Glucosamine Sulfate

2. Who should not use Glucosamine Sulfate? Glucosamine sulfate has an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women.

3. If I am diabetic, can I take glucosamine sulfate? Yes. Although glucosamine is comprised of a sugar molecule, diabetics can still take the supplement without experiencing any adverse effects.

4. If I am allergic to sulfites, can I take glucosamine sulfate? Yes. Oftentimes, people confuse sulfites with sulfate. Sulfites are used as a preservative in some foods and can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals (e.g., dried apricots are preserved with sulfites). Sulfur is a natural, organic compound that is an essential element used by the body. Sulfate is a form of this organic sulfur and is safe, and readily used by the body.

5. If I am allergic to shellfish, can I take glucosamine sulfate? Possibly. The risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low because shellfish allergies are caused by proteins in the shellfish – and glucosamine comes from chitin, a substance in the shells (lobster, shrimp and crab). To be safe, if you develop symptoms such as hives after taking glucosamine, stop taking the supplement.

6. What is the primary benefit of using glucosamine sulfate? Like bones, and other tissue, cartilage is constantly being repaired, maintained and broken down. While our bodies are designed to handle this process, as we age it becomes less efficient.

7. What makes VitaMedica’s Glucosamine Sulfate product unique? VitaMedica’s Glucosamine Sulfate is manufactured in a facility that is licensed to produce pharmaceuticals. For this reason, the finished product must pass rigorous tests to ensure product quality. In short, this ensures that you are receiving the specified ingredient at the specified dosing. By not including other expensive ingredients like chondroiten in the formula because studies have not demonstrated that these provide benefit for osteoarthritis. VitaMedica’s Glucosamine Sulfate is provided in an easy to swallow 750 mg capsule. The formulation requires just 2 capsules a day to obtain the benefits which have been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies.

8. What is glucosamine sulfate? Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that plays an important role in joint health. Glucosamine is a simple molecule composed of glucose and an amine (nitrogen + two molecules of hydrogen) that is manufactured by the body. There are no food sources of glucosamine. Commercially available sources of glucosamine are derived from chitin (shells of certain shell fish such as crab, lobster and shrimp).

9. What role does glucosamine sulfate play in joint health? Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that plays an important role in joint health. Its physiological function on joints is to stimulate the manufacture of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are key structural components of cartilage. Glucosamine also promotes the incorporation of sulfur into cartilage. Glucosamine also stimulates the manufacture of substances necessary for proper joint function. Glucosamine helps bind water in the cartilage, providing greater shock absorption.

10. Are other forms of glucosamine better than the sulfate form? Not based on the current research. Some nutritional supplements use different forms of glucosamine including the hydrochloride and the N-acetyl form (NAG). Of the three forms, only the sulfate form has been shown, in a number of well-designed studies (placebo controlled, double blind), to improve joint function. Glucosamine sulfate also provides the additional benefit of sulfur, which is an important nutrient for proper joint function.

11. Should I take a product that includes chondroitin & shark cartilage? Studies do not support taking these nutrients for joint health. A number of products on the market such as chondroitin sulfate, sea cucumber, green-lipped mussel and shark cartilage are used to improve cartilage function. These products are not as effective because their GAG molecules are considerably larger than glucosamine sulfate (250x) and as a result, are more difficult to be absorbed and used by the body. Glucosamine sulfate is between 90-98% absorbable versus 0-13% for chondroitin sulfate. Once absorbed, glucosamine sulfate helps stimulate the manufacture of chondroitin sulfate and other mucopolysacccharides. Another reason for not using chondroitin, is that it adds to the cost of a product. Chondroitin is extracted from the windpipes of cattle, which is more expensive than glucosamine which is made from a substance in the shells of crab, lobster and shrimp.

12. What is the recommended dosing for Glucosamine Sulfate? The recommended dosing is 1,500 mg per day. This is the dosing that was used in a number of studies which showed providing benefit in the management of osteoarthritis.

13. How long does it take before I feel the beneficial effects of glucosamine sulfate? At least a month. Because glucosamine sulfate must be incorporated into the joints, you probably won’t feel the effects of its use for several weeks. This is quite normal. However, you should expect to notice some improvement within two months.

14. What other VitaMedica products may be beneficial to support healthy joint function? Because inflammation often accompanies osteoarthritis, supplements that address inflammation are often beneficial. For this reason, VitaMedica’s Bromelain with Quercetin and Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil supplements may provide some additional benefit.

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