History of discovery and many years of experience in using glucosamine sulfate in clinical practice

Joint diseases are not uncommon in today's active society. Often the provoking factor is poor nutrition and deficiency of certain elements. Glucosamine belongs to those natural substances that directly affect the performance of cartilage, joints, and muscles. What is this substance, in what forms is it presented and how to take it correctly for joint health?

1500 mg of glucosamine for prophylactic purposes can prevent arthrosis

What is glucosamine

This monosaccharide is produced by chondrocytes (cartilage cells) from glucose and glutamine. It becomes a source of collagen for cartilage tissue, that is, it performs the function of joint regeneration. When there is enough substance in the body, restoration of articular cartilage begins. In addition, glucosamine has minor anti-inflammatory effects.

The substance strengthens not only cartilage, but also other tissues - ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, synovial fluid (which is its main component), muscles, skin and bones, nails and hair. When there is enough glucosamine in the body, bones absorb calcium better and become stronger.

Organic meats and seafood contain a tiny amount of glucosamine: this is not enough for the daily requirement

Way out

If the components of cartilage tissue cannot reach their destination through administration through the gastrointestinal tract or intramuscular injections, perhaps this can actually be achieved by application to the skin? In Russia today, Chondroxide ointments and creams are quite popular. But even in this case, no attempts were made to prove the effectiveness of its use.

Tests were carried out only on mice using isotope-labeled 3H-chondroitin sulfate. They showed that 14% of the substance was absorbed, which is generally not bad. But there is one thing... The thickness of subcutaneous fat and muscles over the joints in humans is much greater than in mice. And if we talk about the treatment of herniated intervertebral discs, then these will be completely incommensurable concepts, since these are deep-lying joints.

Thus, we can conclude that the lack of full-fledged clinical trials indicates the reluctance of manufacturers to leave the market and lose the lion’s share of profits. After all, such drugs sell well in all regions without exception.

Competent work of company representatives with loyal doctors also increases sales. Chondroprotectors are prescribed to patients in combination with other medications. And since they must be taken for a long time, the patient’s condition will certainly improve within a month or two. He is unlikely to find out what exactly led to a decrease in the severity of pain: an expensive chondroprotector, an affordable NSAID, or an intra-articular injection of a corticosteroid. And the answer is obvious.

Therefore, patients do not need to spend their last money on undergoing a course of treatment with chondroprotectors. There is a method with precisely proven effectiveness - the injection of artificially created synovial fluid into the affected joint. These are the drugs:

• Fermatron;
• Sinokrom;
• Synvisc;
• Vico-plus.

Literally one injection will help eliminate pain and crunching in joints for six months or a year. These preparations contain sodium hyaluronate, which takes part in the formation of collagen fibers and increasing the strength and elasticity of cartilage tissue.

These injections are usually performed in large, isolated joints. In case of osteochondrosis, restoring each intervertebral disc in this way is difficult, time-consuming and not always justified. In case of pronounced destructive processes or the formation of a hernial protrusion, no matter how much artificial synovial fluid is injected, this will not have a significant effect on its size.

A hernia cannot disappear on its own. Conservative treatment methods can slow down its progression and reduce the likelihood of complications such as compression of nerve roots or blood vessels. But the pathological formation can only be completely removed through surgery.

Common Forms of Glucosamine

Depending on the origin, the substance is as follows:

• Glucosamine hydrochloride of animal origin. Made from the shell of crustacean mollusks. It is considered the most common and accessible, but can cause allergies. The following designations will tell you about the origin: Chitin source (source - chitin), Shellfish source (source - mollusks), Marine source (sea source), Shrimps, crabs (shrimps, crabs), etc.
• A similar form of plant origin. Made from corn husks. Does not contain allergenic animal protein. Today this form is considered optimal, but is more expensive than others. On the packaging you can see the following designations: Corn (corn), not from shellfish (not from crustaceans), 100% Vegetarian, Vegan, Vegetarian Source (vegetarian source), etc.
• Glucosamine sulfate stabilized with potassium chloride. Also of animal origin. Well tolerated due to high biological compatibility with the body.
• Glucosamine sulfate stabilized with sodium chloride (table salt). The peculiarity is that when taking such a drug, the body receives excess salt. 1500 mg of glucosamine includes 400 mg of salt - almost a daily dose. This form requires avoiding eating other salty foods.

