| Proper name |
Glucosamine Sulphate or Chondroitin Sulphate |
| Category |
Special
nutrient |
| Functions |
Glucosamine sulfate is a building block for collagen, connective tissue,
joint lubricants, mucus, the basement membrane of skin, the lining of cell
membranes and the matrix of bone. It has proven effective in treating many
inflammatory joint conditions and injuries to connective tissue such as
sprain/strain injuries. |
| RDA |
None |
| Therapeutic
dose |
500 mg per day for 6 weeks provides an adequate trial to determine appropriateness
of this nutrient. Obese individuals may need to take higher doses. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. |
| Toxicity |
Very high levels of glucosamine sulfate can be safely tolerated. In animal
studies, no mortality was induced, even at doses of 5,000 mg per kg of body
weight. The following mild side effects may occur in between 6-12% of
persons ingesting glucosamine sulfate; epigastric pain or tenderness, heartburn,
diarrhea, nausea dyspepsia, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, headaches
and skin reactions. Side effects are most commonly seen in persons with
active peptic ulcers or who are taking diuretics. Type II diabetics should
use caution as glucosamine sulfate may increase insulin resistance. |
| Best
forms
|
Glucosamine Sulphate or Chondroitin Sulphate |
| Food
sources |
Gelatin is the richest source but may contain allergenic proteins. |
| Lab
tests |
Hair trace mineral analysis |
| Drug
interactions |
None
noted |
| Nutrient interactions |
Manganese is a helpful cofactor in treating joint and connective tissue
conditions. |
| Metabolism |
About 90% of an oral
dose of glucosamine sulfate is absorbed from the digestive tract. Glucosamine
sulfate concentrates in the liver. Excess amounts are excreted in the
urine.
|
