What is
Glucosamine? Glucosamine is one of the major building blocks for
the body's natural synthesis of the critical lubricant and shock absorbers
necessary to restore and maintain healthy, pain free joint performance.
It is a precursor to the generation of glycosaminoglycans and makes up 50% of
the composition of hyaluronic acid, the natural lubricant found in synovial
fluid. Both of these are key components in the constituents of the cartilage
matrix.
How does it
work? By supplementing the glucosamine naturally present, the
body is able to facilitate the manufacture of collagen and proteoglycans
necessary for the restoration of healthy articular cartilage in injured joints
and the re-supply of lubricant in the synovial fluid.
What are the
benefits? Reduced pain, accelerated recovery and helps support
healthy joint and cartilage strength.
Why do I need
glucosamine? To maintain healthy cartilage, three things are
needed: water for lubrication and nourishment, proteoglycans to attract and hold
the water, and collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place. Glucosamine jump
starts the production of these key elements and then protect them. It actually
help the body to repair damaged or eroded cartilage. In other words, it
strengthens your body's natural repair mechanisms. As we age, our bodies may not
be able to keep up with our active lifestyles and produce the amount of
glucosamine needed to repair damaged joint and ligaments. It does not seem to
matter if glucosamine is manufactured by the body or comes from supplementation.
Supplemental glucosamine acts just like the glucosamine found naturally in our
cartilage. The source is not an issue; it just needs to be present.
