Chondroitin and Glucosamine
We receive many inquiries about the value of chondroitin sulphate in the treatment of arthritis. Chondroitin sulphate is an amino acid polymer made up of gluconic acid and galactosamine that is in the large class of polymers known as glucosaminoglycans or mucopolysaccharides. Generally the type of chondroitin used in supplements is a large molecule, 200 times the size of glucosamine. Accordingly chondroitin has a much lower absorption rate 10% compared with 90% for glucosamine. That suggests that the extra cost of chondroitin in supplements may add little value. Glucosamine has significant informationand evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Glucosamine Sulphate is available at www.health-bestbuys.com
Vitamin C — The Forgotten Factor
I find it interesting that with all the talk about glucosamine and omega 3 fish oil for arthritis
(and rightly so) that vitamin C is over shadowed. Why so? Vitamin C was perhaps the first
scientifically recognized antioxidant. It is a necessary component of all collagen formation and
has anti inflammatory properties. This is why it should be fundamentally prescribed and advised to all
customers seeking help with their arthritis; however it is almost always overlooked. With the known
benefits of glucosamine and fish oil, surely with added vitamin C the benefits would be enhanced.
Further to this, suboptimal levels of Vitamin C tend to manifest as we age and what age group is it that
generally suffer from arthritis? Thank goodness Herb Valley has such an extensive range of vitamin C
products for everyone!
- Jeff Edgecombe ND
Vitamin C is available at www.health-bestbuys.com