuously building and rebuilding ligaments, tendons, cartilages and spinal discs.  The major precursor in GAG production is glucosamine, which is the rate-limiting step and hence supplementation, especially after tissue injury, helps the body to speed up synthesis of GAGs and consequently new connective tissue.

The Benefits of Glucosamine

Joints – has helped a number of joint related problems including degeneration, swelling, inflammation, sciatica, recuperation from operations or injuries, osteoarthritis and slipped discs.

Eyes – has helped in the condition uveitis, which is an inflammatory disease of the iris and focusing muscle.  It is also useful in preventing changes in the vitreous humour (substance within the eye) and thus protecting the retina from release.

Properties

Glucosamine is an essential precursor of the GAG hyaluronic acid, which is found in synovial fluids (lubricant in joints and tendon sheaths), vitreous humour and loose connective tissue.

Suggestions for Use
More recent research suggests starting off with a higher dose of Glucosamine - a general rule of thumbe is 6 x 500mg i.e. 3000mg per day for 2 weeks. Most people will find a benefit within this period of time. Then you can reduce this dosage to a level where you can still feel the benefits. Please note that this level varies from individual to individual.
Some people find 1 or 2 capsules of 500mg per day is sufficient, other people have to keep on higher doses to feel the benefits, other report that they need to increase their intake on and off but generally keep on a low maintenance level.

Different Qualities of Glucosamine
There are different qualities of Glucosamine available by different manufacturers. There are a lot of cheap Glucosamine products available. It is important to make sure that you buy Salt-Free Glucosamine, as cheaper types of Glucosamine are not only not as effective but also taking in additional salt into the body is detrimental to the health.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Glucosamine is a readily absorbed sugar which quickly enters the bloodstream, and it is therefore recommended that anyone who needs to monitor blood sugar levels ((e.g. diabetics) are made aware of this fact.

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