Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulfate is a naturally occurring amino sugar synthesized in the body from L-glutamine and glucose. Diabetics take note: Despite the shared "glucose" root; Glucosamine is not converted to glucose in the body. As a supplement, Glucosamine comes in several different forms of which the sulfated, hydrochloric acid (HCL), and N-acetylated (NAG) are commonly available. Amino sugars are the key components of larger compounds called glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins that allow cells in tissues to hold together. They are necessary for the construction and maintenance of virtually all connective tissues and lubricating fluids in the body. In particular, N-acetyl Glucosamine is the final form, which together with Glucuronic acid, are polymerized to make the joint lubricant, hyaluronic acid.

Derived from shellfish, the Japanese were the first to do extensive research on Glucosamine for 15 years and reported excellent joint health benefits. They found that glucosamine functions to assist with the ligaments, tendons, cartilage and damaged joints.

What Do You Look For?

Glucosamine comes in several forms, usually either in Glucosamine Sulfate form or as Glucosamine Hydrochloride. Both forms have been reported to work well, although most studies have been done with the sulfate form due to early availability.

Many studies have suggested that Glucosamine Sulfate is the most effective form of Glucosamine due to fact it is a smaller in molecular size and is more readily absorbed. Because the molecules are small and simple, they actually penetrate the cartilage, where they can help build the proteins that keep our cartilage strong and healthy. However, glucosamine HCL provides (slightly) more glucosamine per dose - so it is probably best to take both forms if possible.

A cheaper form of Glucosamine exists as 2KCL (or 2NaCl). These forms are lower quality, less potent forms of Glucosamine which are generally found in grocery stores or discounters. Try to stay away from this if the other forms of glucosamine are available because those two forms are simply a waste. You get what you pay for, but why skimp so much that you fail to get relief? Your joint health is worth it and compared to prescription drugs, glucosamine is far less expensive.

How Do You Take Them?

Taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate together have been shown to increase their individual effects. This is known as working synergistically. But if you decide to take either or both, take the amount that has been most commonly studied and found in most all of the leading products on the market today. For glucosamine, this amount is 1,500 mg per day. Try the supplements for ten to twelve weeks along with your currently prescribed medications. If you don't experience any difference in your symptoms within that time frame, you probably will not get any relief supplementing your diet with glucosamine sulfate. Some people get partial relief supplementing with glucosamine sulfate but still temporarily need their current medication to boost the beginning of relief. People with poor joint health, i.e. with a great deal of cartilage loss, probably will not achieve results supplementing their diet with glucosamine sulfate for at least a month, if not more. Some manufacturer's even offer a money back guarantee.

Because dietary supplements are not drugs, their quality and contents may vary widely. Be sure to choose a product sold from a company with a no questions asked return policy, and read and understand the product label ingredient list. Look out for a high quality product that is manufactured in a facility that has GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certifications. A product that fits all of the criteria above is called Flexicose. We (DTC Health, Inc., makers of high quality nutraceuticals, including Flexicose) distribute Flexicose all over the world and have a no questions asked return policy. Every batch of Flexicose is manufactured in a faciity with full GMP AND TGA certifications so you can be assured of quality and potency.

Are There Any Side Effects?

At higher dosages than are usually reccomended, some people report an increase in intestinal gas and softened stools. If you notice any unusual symptoms while taking glucosamine sulfate, be sure to consult your physician. Remember that supplements are not directly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore the quality stocked in stores may vary greatly. Find a quality manufacturer and look for products that have a proven track record.

A Word of Caution

People who need to be extra careful while supplementing their diet with Glucosamine Sulfate include:

• Children and pregnant women. There have been no studies done determine its effects on a child or on a developing fetus.
  
• Although there was initial concerns about glucosamine affecting glucose levels in the body (likely due to confusion over the name glucosamine being similar to glucose), there is little evidence that glucosamine actually raises blood sugar, diabetic or not. Glucosamine does not raise blood sugar by providing an additional source of glucose. However, many factors can affect insulin secretion and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, and individuals with diabetes check their blood glucose levels frequently (as usual) when initiating glucosamine into their regimen.
  
• If you are taking chondroitin sulfate in addition to a blood-thinning medication or daily aspirin therapy, have your blood clotting time checked more often. This supplement is similar in structure to the blood-thinning drug heparin, and the combination may cause bleeding in some people.
  
• If you are allergic to shellfish, consult your doctor before deciding to take glucosamine. In most cases, however, allergies are caused by proteins in shellfish, not chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted.
  
• High dosages of glucosamine (over 10,000 mg a day) may cause gastric problems, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and heartburn. Glucosamine should be taken with meals to help avoid these problems but it is rare that you would ever be directed take this much.

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