Today’s topic:
Joint Health – Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is another key structural component of joint cartilage that works hand-in-hand with hyaluronic acid and glucosamine sulfate. Just like its two partners, chondroitin sulfate also has been shown repeatedly to enhance joint health and function. For example, in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of subjects with joint discomfort due to various causes, dietary supplementation with chondroitin sulfate (1200 mg daily for 6 months) enhanced joint comfort and increased joint mobility, while also supporting the structural cushioning ability of cartilage tissue. Daily consumption of only 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate has been equally effective, although results were not apparent until after continuous supplementation for one year or more. Several groups of investigators have applied the techniques of meta-analysis to evaluate dietary supplementation with chondroitin sulfate. They have concluded that 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate consumed daily for at least 4 months will produce noticeably improvements in joint comfort and function.^9-11 Chondroitin sulfate also has a high safety profile and fits the mold of being a core nutrient for joint wellbeing.

Next Best Kept Secrets to Healthy Aging topic:
Joint Health – Type II Collagen

References:
9. Flex Protex 215 McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. JAMA 2001;283:1469-1475.
10. Flex Protex 159 Pendleton A, Arden N, Dougados M, Doherty M, Bannwarth B, Bijlsma JWJ, Cluzeau F, Cooper C, Dieppe PA, Günther K-P, Häuselmann HJ, Herrero-Beaumont G, Kaklamanis PM, Leeb B, Lequesne M, Lohmander S, Mazieres B, Mola E-M, Pavelka K, Serni U, Swoboda B, Verbruggen AA, Weseloh G, Zimmermann-Gorska I. EULAR recommendations for the management of knee osteoarthritis: Report of a task force of the Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis 2000;59:936-944.
11. Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K, Smolen JS. A meta-analysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 2000;27:205-211.

Today’s topic:
Joint Health – Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is another component of healthy joint cartilage that can be delivered to your joints through dietary supplementation. The results of 2 “gold standard,” randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown conclusively that men and women with mild to moderate degrees of joint discomfort and loss of flexibility experience clinically important improvements in joint ease and comfort, after a month of dietary supplementation with 1500 mg of daily glucosamine sulfate.^4,5 In addition, these improvements in joint characteristics are accompanied by increased ability to utilize the joint in daily activities – with minimal or no side effects – an important feature of any joint supportive therapy.

The results of two much longer randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials confirm the joint-friendly properties of glucosamine sulfate. In these two studies, 3 years of dietary supplementation with glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg/day) restored joint tissue and structure, and increased joint function while promoting joint comfort and mobility.^6,7 Various groups of investigators have concluded that daily dietary supplementation with 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate for 6 weeks or more reduces joint discomfort and increases joint mobility, flexibility and ability to bear weight with excellent safety. The most recently completed systematic analysis concluded that 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate daily is “effective and safe” in supporting knee joint function and wellness.⁸ Glucosamine sulfate has been established as one of the foundational nutrients for promoting joint health as it is a key building block for strong healthy joints.

Next Best Kept Secrets to Healthy Aging topic:
Joint Health – Chondroitin Sulfate

References:
4. Flex Protex 197 Drovanti A, Bignamini AA, Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthrosis: A placebocontrolled double-blind investigation. Clin Ther 1980;3:260-272.
5. Flex Protex 198 Rovati LC. Clinical research in osteoarthritis: Design and results of short-term and long-term trials with disease-modifying drugs. Int J Tiss Reac 1992;14:248-251.
6. Flex Protex 201 Pavelka K, Gatterova J, Olejarova M, Machacek S, Giacovelli G, Rovati LC. Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis. A 3-year, randomized, placebocontrolled, double-blind study. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:2113-2123.
7. Flex protex 204 Christgau S, Henrotin Y, Tanko LB, Rovati LC, Collette J, Bruyere O, Deroisy R, Reginster JY. Osteoarthritic patients with high cartilage turnover show increased responsiveness to the cartilage protecting effects of glucosamine sulphate. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2004;22:36-42.
8. Flex Protex 216 Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Channark P, Kittikulsuth W. Glucosamine long-term treatment and the progression of knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann Pharmacother 2005;39:1080-1087.

