Glucosamine

What is it and where does it come from?

Glucosamine is formed when glucose combines with an amino acid. It is a building block for cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a form of glucosamine that has some extremely beneficial uses, especially for healing connective tissue.

Glucosamine sulfate is a small and simple molecular building block used to repair damage cause by arthritis or to aid body builders and athletes with joint pain by helping to repair and lubricate the cartilage around damaged joints. The body absorbs glucosamine sulfate quickly and efficiently when ingested. It is found in seashells and high quality supplements of Glucosamine sulfate are available from Bodybuilding.com.

2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

According to convincing research, glucosamine sulfate may take a part in healing wounds as well as regenerating cartilage in joints. By providing joints with the essential raw materials, glucosamine sulfate can help rebuild cartilage and lessen joint pain. Research shows that it is absorbed into the body at a rate much more effective than other "joint-healers". Because of the small size of the molecules, they are absorbed at a rate of 98%--compare that to the mere 13% absorption rate of chondroitin sulfate, and you can understand why glucosamine sulfate works so much better. By stimulating production of additional synovial fluid, studies show that glucosamine sulfate helps keep joints in the body rolling smoothly. Recent studies have found that as a readily absorbed building block for cartilage, glucosamine sulfate works as a rebuilder of cartilage in humans.

3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

Not only can those who suffer from arthritis and joint pain benefit from glucosamine sulfate intake, but athletes and bodybuilders can greatly benefit as well. In fact, nearly everybody who trains with weights may have a tendency to overuse certain joints, and consequently, glucosamine can help to regain cushioning, protecting cartilage around joints. A deficiency has not been found to occur in humans.

4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?

Most studies show that supplementing a balanced diet with about 500 mg three times a day is very effective. There have been no reported cases of toxicity associated with proper dosages of glucosamine sulfate.