About Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM (Joint Componds):
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity.
Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM are sold as dietary or nutritional supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster or shrimp shells; and chondroitin sulfate from animal cartilage, such as tracheas or shark cartilage. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound containing sulfur and methyl groups. It is found in the normal diets of humans and almost all other animals. MSM is made up of 34% sulfur, the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body.
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. They are the building blocks for proteoglycans and stimulate chondrocytes to make new collagen and proteoglycans. Because these supplements stimulate the production of new cartilage components, the supplements may be able to help the body repair damaged cartilage. There is evidence from patients that Glucosamine and Chondroitin can reduce pain from osteoarthritis, usually within several weeks to months after initiating therapy.
Research shows that glucosamine supplements relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints and commonly occurs in the hips, knees and spine. It also often affects the finger joints, the joint at the base of the thumb, and the joint at the base of the big toe.
Chondroitin:
Chondroitin is believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Studies are being done to evaluate the ability of chondroitin to reverse cartilage loss. It generally takes two to four months to work completely.
Two large studies that evaluated data from about a dozen studies showed significant improvement in pain and inflammation and improved joint function. Some people taking chondroitin are able to decrease NSAID dosage.
MSM has shown benefits for a range of health problems including arthritis, muscle and joint pain.
MSM has shown promise in the inhibition of pain impulses along nerve fibers, (analgesia), lessening of inflammation, increasing blood supply, reducing muscle spasms, and softening of scar tissue. MSM supports healthy, active lifestyles and benefits multiple structures and functions within the body, including connective tissues and the respiratory system while the methyl groups support energy production.
Study Shows Lignisul MSM Improves Recovery, Reduces Office Visits for Athletic Injuries
A recent study showed that people suffering from sprains, strains, and athletic injuries may benefit from the use of LIGNISULMSM (Methylsulfonyl-methane), a natural nutritional supplement that supplies biologically-active sulfur.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 24 patients (both male and female), showed that those taking Lignisul MSM had a level of significant recovery (58%) compared to those on placebo (33.3%). In addition, patients on Lignisul MSM had 40% fewer office visits before recovery.
MSM should be considered an invaluable addition for the treatment of short-term athletic injuries of the type that were involved in this study, said Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. From an economic point of view, we were particularly gratified to see a marked reduction in the number of offices visits usually required to treat these injuries.
Lawrence was assisted in the study by Daniel Sanchez, D.C., C.C.S.P, and Mark Grosman, D.C. who operate a clinical practice that deals with a large number of athletic injuries. The 24 subjects were selected from among their patients and examined in their clinic.
All subjects were divided in a random fashion into two groups of twelve, A and B. Each group received unmarked capsules of either a placebo or Lignisul MSM. The Doctors and patients involved were not a privy as to whether they received a placebo or actual MSM. All patients were treated with a similar therapy which included routine chiropractic manipulation, ultrasound and muscle stimulation at each visit.
Of the twelve patients who received the placebo, four graded their results as excellent or good, while of the twelve patients on MSM, seven of the twelve graded their symptom reduction as excellent or good. Of greater significance, however was the fact that patients on MSM had 3.25 visits on average, while those on the placebo had 5, 5.25.
A previous study conducted by
Lawrence indicated that Lignisul MSM may offer a safe, non-toxic way to help ease the pain of arthritis.
Past studies show that some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) taking either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate reported pain relief at a level similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Some research indicates that the supplements might also slow cartilage damage in people with OA.
What do I look for?
Because the quality and content of dietary supplements may vary widely, if you decide to take these supplements:
- Choose products sold by large, well-established companies.
- Read the product labels carefully to make sure the ingredient lists make sense to you. If you have trouble, ask your pharmacists for help.
- Be sure to consult your doctor before deciding to try these supplements.
- Do not stop or reduce your current prescribed medications without talking with your doctor
You can try the supplements along with your current medications for six to eight weeks. If you don't experience any difference in your symptoms within a few months, you probably will not get any relief from using the supplements.
Are There Side Effects?
The most common side effects are increased intestinal gas and softened stools. If you experience these problems, you might want to try another supplement brand before you stop using them altogether.
More studies need to be done to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the supplements. Be sure to contact your doctor if you notice any unusual or new symptoms while you are taking them.
Who should avoid these supplements?
- Children, women who are pregnant should not take these supplements. They have not been studied long enough to determine their effects on a child or on a developing fetus.
- Because glucosamine is an amino sugar, people with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels more frequently when taking this supplement.
- If you are taking chondroitin sulfate in addition to a blood-thinning medication or daily aspirin therapy, have your blood clotting time checked more often. This supplement is similar in structure to the blood-thinning drug heparin, and the combination may cause bleeding in some people.
- If you are allergic to shellfish, consult your doctor before deciding to take glucosamine. In most cases, however, allergies are caused by proteins in shellfish, not chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted.
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