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Source Glucosamine is a precursor to both Chondroitin Sulfate (the major glycosaminoglycan in cartilage) as well as hyaluronic acid (the major glycosaminoglycan in synovial fluid). The cartilage of cows and even more obtainable from chickens is loaded with proteoglycans similar to Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Most chondroitin appears to be made from extracts of cartilaginous cow and pig tissues (cow trachea and pig ear and nose), but other sources such as shark, fish and bird cartilage are also used. Since chondroitin is not a uniform substance, and is naturally present in a wide variety of forms, the precise composition of each supplement will vary. Glucosamine is often supplied alone or is commonly mixed with other joint supporting ingredients such as chondroitin sulfate and bioflavonoids. Function; Reasons For Use Chondroitin Sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid). A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in variable positions and quantities. Understanding the functions of such diversity in chondroitin sulfate and related glycosaminoglycans is a major goal of glycobiology. In general, it is one the major building blocks of cartilage, bone and aorta tissues. Chondroitin sulfate readily interacts with proteins in the extracellular matrix due to its negative charges. NAG is also the precursor to mucin, one of the components lining the gut wall and other mucous membranes. This makes NAG an excellent ingredient for the support of the gut wall lining. When compared with ibuprofen, 1500mg/day of glucosamine was equal in reducing pain after 8 weeks. Chondroitin Sulfate has been supplied as a supplement to help in cases of osteoarthritis. Recent research has confirmed the use of oral Chondroitin Sulfate (1200mg/day) for knee, hip, and finger osteoarthritis. The use of NAG for osteoarthritis is only diminished by it's inability to be absorbed as well as pure glucosamine. |
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