Fwd: What is So Important about Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

[Guest guest]

FriendsForHealthNaturally, " mrsjoguest " <joguest@m...>

wrote:

What Is So Important About Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

by Dr. Douglas McFarland, M.D.

 

 

Glucosamine and chondroitin are the unique " building block " molecules

found in the cartilage of joints. Cartilage provides cushioning in

the joints, like a spring, softening the damaging, harsh jolts to

each joint with exercise or just everyday activities. Glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfate are also building blocks of synovial fluid, which

lubricates the joint like oil. Excessive wear and tear on the joint

causes damage and loss of this cartilage cushion and synovial

lubricant. Over the years, this constant trauma to the joint leads to

osteoarthrits and chronic pain.

 

The exact way these substances work in the joint is not completely

known. Animal studies have shown that when chondroitin is taken

orally, it accumulates in the joint, and may neutralize destructive

enzymes that would otherwise cause cartilage damage.1 Laboratory

tests dating back to the 1950's showed that glucosamine sulfate

stimulated cartilage production in special cells found in joints.

Some researchers believe that glucosamine is effective only in the

sulfate form, due to the importance of sulfur in the production of

normal connective tissue.2

 

Although the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for

animal joint problems had been known for many years, Dr. Jason

Theodasakis' book The Arthritis Cure forced the medical community to

investigate their use in people. Since that time, many studies have

shown they work in humans too!

 

In the most recent study of these two substances, researchers from

the Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, reviewed

fifteen human studies on the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for

joints.3 The results of this meta-analysis showed a significant

improvement in joint pain for patients using either substance. Each

underlying individual study also showed them to be extremely safe,

with almost no side-effects. The range of doses were 500 to 1,500 mg

of glucosamine and 800 to 1,200 mg of chondroitin daily in the

sulfate form. A second meta-analysis of the effects of chondroitin on

arthritis by Leeb, was similarly positive.4 In both studies, reliable

benefits took 4 to 8 weeks to occur.

 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is currently sponsoring a

large study on these two substances. Their data will likely confirm

what almost 30 previous studies have shown, that glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfate help reduce arthritis pain and may even promote

cartilage regrowth.

 

1 Ronca F, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate.

Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998;6(Suppl A):14-21.

2 Kelly GS. The role of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates

in the treatment of degenerative joint disease. Alt Med Rev 1998;3

(1):27-39.

3 McAlindon T, et al. Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Treatment of

Osteoarthritis. JAMA 2000;283:1469-75.

4 Leeb B, et al. A meta-analysis of chondroitin sulfate in the

treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 2000;27:205-211.

--- End forwarded message ---

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 04/04/02 13:24:12 Pacific Daylight Time,

joguest writes:

 

 

> What Is So Important About Glucosamine and Chondroitin

 

JoAnn, was it you who informed me that I could not take Glucosomine with my

health problems? I lost a few articles unfortunately and believe that one

was among them.

Thanks a lot.

Marianne

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

The info on Glucosamine and Chondrotin is full of confusion.

I've heard that Chondroitin is of no value against the health problems for

which it's commonly used.

The same source said that it was the Glucosamine that had value.

Recently, however, I read that Glucosamine is pure hype, and that the

molecule is too large to be absorbed anyway.

I didn't keep references for all of this. I wish I had.

John P

-

<marianne2406

 

Friday, April 12, 2002 12:11 PM

Re: Fwd: What is So Important about Glucosamine and

Chondroitin?

 

 

> In a message dated 04/04/02 13:24:12 Pacific Daylight Time,

> joguest writes:

>

>

> > What Is So Important About Glucosamine and Chondroitin

>

> JoAnn, was it you who informed me that I could not take Glucosomine with

my

> health problems? I lost a few articles unfortunately and believe that one

> was among them.

> Thanks a lot.

> Marianne

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

---Good Evening Marianne--

If I remember correctly you were diagnosed with extreme arterial

blockages, gallstones and high blood pressure. To my knowledge there

are no contraindications concerning these particular health issues.

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin have been helpful for those

who are afflicted with arthritis and/or joint problems. You may email

me privately if you wish to have this particular article resent.

Cheers!

 

JoAnn Guest

joguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.html

 

marianne2406@a... wrote:

> In a message dated 04/04/02 13:24:12 Pacific Daylight Time,

> joguest@m... writes:

>

>

> > What Is So Important About Glucosamine and Chondroitin

>

> JoAnn, was it you who informed me that I could not take Glucosomine

with my

> health problems? I lost a few articles unfortunately and believe

that one

> was among them.

> Thanks a lot.

> Marianne

>

>

>