Jarrow Formulas Glucosamine and Chondroitin, 240 Capsules

Joints and connective tissues both hold us together and keep us apart. Ligaments and tendons, and even muscle, mostly do the binding. Whereas it is joints, including cartilage and synovial fluid, that are mostly responsible for keeping bones from grinding against one another. This is a difficult task, as the amount of impact force that joints can cushion is far more effective than any man-made material. Though our joints are difficult to rebuild once they’ve deteriorated, there are some nutrients that can help maintain joint health.*

Glucosamine is a building block of hyaluronic acid, and is found in high quantities in the joints. Hyaluronic acid is synthesized by hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS), which covalently link monomeric N-acetyl-glucosamine, a derivative of glucosamine, and glucuronic acid in alternating fashion.

In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial the effect of 1500 mg/day of oral glucosamine from glucosamine sulfate was examined in 202 human subjects over three years. The glucosamine group maintained joint width over the course of the trial, while the placebo group did not. Results on the two groups using the Lequesne index, the WOMAC total index, and functional subscales indicated support for joint function and mobility, as well.*

Although usually studied independently, some reports have indicated that glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate work synergistically. Chondroitin sulfate is the perfect complement to GS since chondroitin acts like a biological version of a “liquid magnet,” attracting fluid into proteoglycans. This fluid acts as a shock absorber and also brings nutrients with it into the cartilage. Perhaps of greater significance than its fluid-enhancing properties, chondroitin protects existing cartilage through its modulatory effects on enzymes that degrade cartilage.* Furthermore, like GS, chondroitin stimulates the production of proteoglycans and collagen that are needed for the maintenance of healthy cartilage.*

In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the effectiveness of chondroitin sulfate was evaluated for promoting joint health in the knee. In this study, 300 human subjects were given either 1200 mg chondroitin sulfate or placebo once per day for 2 years. The group receiving the placebo had progressive joint space narrowing, while those receiving chondroitin sulfate showed no change in the mean width of joint space.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.