Glucosamine hydrochlorides contain about 83-88% of the pure substance, and sulfates - no more than 59-65%. The remaining components in them are ballast components. Based on the level of safety, benefit, digestibility and effectiveness, these four forms are arranged in the following order:

1. Vegetable hydrochloride.
2. Animal hydrochloride.
3. Sulfate stabilized with potassium chloride.
4. Sulfate stabilized with sodium chloride.

You need to be careful with glucosamine sulfates: some contain too much salt

The best glucosamine and chondroitin tablets

Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin and MSM Solgar

Rating: 5.0

The best seller on iHerb is the dietary supplement Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin and MSM from the Solgar brand. Each serving of this supplement contains 1.5 g of glucosamine hydrochloride (non-crustacean) and 1.2 g of chondroitin sulfate. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) present in the composition enhances the effect of chondroprotectors.

This dietary supplement from Solgar comes in the form of elongated, oval tablets with beveled edges that are light sandy in color. They are quite large (2 cm long), so they are not easy for everyone to swallow. The tablets are placed in a dark glass bottle in the amount of 60/120 pieces. Patients over 18 years of age are recommended to consume 3 pieces per day. It is better to combine this with meals and drink plenty of water.

Buyers from the IHerb website speak very highly of this glucosamine and chondroitin. A few weeks after the start of use, this remedy effectively eliminates joint pain. Helps restore functionality of broken body parts. Thanks to this dietary supplement, some manage to delay endoprosthetics. With this supplement, the crunch and stiffness disappear. The drug is usually well tolerated, but some may experience nausea and headache at the beginning of therapy.

Advantages

• high content of glucosamine and chondroitin;
• glucosamine in the form of hydrochloride;
• does not contain shellfish;
• relieves pain, crunching, stiffness;
• helps to recover from fractures.

Flaws

• pill size for some;
• nausea and headache at the beginning of the course.

Extra Strength Glucosamine and Chondroitin Source Naturals

Rating: 4.9

The Source Naturals brand produces a dietary supplement with chondroprotectors that has increased effectiveness. Each serving of this dietary supplement includes 1.5 g of glucosamine sulfate, 1.2 g of chondroitin sulfate, as well as ascorbic acid, manganese, molybdenum and sodium. Thanks to manganese, collagen synthesis is enhanced. And molybdenum increases the metabolism of the main chondroprotectors.

This dietary supplement from Source Naturals on iHerb is sold in tablet form that does not contain harmful additives. They are quite large, but the majority of consumers swallow them without much effort. Each bottle contains 120 pieces of this supplement. It is recommended to take 2 pieces per day. It is correct to do this during the main meal.

Patients note that this chondroprotector from Source Naturals is a very effective supplement. With the use of this remedy, by the end of the first week of the therapeutic course, pain, swelling, and crunching go away. Increases joint mobility. Some people choose to take this supplement for preventive purposes. But this product is not suitable for people with seafood allergies.

Advantages

• glucosamine and chondroitin are enhanced with microelements;
• The tablets are fairly easy to swallow;
• effectively relieves pain, swelling, crunching;
• can be used for preventive purposes.

Flaws

• Not suitable for people with seafood allergies.

Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM Natrol

Rating: 4.8

Natrol produces the dietary supplement Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM. This product has a triple healing effect on the movable joints of the skeletal bones. The dietary supplement contains: glucosamine hydrochloride (500 mg), chondroitin sulfate (400 mg) and MSM (83 mg). Together, these components make the moving bone joints flexible and mobile.

Natrol Glucosamine Chondroitin and MSM is sold in medium-sized tablets. They are in white plastic bottles in the amount of 150 pieces. The dosage regimen for this dietary supplement is 1 piece 3 times a day with food. Allergy sufferers should be aware that this product contains crustaceans. But it is free of sugar, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Users from the iHerb website often praise this supplement from Natrol in their reviews. They love the way this product supports problematic joints. This supplement significantly relieves pain and inflammation. Also, after a course of use, the “crunch” completely disappears. Such tablets with glucosamine and chondroitin are usually well tolerated. But some are confused by the need to take this dietary supplement 3 times a day.

