Glucosamine Sulfate And Joint Health
Glucosamine sulfate is an organic compound naturally occurring in healthy cartilage, and supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish in general. While it is often associated with alternative medicine, supplementation of glucosamine salts in treatment of joint pains is widely accepted. It is a well established fact that it is a biological precursor of glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, which is a major constituent of glycosylated proteins, such as proteoglycans found in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. As such, it is commercially touted to restore joint cartilage and maintain connective tissues.
Glucosamine sulfate is sometimes simply shortened into glucosamine, but most of the studies point to the medicinal potential of the sulfated form. It is considered the best selling dietary supplement that is neither a vitamin nor a mineral in the US. It is one of the chemical compounds in use as supplements today that have been studied for over a century, with its first preparation completed in the latter half of the 19th century. Apart from the growing body of literature devoted to its health benefits, its popularity is largely attributable to overwhelming anecdotal evidence. Effects vary from person to person but have been reported to take place as early as weeks into regular supplementation.
Contributes to the Upkeep of Connective Tissues
Connective tissues make up most of the skin and the cartilage. The extracellular matrix present in the cartilage of joints is composed of dense connective tissues that bind to carbohydrates and water to create its cushioning effect. This is the reason why glycosaminoglycans are more often than not utilized by the body in the production of this dense connective tissue, which is usually proteoglycans. Glucosamine sulfate is an amino sugar, or sugar that contains nitrogen, which is indispensable to the metabolic pathways implicated in the formation of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and glycolipids. Hence, it is directly involved in the formation of connective tissues.
Glucosamine Feeds The Joints
Provides Glycosylated Proteins to Joints
Glycosylated proteins or glycoproteins, being the connective tissues found in the extracellular matrix of joints, are present in abundance in healthy joints. The joints are considered filler substances in that they don’t really get direct nourishment by way of the blood vessels, and instead rely on the extracellular matrix for maintenance. While osteoarthritis is considered a direct result of daily wear and tear, there is scientific consensus that depleting levels of glycosylated proteins in the employ of the extracellular matrix leads to degenerative diseases of the joints. Glycosamine sulfate works on the principle of restoring cartilage health by providing the biological precursors needed for the synthesis of proteogylcans.
Works with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
Glycosamine sulfate has long been used in conjunction with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, which are reputed for reducing inflammation in most cases of arthritis. Not surprisingly, the use of glycosamine sulfate has allowed for reduced doses of NSAIDs, which means it aids against the pain and swelling characteristic of arthritis. While more studies are needed, preliminary results support earlier claim that it is far superior to placebo.
Glucosamine Sulfate
If you are seeking releif from Join pain, give Glucosamine Sulfate a try!