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July 30, 2004
IN THIS ISSUE
New Study SHOWS Glucosamine and MSM AS COMBO BETTER AT Treating Osteoarthritis
Our fair members tend to be pretty well informed when it comes to joint support; however, just in case your doctors haven’t seen the latest research, here’s an update you may want to share on Glucosamine & MSM (studied both separately and in combination).
Here’s the scoop on the study published in “Clinical Drug Investigations.” A medical team - from the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in India -- divided 118 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee into four groups, which received one of the following treatments three times daily:
- Glucosamine, 500mg
- MSM, 500mg
- A combo of glucosamine & MSM (both 500mg)
- An inactive placebo
Interestingly, pain scores fell more with glucosamine alone than with MSM alone. However, the glucosamine/MSM combo was even more impressive, with faster effect on pain and inflammation compared to glucosamine alone.
OSTEOARTHRITIS OFTEN TREATED USING NSAIDs
To refresh, osteoarthritis is primarily a disorder of the cartilage (part of what cushions the ends of bones). Over time, cartilage breaks down causing bones to rub together, which leads to pain and loss of movement.
It is common for people with osteoarthritis to use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage their symptoms. However, NSAIDs are considered better at masking symptoms and may accelerate the long-term progression of osteoarthritis!
Also, in case you haven’t heard, NSAIDs have some adverse effects, specifically on the liver,the stomach, and the kidneys, especially forthose over 60.
Here is a recent article on NSAID use in women and associated liver injury: http://www.obgyn.net/newsheadlines/womens_health-Hepatology-20040726-64.asp
“CHONDROPROTECTION” AGENTS – INCLUDING GLUCOSAMINE & MSM
You may have heard some hype about “chondroprotection” products. Big word, I know. Chondroprotective agents are those that may prevent or retard the progression of cartilage breakdown and may also enhance joint repair processes.
Glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin are all considered chondroprotective agents.
GLUCOSAMINE – EITHER SULFATE OR HYDROCHLORIDE FORMS
Glucosamine is a simple molecule, which is easily absorbed and is composed of both glucose and an amine. The body manufactures glucosamine, but as you age, the process doesn’t usually work as well.
Glucosamine is typically administered in a salt form, either as glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride. The salt is cleaved off in the stomach during digestion, leaving behind the active ingredient, glucosamine.
Glucosamine is required for synthesis of certain carbohydrate-containing compounds found in cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Glucosamine also promotes the incorporation of sulfur into the cartilage, therefore protecting joint tissues.
MSM – OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE”
MSM –, is a stable organic form of sulfur. It is found in normal diets (primarily in fruits and veggies, but also algae, etc.). Since cartilage is made of polysaccharide molecules that are linked together in chains by disulfide bonds (two sulfur molecules), MSM is considered important in helping cartilage remain healthy and resilient.
Fast fact: MSM is considered to be one of the least toxic substances in biology, similar to the toxicity of water!
While the Indian research study used a combo of 500mg of glucosamine and 500mg of MSM, three times daily, we’ve had many members satisfied at lower levels. So let your body do the talking and, if you need to increase your dosage, know that these supplements are not only effective, but also well tolerated.
To learn more about our related joint comfort products, check out our Joint Complex, Glucosamine Sulfate, and MSM products (or to order for an aching friend, family member, or pet).
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser (The Enforcer) ^..^
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
931 Village Blvd, Suite 905-480
West Palm Beach FL 33409
“We do not stop laughing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop laughing!”