Advantages

• triple impact on the joint;
• tablets are easy to swallow;
• relieve pain and inflammation;
• After a course of use, the crunching disappears.

Flaws

• tablets should be taken 3 times a day.

Glucosamine and chondroitin improved 21st Century

Rating: 4.7

On iHerb you can purchase the dietary supplement Glucosamine and chondroitin improved from the company 21st Century. This complex per serving contains 1.5 g of glucosamine and MSM, 200 mg of sodium chondroitin sulfate, 250 mg of an antioxidant mixture, 3.3 mg of hyaluronic acid and 20 mg of sodium. Due to the combination of the listed components, this dietary supplement with an improved formula more effectively supports the health of articular cartilage.

This supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin from TM 21st Century is sold in the form of large oblong sand-colored tablets. They are smooth and have a streamlined shape, so despite their size they are swallowed with almost no problems. The daily dose of this dietary supplement is 3 tablets per day. They should be taken with food. One bottle is enough for one and a half months of use.

Buyers from the iHerb website speak well of this product from 21st Century. They like the budget price of this supplement compared to other chondroprotectors. With this complex, joints hurt less, crunching disappears, and range of motion increases. This supplement has good tolerance. But such a chondroprotector is not suitable for people with allergies to shellfish.

Advantages

• improved formula;
• easy to swallow tablets;
• affordable price;
• effectively supports joint health.

Flaws

• not suitable for shellfish intolerance.

Schiff Move Free joint health, glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM

Rating: 4.6

The Schiff brand produces Move Free, a nutritional supplement designed specifically for joint health. This complex chondroprotector, in addition to glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane, hyaluronic acid, also contains uniflex (mineral complex). Thanks to this product, the mobility of bone joints, as well as the condition of the synovial fluid, improves.

On iHerb, this supplement from Schiff is sold in the form of tablets, which are smaller in size compared to tablets from other manufacturers. At the same time, they contain no less volume of active ingredients. These tablets are much easier to swallow. The package contains 120 pieces. Daily dose - 3 tablets. They can be taken at one time or divided into 3 doses.

According to reviews, Schiff Move Free allows you to return to a comfortable state in case of joint pathologies in a fairly short time. This chondroprotector perfectly supports cartilage, and also increases the flexibility and strength of the movable joints of the skeleton bones. With a course of using this product, pain and crunching go away. This supplement is well tolerated, but some people report a worsening of symptoms early in treatment.

Advantages

• well thought out composition;
• reduced tablet size;
• supports joints and cartilage;
• relieves pain and crunching.

Flaws

• At the beginning of treatment, some experience worsening symptoms.

Extra Strength to Strengthen Joints Zenwise Health

Rating: 4.5

The Zenwise Health brand, which can be purchased on iHerb, produces the dietary supplement Extra Strength to strengthen joints. Joint Support contains 1.5 g glucosamine, 1.2 g chondroitin and 1 g MSM. It also includes hyaluronic acid and curcumin to improve joint strength, mobility and flexibility for an active, healthy lifestyle.

Zenwise Health Joint Support is a large tablet with a uniform structure, placed in a plastic brown bottle in the amount of 180 pieces. They contain potential shellfish allergens and are not suitable for patients under 18 years of age. The daily dose for adults is 3 tablets. It is better to divide them into 3 meals and combine them with main meals.

In reviews, consumers note that this chondroprotector is very effective, but swallowing tablets is quite problematic. However, if you adapt, noticeable improvements will occur after 2 weeks of use. With this Zenwise Health dietary supplement, joint pain practically goes away and people with chronic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Advantages

• balanced composition;
• helps maintain joint mobility and flexibility;
• reduces the need for NSAIDs;
• the effect develops quite quickly.

Flaws

• Swallowing tablets is problematic.

Natural Factors OsteoMove additional care for joint strength

Rating: 4.5

The Natural Factors brand has developed a comprehensive OsteoMove product. In addition to glucosamine sulfate (1.5 g) and chondroitin sulfate (400 mg), this supplement contains MSM, polyphenol complex, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, collagen, manganese, boron. This dietary supplement provides a comfortable feeling in the joints and improves their mobility.

