Glucosamine HCL (Vegetarian)

Brand

Solgar

Size

60 Capsules

Common Uses

Those who may benefit from taking glucosamine include anyone suffering from an arthritic condition, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as anyone recovering from an injury, after an operation and during recuperation, sciatica and disc problems. It can also be useful for athletes as a preventive in case of overuse of joints, heavy lifting and because of the repetitive nature of some sports. Early trials used glucosamine for inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel.

Suggested Dosage

As a food supplement for adults, 1 or 2 tablets daily, preferably at mealtimes, or as directed by a health care professional.

Health Information

The uses of Glucosamine Considerable media attention has been focused on this natural product to help with the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Doctors often recommend aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID'S), but these usually create serious side effects and only offer short-term symptom relief. Glucosamine was trialed in Europe in the 1980's and was found to be more effective in reducing joint pain, joint tenderness and joint swelling. Joint function and physical performance always improved. Findings were observed after 4 to 10 weeks of Glucosamine administration. In these studies, 1500 mg per day was used. The results were so convincing that Glucosamine has become a first line treatment for osteoarthritis in several European countries. What is Glucosamine and how does it work? Glucosamine is classified as an amino sugar and is incorporated into the structure of body tissues, rather than being used as an energy source. Glucosamine is thus involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. It also plays a role in the mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. To understand the mechanism of Glucosamine action, we need to look at the biochemistry of the connective tissue that makes up our ligaments, cartilage, tendons and spinal discs. There are 2 main components of these tissues. The first is collagen. The second is a long chain made up mainly of sugars, called glucosaminoglycans (GAG's). These GAG's are the tissue framework that collagen holds onto.

Collagen and GAG's together continuously construct and reconstruct our tendons and ligaments. This is where glucosamine comes in. Glucosamine is the major precursor of GAG's. But even more importantly, the making of glucosamine from glucose and glutamine is our body's "rate-limiting" step in remodelling our connective tissue. Following connective tissue injury, such as a cartilage tear, this limit does not allow the body to make sufficient glucosamine for optimal healing.

As we age, the body's ability to convert glucose and glutamine to glucosamine declines because of reductions in the level of the converting enzyme glucosamine synthetase. This is where taking a glucosamine supplement comes in. Taking a glucosamine supplement can increase GAG levels by up to 170%. Who would benefit from taking Glucosamine? Anyone suffering from an arthritic condition, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as anyone recovering from an injury, after an operation and during recuperation, sciatica and disc problems. It can also be useful for athletes as a preventive in case of overuse of joints, heavy lifting and because of the repetitive nature of some sports. Early trials used glucosamine for inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel.

Ingredients

Each 1 tablet provides Vegetable Glucosamine Hydrochloride 1000mg. Bulking agent: microcrystalline cellulose, Cellulose gum, Anticaking agents: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, Vegetable glycerine.

Safety Information

Keep out of reach of Children.