Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are
substances found naturally in the body.
Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is
believed to play a role in cartilage
formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is
part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan)
that gives cartilage elasticity.Increased
activity/exercise, damages to the body and
degenerative diseases may overcome the rate
at which they are produced and used
affecting the production of proteoglycans.
Also, as we get older, the production of
glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate by the
body tapers. This in turn decreases synovial
fluid that cushions and prevents the joints
from rubbing together. Cartilage can begin
to deteriorate and weaken (less collagen)
producing damage, stiffness and pain.
Osteoarthritis is associated with a
breakdown of cartilage in joints and
commonly occurs in the hips, knees and
spine. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is
significant wearing of the articular
cartilage of the joint. Articular cartilage
is the cushioning substance on the ends of
bones and consists of glycosaminoglycans.
This substance is very viscoelastic and
works well as a cushion. As the articular
cartilage is worn down, swelling and pain
occur due to inflammation.
Chondroitin and glucosamine, as dietary
supplements, are used together to help ease
the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine
is an amino sugar normally produced in the
human body. It is necessary for the
construction and repair of connective tissue
and healthy joint cartilage. Cartilage is
the protein part of the fibrous substance
that holds the joints. It is also used in
the formation of tendons, membranes, bones
and other tissues. Glucosamine is a major
building block of proteoglycans and is
needed to make glycosaminoglycans: proteins
that bind water in the cartilage matrix.
Each person produces a certain amount of
glucosamine but age affects the body’s
ability to produce enough. An insufficient
supply of glucosamine restricts the
efficiency of cartilage rebuilding and can
delay repair of cartilage and other
connective tissues. Regular intake of
glucosamine has been shown to slow
Osteoarthritis progression by halting joint
space narrowing and so maintain the health
and mobility of the affected joints.
Chondroitin sulfate also occurs naturally
in the body. Like glucosamine, chondroitin
is a building block of proteoglycans: large
protein molecules that give cartilage
elasticity. Chondroitin sulfate acts by
attracting fluid into the proteoglycan
molecules. This synovial fluid also acts as
a shock absorber and lubricates the joints.
Chondroitin sulfate also stimulates collagen
production, an ingredient that forms part of
the cushioning structure at the ends of the
joints.
Oral administration of chondroitin also
prompts a significant increase in hyaluronic
acid, a major component of synovial fluid:
the lubricating fluid in joints. Like
glucosamine, chondroitin is a natural amino
sugar already present in the body, but not
always in sufficient quantity for joint
health and repair. |