Natural Factors OsteoMove is sold on iHerb in the form of tablets that are easy to swallow. They are placed in a plastic bottle in the amount of 120 pieces. The product does not contain artificial preservatives or sweeteners. Adults are recommended to take 2 tablets of this chondroprotector per day. You can do this at once or divide the daily dose into 2 doses. The medicine will be better absorbed if you take it with 1 glass of water.

Reviews about the chondroprotector from Natural Factors are mostly good. Individuals with musculoskeletal problems report that their quality of life significantly improves with this supplement. With a course of use of this remedy, inflammation and pain in the affected joints are reduced. With OsteoMove, the development of degenerative processes is reduced. Many people like this supplement, but it is not suitable for people with crustacean allergies.

Advantages

• good combination of components;
• easy to swallow tablets;
• improves the quality of life of people with joint pathologies;
• eliminates inflammation and pain;
• slows down degenerative processes.

Flaws

• Not suitable if you are allergic to crustaceans.

The role of glucosamine in the functioning of joints

Glucosamine accumulates naturally in the tissues of the musculoskeletal system. The substance is consumed as needed for the formation of articular ligaments, cartilage tissue, and nail plates. Without his participation, no body movements would be possible - flexion and extension of limbs, upright walking, etc.

Glucosamine is especially important for joints that experience increased stress. Due to the constant presence of a person on his feet, sports injuries, disruptions in the endocrine system and for other reasons, the cartilage tissue ceases to produce a sufficient amount of substances for regeneration. The cartilage begins to deteriorate - a crunch appears in the joints, and over time, every movement causes pain.

With age, glucosamine is no longer produced in the required amount

The best capsules with glucosamine and chondroitin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin with MSM Now Foods

Rating: 4.9

Very popular on iHerb, the Now Foods brand produces a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement with MSM. This product combines 3 main active ingredients necessary to maintain the movable joints of the skeleton in good condition. This supplement has proven itself well for various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

This chondroprotector from Now Foods is sold in the form of capsules in a white gelatin shell. Their size is standard. They swallow with virtually no problems. The package can contain 90/180 pieces. Adults are prescribed 3 capsules per day. If you are intolerant to crustaceans, you should avoid this supplement.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin with MSM from Now Foods has many positive reviews. Regular customers of the iHerb website note that with this dietary supplement they are able to achieve a decrease in pain and a decrease in the inflammatory process. However, they note that if this supplement is taken not for prevention, but to solve specific problems, then you should be prepared to take it for a long time (4-6 months) to achieve a stable result.

Advantages

• classic but effective composition;
• capsules are swallowed without problems;
• relieve pain;
• eliminate the inflammatory process;
• slow down degeneration;
• help to recover after a fracture.

Flaws

• not suitable for those with allergies to crustaceans;
• A long course is required to consolidate the results.

Country Life Glucosamine and Chondroitin Formula

Rating: 4.8

The Country Life brand has developed its own supplement - Glucosamine and Chondroitin Formula. This product contains 1.5 g of glucosamine in a combination of three salts and 1.2 g of chondroitin sulfate, which optimally support the overall good health of the skeletal joints. This supplement provides the correct amount of joint lubrication.

Chondroprotector from Country Life on iHerb are capsules that are quite easy to swallow. Their packaging can be 90 or 180 pieces. It is recommended to take this supplement 3 capsules per day. It is better to do this in between main meals. You should be prepared for the fact that glucosamine can provoke increased flatulence.

Despite possible temporary problems with the digestive tract, consumers respond well to this dietary supplement from Country Life. Thanks to this remedy, people with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system significantly reduce the amount of painkillers they take. They sleep better at night and move more freely. This complex has an excellent effect on the condition of cartilage, ligaments and joints.

Advantages

• a combination of three glucosamine salts;
• comfortable to use chondroprotector;
• thanks to this supplement, the amount of NSAIDs used is reduced;
• joint stiffness is eliminated.

Flaws

• For some, it causes severe bloating.

Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM with OptiMSM Doctor's Best

Rating: 4.7

The dietary supplement Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM with OptiMSM from s Best in the form of white vegetable capsules, which are suitable for vegetarians, is in great demand among buyers on iHerb. They are of normal size, they swallow without problems, and do not stick to the tongue. A bottle made of high-quality plastic with a convenient snap-on lid can contain 120/240/360 capsules. It is recommended to take 4 capsules per day during meals.