Today’s topic:
Joint Health – Fish Oils

Fish oils promote joint flexibility and ease of motion. In a study published recently in Nutrition, supplementation with 3000 mg of fish oils daily promoted healthy joint movement and flexibility in a group of middle-aged men.² This is just one example of the evidence that confirms the benefits that fish oils can provide to your joints. Recently, a meta-analysis of clinical studies concluded that consumption of fish oils led to the promotion of feelings of comfort and ease in the joints of individuals supplementing with them.³ Fish oils play a vital role in supporting the recovery of joint comfort and function associated with everyday activities.

Next Best Kept Secrets to Healthy Aging topic:
Joint Health – Glucosamine Sulfate

References:
2. Herbert AA, Kondo CR, Almendra CL, Matsuo T, Dichi I. Supplementation of fish oil and olive oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Nutrition 2005;21:131-136.
3. Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain 2007;129(1-2):210-23.

Today’s topic:
Joint Health – Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a component found in normal, healthy joint tissue. As shown in research recently published in the Journal of Physiology, hyaluronic acid is responsible for keeping the joints hydrated – a property vital to the ability of joints to absorb shock and carry weight.¹ The slowdown in hyaluronic acid replenishment in joint cartilage that accompanies getting older can result in hyaluronic acid deficiency within a joint. Hyaluronic acid deficient joints become dry and lose their cushioning properties, predisposing them to a decrease in mobility.

Published scientific research has demonstrated that ensuring sufficient amounts of hyaluronic acid are available to your joints can promote joint health and function. The importance of the function of hyaluronic acid in joint tissue clearly substantiates the benefits of including it in your personal Joint Health program. See much more on hyaluronic acid in the dedicated chapter found later in the book.

Next Best Kept Secrets to Healthy Aging topic:
Joint Health – Fish Oils

References:
1. Scott JE, Stockwell RA. Cartilage elasticity resides in shape module decoran and aggrecan sumps of damping fluid. Implications in osteoarthrosis. J Physiol 2006; Mar. 31. doi: 10.1113/ jphysiol.2006.108100 (http://jp.physoc.org/cgi/content/abstract/jphysiol.2006.108100v1).

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Today’s topic:
Hyaluronic Acid and Joint Mobility

Batches of hyaluronic acid are synthesized and assembled into long chains before being secreted by articular chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and synoviocytes (cells that live in the synovial lining of the joint capsule). Regardless of its source, hyaluronic acid can be incorporated into the load-bearing sugar/protein mats of joint cartilage.

As shown in research recently published in the Journal of Physiology the unique properties of the special sugars that make up hyaluronic acid attract water and are responsible for the cushioning properties of healthy joint cartilage.³ Because the synthesis of its component sugars slows with age, the replenishment of hyaluronic acid within a joint also slows with age, creating an inevitable imbalance in the cartilage’s replenishment/replacement cycle. As the contact surfaces of the joint cartilage become depleted of hyaluronic acid, they become chronically dehydrated and lose their vital cushioning hydrostatic properties.

A large volume of published scientific research has demonstrated that adequate availability of hyaluronic acid can promote joint health and function. These conclusions have been echoed most recently in a mathematical analysis of the body of published research, itself published in the Journal of Family Practice.⁴ The strength of the evidence certainly argues in favor of adding hyaluronic acid to your personal joint health program.

Next Best Kept Secrets to Healthy Aging topic:
Vision and Hyaluronic Acid

References:
3. Scott JE, Stockwell RA. Cartilage elasticity resides in shape module decoran and aggrecan sumps of damping fluid. Implications in osteoarthrosis. J Physiol 2006; Mar. 31. doi: 10.1113/ jphysiol.2006.108100 (http://jp.physoc.org/cgi/content/abstract/jphysiol.2006.108100v1).
4. Modawal A, Ferrer M, Choi HK, Castle JA. Hyaluronic acid injections relieve knee pain. J Fam Pract 2005;54:758-767.

- Sabrina Levin

P.S. If you have a topic that you would like me to write or comment about, please e-mail me at sabrina@purityproducts.com.

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