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View Supplemental Facts
Support for Healthy Cartilage Formation and Maintenance*
90 Capsules PRODUCT IS A SYNERGISTIC MIXTURE OF
Glucosamine Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sea Cucumber
PRODUCT DISCUSSION
Glucosamine and chondroitin play important roles in lubricating joints, promoting joint mobility and revitalizing the cellular components of joint cartilage.* Both glucosamine salts (HCl and sulfate) deliver equally effective glucosamine to joint cartilage. Cartilage Care® also contains vitamin C for collagen formation, manganese for normal skeletal development, and sea cucumber for an additional source of glycosaminoglycans.*
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Cartilage is a fibrous, elastic connective tissue that is important as a cushioning layer for joints. It is associated with an extracellular matrix composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, which interact with collagen and elastic fibers to promote mobility and flexibility for range of motion. GAGs are long, unbranched polysaccharide chains composed of repeating disaccharide units. Proteoglycans are proteins that carry one or more GAG side chains, and help bind components of cartilage together.* Glucosamine, a key component of cartilage and synovial fluid, is an aminomonosaccharide utilized as the primary substrate in the synthesis of GAGs and proteoglycans. The amide group of Glucosamine is required for metabolic conversion into Glucosamine-6-phosphate, which is subsequently converted to galactosamine required for GAG assembly. Glucosamine from food and supplements is incorporated into the metabolic pathway of proteoglycan and GAG synthesis, promoting cartilage production and articular function.* Chondroitin Sulfate is a natural constituent of cartilage, made up of repeating chains of GAGs. Chondroitin Sulfate is a highly charged polyanion, which attracts water into the connective tissues. This ionic attraction hydrates connective tissue, thereby promoting flexibility and resistance to compressive forces. Composed of N-acetyl-galactosamine and glucuronic acid, Chondroitin Sulfate provides raw materials for proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans.* Manganese is an essential trace mineral involved in many key functions in the body. It plays a role in energy production, normal bone formation and development, and the synthesis of many vital cellular biochemicals. Manganese is not stored in the body to any considerable extent. Bone however can account for up to 25% of the total manganese in the body, but bone manganese is not thought to be readily available. Manganese functions as a constituent of enzymes and enzyme activators, including arginase, pyruvate carboxylase, and manganese superoxide dimutase (MnSOD). Manganese is a cofactor for the glycosyltransferases, which are required for the synthesis of proteoglycans that are needed for the formation of healthy cartilage and bone. Manganese is also required for the activation of prolidase, an enzyme that functions to provide the amino acid, proline, for collagen formation in human skin cells (Muszynska et al. 2000). The sea cucumber (Echinodermata, Holoturoidea) has five bundles of smooth muscles attached to its body wall. These muscles allow the sea cucumber to alter its body length at a rapid rate. Muscle contraction is due to an increase in cytosolic calcium ion concentration, but unlike mammalian skeletal muscles, the sarcoplasmic reticulum is difficult to identify. High concentrations of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate in the sea cucumber are believed to participate in Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity. Studies have isolated unique sulfated polysaccharides from Sea Cucumber and found them to modulate ATPase activity. Other studies have isolated naturally-occuring Holothurian glycosaminoglycans. This glycosaminoglycan, extracted from the body wall of the sea cucumber, is primarily composed of sulfated L-fucose. These unique glycosaminoglycans complement the GAGs that are stimulated through glucosamine supplementation and provide a unique component not found in most joint products.*
INDICATIONS
Researchers have been studying glucosamine for several decades and now glucosamine is recognized by rheumatologists and general practitioners. The mixture of compounds found in Cartilage Care® provides comfort for overworked and tired joints and contribute to the overall health of the connective tissue.*
HOW CLIENTS MAY BENEFIT
- Helps maintain joints and cartilage.*
- Helps to promote cartilage formation.*
- Revitalizes and rejuvenates cellular components within cartilage.*
- Increases all around function and mobility of joints.*
- Provides comfort for overworked joints.*
- Provides both forms of Glucosamine for synergistic effects (HCl and Sulfate). Some researchers have speculated sulfate attached to Glucosamine mediates many of the positive joint benefits, while Glucosamine HCl has also been shown to be efficacious within the literature.*
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
Many clinical trials have been conducted using glucosamine and chondroitin. There is an overall consensus as to the efficacy of the product with regard to joint and cartilage health. Pujalte et al. (1980) showed significant improvements in joint comfort after 6-8 weeks supplementation of 1500mg (500mg, 3x/day) glucosamine sulfate (p<0.01). Similarly, Qiu et al. (1998) showed that both glucosamine sulfate and traditional treatments for joint comfort performed equally as well (p<0.0001) and after two weeks improvement favored those subjects taking glucosamine sulfate (p<0.01). Trials on chondroitin sulfate have also shown positive results. Morreale et al. (1996), Bourgeois et al. (1998) and Bucsi & Poor (1998) saw significant improvements in the Lesquesne index with 1200 mg per day (400mg, 3x/day) of chondroitin sulfate (p<0.01). Other studies have also showed significant improvements in radiographic progression, mobility, and global functioning with a concomitant decrease in consumption of alternative preparations (p<0.01) (Verbruggen et al. 1998, Pipitone et al. 1992, Krezberg et al. 1987).
SUMMARY
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are essential building blocks of connective tissue that form cartilage, heart valves, mucous membranes, and synovial fluid. Manganese is essential for metabolism and skeletal development. Sea cucumber provides a unique source of glycosaminoglycans not found in other joint products.*
SUGGESTED DOSAGE
Take one (1) capsule three times daily, preferably with meals or follow the advice of your health care professional. As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.
REFERENCES
Barclay, T.S., et al. Glucosamine. Annals Pharmacother. 1998. 32(5); May: 574-579 Bourgeois P, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg/day vs chondroitin sulfate 3 x 400 mg/day vs placebo. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998 May;6 Suppl A:25-30. Braham, R. et al. The effect of glucosamine supplementation on people experiencing regular knee pain. Br J Sports Med. 2003. 37: 45-49 Bucsi, L. & Poor, G. Efficac
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