According to reviews, this supplement is a very worthy chondroprotector. The first noticeable result develops after 2-3 weeks of systematic use of this remedy. Pain and crunching in the joints of skeletal bones go away. And also a pleasant bonus is the improvement in the condition of the skin, hair and nails with the use of this supplement. The product is well tolerated unless you are allergic to crustaceans.

Advantages

• 3 important nutrients included;
• easy-to-swallow capsules;
• relieves joint pain and crunching;
• improves the condition of skin, hair and nails.

Flaws

• not suitable for crustacean intolerance.

Nature's Bounty Glucosamine Chondroitin

Rating: 4.6

The chondroprotector from s Bounty allows them to forget about crunching and joint pain. This supplement has proven itself to be excellent as a preventive measure. And also with its help it is possible to significantly reduce the consequences of fractures. This product is usually well tolerated, but be aware that it contains crustaceans.

Advantages

• effective composition;
• the supplement is easy to swallow;
• reduce pain and inflammation;
• help to recover faster from fractures.

Flaws

• daily dose 6 capsules;
• crustaceans included.

Glucosamine Chondroitin Plus MSM Bluebonnet Nutrition

Rating: 4.5

Bluebonnet Nutrition produces a chondroprotector that contains pure glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, an active form of sulfur, and ascorbic acid. This supplement has proven itself in the treatment of osteoporosis of various localizations. It is also effectively used for the treatment of other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Dietary supplement Glucosamine chondroitin plus MSM from the Bluebonnet Nutrition brand is sold in the form of capsules in a vegetable shell. This product is considered 100% kosher. It is free from dyes, flavors and preservatives. Each bottle contains 180 capsules. It is recommended to take 3 of them per day. This can be done at a time or divided into 3 doses and combined with meals.

Buyers from the iHerb website leave good reviews about this supplement from Bluebonnet Nutrition. They like that when using this product, their joints stop hurting and cracking, and their mobility also increases. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis leave good reviews of this supplement. This drug allows them to significantly improve their quality of life.

Advantages

• good combination of components;
• easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules;
• kosher product;
• eliminate pain and inflammation;
• allow you to reduce the consumption of NSAIDs.

Flaws

• Not suitable for people with allergies to crustaceans.

Maximum efficiency BioSchwartz

Rating: 4.4

The BioSchwartz brand has developed a unique nutritional supplement Maximum effectiveness - glucosamine MSM + chondroitin with a patented Fruitex-B complex. This complex is completely natural. With its help, it is possible to have a beneficial effect on mobility, flexibility, strength and lubrication of the moving joints of the skeleton bones.

On iHerb, this supplement from BioSchwartz can be purchased in the form of vegetable capsules, 90 pieces in one bottle. They are of a normal size for swallowing. Take 1 piece of this chondroprotector 3 times a day. This food supplement is approved for use from 18 years of age. One bottle is enough for 4 weeks of treatment. The average therapeutic course takes from 1 to 3 months.

According to reviews, this supplement from BioSchwartz is very easy to use. And the first improvements become noticeable after 5-10 days of treatment. With the help of such a chondroprotector, you can significantly reduce the amount of painkillers you take. Many people like that this product does not contain any artificial ingredients and is easily absorbed by the body.

Advantages

• natural components of the composition without GMOs;
• the product is easy to swallow;
• the effect develops quite quickly;
• Excellent relief from pain or inflammation.

Flaws

• Allergic reactions cannot be ruled out.

Irwin Naturals 3-in-1 Joint Complex

Rating: 4.3

On the iHerb website you can purchase a dietary supplement with chondroprotectors from Irwin Naturals. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote tissue health and support joint structure and mobility, this product contains vitamins, oils and herbal extracts. This complex helps restore damaged bone joints, lubricate them and eliminate pain.

The supplement from Irwin Naturals is a liquid-filled soft gel capsule. Their streamlined, smooth shape makes them very easy to swallow. It is recommended to take the supplement 6 capsules per day. This can be done at once (not everyone likes this method) or divided into 3 times. Be sure to take this complex with a glass of water. One bottle is enough for 15 days of treatment.

