Glucosamine sulfate
Glucosamine sulfate is one of the most popular nutritional supplements that many people take to help relieve the pain of arthritis. Glucosamine itself is an amino acid found naturally in healthy cartilage in the body. There are actually three forms of Glucosamine that are on the market. These are Gluclosamine HCE, Glucosamine Sulfate Sodium and Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium. In the case of Glucosamine Sulfate, the sulfate acts as a carrier molecule for the glucosamine in the supplements. This form has been clinically tested and proven to give desirable results. It is now thought that sulfate is needed in the body to form cartilage so this may be why Glucosamine sulfate works the best out of the three forms of glucosomine.
As mentioned, the most popular of the three forms of Glucosamine is Glucosamine sulfate. The reason it is most popular is because it has been found to be the one that is most readily absorbed by the joints in the body. This means its bioavailability rating is higher than the other forms of Glucosamine. When people take these supplements the body is encouraged to increase its own production of glucosamine glycans which is a nutrient that nourishes and lubricates the cartilage in joints. Also, when people begin to take these supplements they typically notice an improvement in joint pain within the first two months. Many people state that they were able to be totally pain free within three months of usage. However, not all studies that have been done have shown consistent results. Claims that Glucosamine sulfate can cause the restoration of cartilage in joints have not been substantiated scientifically and many studies show conflicting results.
The FDA has not approved the efficacy of Glucosamine products. However, the EULAR, the government organization in Europe similar to the FDA in the United States, has approved Glucosamine sulfate as a medical drug. That approval is for Glucosamine sulfate only and not the other two forms of Glucosamine. They found it to be safe and have approved it for use as a viable medical treatment for osteoarthritis. The Osteo Arthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines have also confirmed its safety profile for the use in treating hip and knee osteoarthritis. In fact, the OARSI now recommends Glucosamine Sulfate as the second most effective treatment of mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis.
There are very little side effects associated with the usage of Glucosamine Sulfate. However, this substance is typically derived from shell fish so those who have allergies to shell fish may have some adverse side effects. Some Glucosamine supplements are made from fermented corn which gives you an alternative source. It is best to read the label to determine its source. Some products on the market today are not labeled correctly. Additional substances like shark cartilage or MSM are not necessary. It is best to purchase these supplements from a reliable source to ensure you are actually getting Glucosamine Sulfate.
You can buy Glucosamine Sulfate without a prescription at many drug stores, health foods stores and various websites. It can give the same kind of relief for arthritis pain as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs only without the dangerous side effects. In Europe you can only buy Glucosamine Sulfate with a prescription. It helps reduce the pain of osteoarthritis by reducing the inflammation and stiffness. It can safely take the place of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, motrin and advil, etc. These drugs can have such dangerous side effects like liver damage and blood thinning side effects, so many people are turning to Glucosamine supplements for effective arthritis pain relief.
Some people claim that Glucosamine sulfate can help relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis. It is also believed to help correct chronic Venus insufficiency and other conditions that affect the swelling of the legs and the pain of varicose veins. However, best results have been for the relief of the pain of arthritis in the knees and hips.
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