Health Quest

Back to List of Patient Handouts Print Friendly Version

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate

Description

Glucosamine Sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are superb products for their action in supporting healthy bone and connective tissue.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Osteoarthritis - Tissue and joint pain - Injury

Clinical Applications/Research

Glucosamine

Glucosamine sulfate (GS) is a fairly simple structure of glucose, an amine, and sulphur. GS provides the joints with the building blocks they need to repair damage to the cartilage. GS provides the raw material needed to manufacture glycosaminoglycans, a mucopolysaccharide found in cartilage. GS is found in high amounts in the joints, and a placebo-controlled, double-blind investigation reported that it affords some protection against destruction of the joints, such as in osteoarthritis (Drovanti, A. et al. Clin Ther. 1980; 3(4):260). Cartilage that was synthesized without GS contained few normal-sized chondroitin sulfate chains and only about half of the normal serine residues. Subsequent addition of GS resulted in a time-dependent recovery of sulfate incorporation after 2 hours, however the chondroitin sulfate chains were restored to normal size within 15 minutes. Glucosamine sulfate is, “required for optimal glycoconjugate synthesis” (Biochem J. 1991;273(Pt 2):283-8). Glucosamine sulfate is stabilized with one of two mineral salts: potassium chloride (KCl) or sodium chloride (NaCl). Both forms appear to be effective in stabilizing GS, but KCl is the preferred source since the Western diet is much higher in sodium and does not contain enough potassium. Dietary sources of glucosamine sulfate are not found in most diets, since GS is mainly derived from seashells.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfates are very important glycosaminoglycans (glucose/amino acid structures) that are made from animal cartilage tissue (bovine, shark or whale). Cartilage acts like a sponge between the ends of bones. Cartilage soaks up synovial fluid when the joint is resting and “squeezes” out this fluid when in motion. Cartilage has no blood vessels, nerves or lymph channels. The cartilage matrix is made up of water, collagen, proteoglycans and chondrocytes. Glycosaminoglycans make up part of the proteoglycans, which are protein and sugars that weave through collagen (the "shock absorbers" of the joints) and make a strong “netting” inside the cartilage so that the cartilage can stretch and move with ease. Chondroitin sulfates have been shown to halt the "destructive enzymes" made by the chondrocytes that "eat up" the old collagen and proteoglycans, and they also increase cartilage production. Chondroitin sulfate attracts fluid into the proteoglycan molecule, which carries nutrients into the cartilage and enhances the "shock absorbant abilities" of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is found mainly in animal tissue. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are believed to work together synergistically. Chondroitin sulfate is listed as an antihyperlipoproteinemic (cholesterol-lowering agent) (Merck Index, p. 2217), and in the amount of 1-3 grams daily, “can help lower cholesterol” (Int Med Res 1978;6:217, as cited in: Wright, Jonathan V. M.D. Healing with Nutrition. 1990. Keats Publishing, Inc. New Canaan, Conn. p. 569). Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to restore joint mobility in people with osteoarthritis (Kerzberg, EM, etal. Combination of glycosaminoglycans and acetylsalicylic acid in knee osteoarthritis. Scand J Rheum 1987; 16:377).

Contraindications/Toxicology

None known.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

Back to List of Patient Handouts Print Friendly Version