Buyers from the iHerb website note in their reviews that this supplement from Irwin Naturals is very effective. Already after the first week of use, comfort appears in the movable joints of the skeleton bones. After a course of using this remedy, you can completely forget about joint pain and crunching. This dietary supplement has a cumulative effect. This product is usually well tolerated, but allergic reactions are possible.

Advantages

• a combination of chondroprotectors, vitamins, oils and plant extracts;
• soft gel capsules;
• relief occurs after 5-7 days of use;
• the action is cumulative.

Flaws

• you need to take 6 capsules per day.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM with Hyaluronic Acid California Gold Nutrition

Rating: 4.2

The California Gold Nutrition brand produces a complex nutritional supplement related to chondroprotectors. This dietary supplement contains a special glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane developed by this manufacturer. And chondroitin for this drug is extracted from cattle. The product is purely for crustaceans.

You can purchase this nutritional supplement on the iHerb website in bottles of 60 or 120 capsules. They are transparent, vegetable (modified cellulose), with white content, quite large (2 cm long). It is recommended to take 2 pieces 1-2 times a day. It is better to do this during the main meal. And during the day it is important to maintain a good water balance to avoid dry skin.

Reviews about the supplement from California Gold Nutrition are mostly good. Consumers note that joint pain goes away within the second week of use. With this dietary supplement, many were able to quickly return to normal life after experiencing fractures. This complex effectively supports joint health and flexibility. The product is well tolerated, but some may experience increased skin dryness at the beginning of use.

Advantages

• absence of crustaceans in the composition;
• The dietary supplement is easy to swallow;
• significantly reduces pain by the end of the second week of use;
• supports joint flexibility.

Flaws

• At the beginning of treatment, increased skin dryness is possible.

How much glucosamine do joints need?

You can avoid treatment for arthrosis or osteoarthritis if you maintain the required level of glucosamine in the body. The lower limit of normal is 700 mg. Experts from various European associations have concluded that a person should receive 1500 mg of glucosamine daily to prevent degenerative age-related changes in the joints. This is especially true after fifty years, when cartilage tissue ceases to cope with its functions.

The daily dose of glucosamine also depends on the person’s weight:

• with a weight of up to 55 kg, 1000 mg (and 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate) is sufficient;
• 55-90 kg – standard dosage (1500 mg glucosamine and 1200 mg chondroitin);
• over 90 kg - the dosage increases to 2000 and 1600 mg, respectively.

Glucosamine is found in corn and wheat

Functions of glucosamine

The main tasks of glucosamine are the supply of nutrients with synovial (articular) fluid, as well as the metabolism of cartilage and bone tissue.
Glucosamine:

• Supply joints with active nutrients.
• Makes joints more mobile.
• Provides prevention of diseases of joints and ligaments during intense training and competitions.
• Reduces inflammatory processes.
• Accelerates the restoration of cartilage, joints, ligaments.
• Corrects the condition of chronic diseases of the articular-ligamentous apparatus.

By providing tissues with nutrients, amino sugar makes them stronger, more resistant to damage, and increases resistance to inflammation.

Glucosamine for arthrosis

One of the directions in the treatment of arthrosis and osteoarthritis is taking chondroprotectors, which always contain this monosaccharide. Glucosamine acts more effectively in conjunction with chondroitin. The latter helps the joints retain moisture, so they do not crack and maintain firmness and elasticity.

Glucosamine in chondroprotectors is obtained mainly from chitin, an organic layer of mollusk shells or the outer covering of insects. The substance is also present directly in shrimp and lobsters, but its concentration is very low, unless you eat the shells. Those who are allergic to this group of foods can choose preparations based on plant sources. But they only contain glucosamine: they do not get chondroitin from plant sources.

The purest source of glucosamine is beef bone! If you boil it for 6 hours, you get a healing broth that is good for joints with arthrosis. How to properly prepare and take a remedy for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes?

If the cartilage is completely destroyed, chondroprotectors are not effective

How does glucosamine affect the body?

