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Glucosamine Sulphate
DESCRIPTION
Glucosamine sulphate is a Sulphur containing amino sugar.
Whilst many forms of this substance exist, a vast quantity
of research supports the use of glucosamine sulphate alone.
Glucosamine sulphate is well recognised for its uses in the
management of osteo- and rheumatoid Arthritis, inflamed joints
and discs, tendons, ligaments, muscles and damaged tissues.
FUNCTIONS
Glucosamine sulphate occurs
naturally in the connective tissue and cartilage where it
contributes to the mobility, strength and integrity of joint
structures. It is also located in the muscles, tendons, ligaments,
spinal discs and heart valves.
Glucosamine sulphate stimulates
the cells that are involved in the production of bone and
cartilage.
Glucosamine is fundamental
in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are responsible
for producing the framework on which collagen is built and
for protecting against the breakdown of cartilage. The major
glycosaminoglycans derived from glucosamine include hyaluronate,
chondroitin sulphate, heparin and keratan sulphate (1). Glucosamine
sulphate also helps to thicken the lubricating synovial fluid
that cushions and supports the joints.
The sulphated form of glucosamine
is recommended in preference to other forms (such as N-acetyl-glucosamine
and glucosamine hydroChloride ) as the Sulphur helps in the
metabolism of glucosamine and its incorporation into the body.
Additionally, glucosamine sulphate is a smaller molecule than
other glucosamine derivatives and is, therefore, easier to
absorb.
Studies show that between
90 and 98% of an oral dose of glucosamine sulphate is absorbed.
However, detailed absorption studies on the other forms of
glucosamine do not exist.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
500-1500 mg daily.
For osteoarthritis, 1500mg
of glucosamine sulphate is recommended for 8 weeks.
Daily intakes for health
maintenance are 500mg.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Glucosamine sulphate is
used primarily to maintain the health of the joints. The amino
sugar helps to thicken the lubricating synovial fluid that
cushions and supports the joints, helping to build and rebuild
cartilage.
Arthritis:
Investigations have shown that glucosamine sulphate is an
effective therapy for the management of Arthritis. Patients
taking 1500mg of glucosamine sulphate daily have experienced
partial or even full recovery from the symptoms of osteoarthritis
after just 8 weeks of supplementation (2). Glucosamine works
by helping to rebuild damaged cartilage and increase the thickness
of the synovial fluid. Arthritic patients noted a positive
effect on joint mobility (increased elasticity). Pain and
Inflammation of the joints has also been relieved using daily
intakes of glucosamine sulphate (3).
Wound Healing:
The availability of glucosamine is rate- limiting in the production
of hyaluronic acid (HA). Administration of glucosamine by
mouth after surgery or trauma enhances the HA production in
the Wound, thereby promoting swifter healing and possibly
diminishing complications related to scarring (4).
Crohn’s Disease
and Colitis:
Glucosamine forms part of the rate- limiting enzyme needed
for the synthesis of glycoproteins in the gastrointestinal
tract. Activity of the enzyme has been shown to vary in those
with Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis (5,6). The
mechanism by which this process occurs is not known, although
it is thought that alterations in the levels of glucosamine
may affect the structure of the mucosal membrane. However,
the use of supplements containing glucosamine for these conditions
requires further studies.
SAFETY
Glucosamine sulphate can
be taken safely on a long-term basis at levels up to 1500mg
daily.
Mild side effects have been
noted in some studies, including nausea, Heartburn and Headaches.
However, many of these side effects were noted in elderly
patients which may have been related to pre-existing gastrointestinal
disorders and their treatments.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Diabetics should consult
a doctor before taking glucosamine sulphate and should monitor
blood sugar levels if taking glcosamine.
N.B. Glucosamine sulphate
has been shown to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS) in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
REFERENCES
1. "Biochemistry",
L Stryer, Freeman, 1995.
2. Pujalte JM, Llavore EP, Ylescupidez FR. Double-blind clinical
evaluation of oral glucosamine sulphate in the basic treatment
of osteoarthrosis. Curr Med Res Opin, 7:110-114 1980.
3. McCarty MF. The neglect of glucosamine as at treatment
for osteoarthritis - a personal perspective. Med Hypotheses,
42;5:323-327 1994.
4. McCarty MF. Glucosamine for wound healing. Med Hypotheses,
47;4:273-275 1996.
5. Winslet MC, et al. Mucosal glucosamine synthetase activity
in inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis Sci, 39;3:540-544 1994.
6. Winslet MC, et al. Faecal diversion for Crohn's colitis:
a model to study the role of the faecal stream in the inflammatory
process. Gut, 35;2:236-242 1994.
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