Glucosamine and MSM 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. MSM
is a source of biological sulfur, which is a
major component in many of the body’s
proteins, tissues, hormones and enzymes.
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.
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.
Glucosamine and MSM, 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.
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.
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is a
nutritional form of sulfur. MSM acts as a
transport molecule for elemental sulfur,
which is required for the amino acids:
methionine and cysteine. Amino acids are the
building blocks of protein. Proteins are
required for growth and repair and are
involved in; the formation of healthy
connective tissues, joint function, proper
enzyme activity and hormone balance, along
with the proper function of the immune
system. MSM has very important roles in the
body because of its close relationship with
proteins.
MSM is useful for relieving inflammation
and pain in joints that are associated with
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle
pain, fatigue and back pain. MSM relieves
inflammation and pain by helping to equalize
cell pressure. |