The use of glucosamine manifests itself over time, as the substance heats up and, accordingly, works only gradually. On the other hand, its deficiency is eliminated for a long time. This is confirmed by tests in which both pure glucosamine and a combination with chondroitin were used. Tests have confirmed that by understanding what glucosamine is and how it works, you can improve the structure of cartilage, eliminate inflammation, and eliminate pain symptoms.

Benefit

Externally supplied glucosamine has a multifaceted effect. Its capabilities are wide:

• The structure of ligaments, joints, and cartilage improves.
• Calcium is better absorbed.
• The composition of biological lubricant is restored due to changes in synovial fluid and improved functioning of hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid).
• The action of aggressive enzymes leading to the destruction of cartilage is suppressed.
• Pain and inflammation disappear.

Using products with glucosamine slows down negative changes and helps restore ease of movement.

Harm

Possible side effects:

• From the gastrointestinal tract - the appearance of nausea, stomach pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea.
• Subjective moments – weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, migraine.
• Skin manifestations - rashes, itching.

Occasionally, a slight decrease in body weight is possible (if taking glucosamine for health purposes longer than recommended).

Chondroprotectors help:

• reduce pain:
• stop degenerative processes in joints;
• stimulate the production of synovial fluid and natural hyaluronic acid;
• get rid of “lumbago” in the knees, elbows, and hip joints.

To obtain such a result, long-term use of medications is necessary, since it is impossible to restore the deficiency of glucosamine in one go. The course is at least 12 weeks, and the maximum effect is achieved after three years (taken for 12-16 weeks with breaks of 8 weeks).

This result can be obtained more quickly with the help of intra-articular injections of the synovial fluid substitute Noltrex. The endoprosthesis enters directly into the articular cavity, covers the cartilaginous surfaces, separates them and stops friction.

A few injections at weekly intervals are enough for the pain to disappear and mobility to return. Of course, even with this therapeutic minimally invasive method, taking chondroprotectors for preventive protection of joints will not be superfluous. The main thing is to choose the right drug and follow the recommendations of a good orthopedist.

Mechanism of action of chondroprotectors

The annotation attached to each drug by the manufacturer indicates that the active ingredients of chondroprotectors are glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate. They are compounds that are building materials for the formation of connective tissue, activation of its regeneration processes and prevention of intervertebral disc degeneration.

As a result of their regular intake into the body, the synthesis of cartilage tissue should increase. Also, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate should prevent the destructive effect of enzymes on cartilage by inhibiting hyaluronidase, which normally breaks down hyaluronic acid into monomers.

In addition, they should improve the physicochemical properties of the synovial fluid, which prevents friction of the articular surfaces. As a result, according to the manufacturers, when taken in a course, chondroprotectors lead to a decrease in the severity of hernia symptoms, especially pain and limited mobility in the affected segment of the spine.

On the one hand, everything is clear and should really work as stated. But on the other hand, cartilage tissue does not have the same nutritional mechanism as other tissues, because it is not directly supplied with blood.

Daily norm, dosage regimen

The recommended dose of glucosamine sulfate is 700 mg per day (for adults). You can find other recommendations, most of which boil down to the advice to take 500 mg of glucosamine 3 times a day with food.

Glucosamine (powder) is used by dissolving the drug in water. Each serving of diluted powder is drunk during meals. The standard dosage is 1 sachet (sachet, measuring spoon) per serving. The dose can be adjusted according to individual doctor's recommendations.

The bioavailability of the substance is low - no more than ¼ of the dose taken will reach the target tissues unchanged. That is, only 25% of the dose will reach the goal. This explains the need for long-term use - this way the valuable component will have time to accumulate, be absorbed by the body and begin to work, i.e. have a therapeutic effect.

For a pronounced effect, glucosamine should be taken in courses lasting from 3-4 to 7-8 weeks, depending on the indications and goals.
As you can see, treatment takes at least a month. Otherwise, there will be no tangible effect. The best option: drink powdered glucosamine for 2-3 months, then take a break for 2 months and repeat the course. Tablets and capsules of glucosamine are taken in the same way. However, the duration of the course of treatment, if you use tablets, will be longer - from 3 months to six months. This is due to the fact that tablets usually have a lower concentration of the active substance than powder. After a course of taking pills, take the same break - 2 months.