What is Chondroitin & Glucosamine sulfate?

Many forms of joint pain are directly related to a deficiency of healthy cartilage in the joints. The cartilage that lubricates and cushions the joints of the body experiences wear and tear on a daily basis. In healthy joints, wear and tear is repaired via a biological balancing process. In order to keep joints healthy, damaged cartilage is constantly being removed through the enzymatic deconstruction and replaced via new cartilage synthesis. This balance is crucial to good joint health.

As many people and animals age, their bodies progressively loose the ability to synthesize the glycosaminoglycans necessary to synthesize the new cartilage tissues needed to repair injuries and everyday wear and tear.

Durring times of stress (such as injury) or disease (i.e. certain forms of arthritis) the deconstructive enzymes in the joints may attack healthy cartilage or compete against new cartilage synthesis.

Where does it come from?

While Chondroitin Sulfate is found in the cartilaginous tissues of many invertebrates, the Chondroitin Sulfate utilized in health food supplements is usually derived from Cattle, Pigs, or Sharks.

What source is best?

When good quality materials are compared, it is believed that the source of the material has little to do with its effectiveness. Companies usually choose a material based upon varying economical, social and ethical standards.

For example, in markets where customers are especially sensitive to the issue of BSE - Mad Cow's Disease (such as certain European markets), a company may choose to utilize a shark material rather than one from a bovine source (cattle). On the other hand, Bovine material may be more appropriate for a customer that is interested in a material to satisfy a market that understands BSE and the precautions taken by companies such as IRMA Corporation to ensure product safety.

IRMA Corporation provides cartilage derived from several animal sources. Our representatives are prepared to answer questions regarding any other concerns and sensitivities that may arise.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a normal constituent of glycoaminoglycans in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid.

Available evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. It is believed that the sulfate moiety provides clinical benefit in the synovial fluid by strengthening cartilage and aiding glycosaminoglycan synthesis. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would mean that only the glucosamine sulfate form is effective and non-sulfated glucosamine forms are not effective. Glucosamine is commonly taken in combination with chondroitin, a glycosaminoglycan derived from articular cartilage. Use of complementary therapies, including glucosamine, is common in patients with osteoarthritis, and may allow for reduced doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

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