How does glucosamine promote optimal joint health?
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in the body normally found in high concentrations in the joint cavities.
Once it (GHCl) ''starts working,'' it has been shown to be more effective than NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis, due to its regenerative abilities regarding the joint cavity and related structures. (Alt Med Rev 1998;3(1):27-39)
Glucosamine is a major building block of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, keratan sulphate, and others. Because chondroitin and keratan are sulfated at key sites, they are also called polysulfated GAGs or PSGAGs.
GAGs and PSGAGs are components in the structural matrix of joints, which involve synovial fluid, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and capillaries. They are also structural components of membranes in the digestive and respiratory tracts.
Hyaluronic acid and keratan sulphate are major and minor components, respectively, of synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is degraded and lost during inflammatory stresses but can be reestablished rapidly with oral glucosamine supplementation. Thus, glucosamine can decrease pain in articular joints by replenishing synovial fluid and reducing friction through a repair or rebuilding process, rather than merely inhibiting pain signals.
Proteoglycans, the major component of the cartilage matrix, consist of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate, and a protein branch linking the two. During inflammatory conditions, enzymes are released, which degrade proteoglycans and lead to compromised articular cartilage function.
Glucosamine interferes with the action of these enzymes by reducing and containing the level of damage while supplying a vital raw material for rebuilding the proteoglycan matrix.
Glucosamine is necessary for the manufacturing of mucin, a crucial protective component of the digestive tract.
Ingredients
Pure Glucosamine Hydrochloride (vegan): 3,500 mg / tsp
Application
From our research, aiding in the recovery from acute soft tissue injury is in the range of 10-20 grams (10,000 mg-20,000 mg) of orally administered glucosamine hydrochloride per day. This range depends upon severity of injury and weight of horse.
The serving may be reduced as improvement is noted, and discontinued altogether once horse is sound.
For symptoms of osteoarthritis or other or soft tissue issues, the serving may vary from 5 g (5,000 mg) to 15 g (15,000 mg) per day depending upon weight or horse, level of activity and degree of stress associated with discipline. Increased absorption of the glucosamine into the joint cavity and synovial fluid, may be obtained by adding vitamin C at 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per 10,000 mg of glucosamine HCl.
Health Canada - VHP NN.A576