Name: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM - Maximum Strength for Joint Health
Scientific Name:
Intro: Combines the benefits of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM for optimum joint health.
Glucosamine: Occurs naturally in the body and plays a key role in the construction of cartilage -- the tough connective tissue that cushions the joints. Glucosamine stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (the key structural components of cartilage) as well as the incorporation of sulfur into cartilage. Sulfur is necessary for making and repairing cartilage.
Chondroitin:A simple molecule that occurs naturally in the body. It is a major component of cartilage -- the tough, connective tissue that cushions the joints. Chondroitin helps to keep cartilage resilient by absorbing fluid (particularly water) into the connective tissue. It is also believed to block enzymes that break down cartilage and it provides the building blocks needed for cartilage to repair itself.
MSM: A naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in plant and animal tissues that is essential for optimum health. MSM is present naturally in foods such as fresh fish, meant, fruits, and milk, but it is eliminated with very little processing. Most people, therefore, benefit from taking MSM supplements. Research suggests that we require a continuous supply of MSM for optimum good heath, as sulfur is one of the essential minerals.
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Comments:
Caution: Side effects from MSM include nausea, headache, and rash.
People with peptic ulcers should take glucosamine sulfate supplements with food.
Glucosamine sulfate may contain high amounts of sodium or potassium, so individuals on a restricted diet or taking potassium-sparing diuretics should carefully check the label before taking glucosamine supplements.
People with diabetes should have their blood sugar checked regularly as glucosamine may cause insulin to work less effectively. Some glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish, so individuals with shellfish allergies should check with a health care professional before taking these supplements.
People who are allergic to sulfur are usually allergic to sulfa drugs or sulfite-containing food additives. Sulfur is an essential nutrient that is naturally present in the body of all individuals. "Sulfur-sensitive" people can safely use glucosamine sulfate.
Mild side effects of chondroitin reported in recent studies include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. There have been rare reports of swelling and accumulation of fluid in the eyelids and lower limbs, irregular heartbeats, and alopecia (hair loss) after taking the supplement.
Since the safety of chondroitin has not been widely studied, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using this supplement until more scientific evidence becomes available.
Possible Interactions
Blood-thinning Medications
Chondroitin and heparin, a drug used to thin the blood, are similar in chemical composition. For this reason, some researchers speculate that people may suffer bleeding complications from chondroitin, particularly when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or heparin.
Cisplatin
Preliminary animal studies also suggest that chondroitin sulfate may reduce the kidney toxicity associated with cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug used for cancer treatment. Further studies are needed to determine whether chondroitin has the same effect in people taking cisplatin.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Glucosamine may increase the anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. This interaction may result in the need for lower doses of these medications.