Glucosamine Plus™ contains a combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is a well absorbed source of glucosamine, an important precursor for the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues. Chondroitin sulfate also supports formation of connective tissues, primarily joint cartilage, and helps support existing cartilage. Individual results may vary.
Each serving contains:
Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCl (from crab and shrimp) - 250 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate - 200 mg
Other ingredients: Cellulose, vegetable stearate and silica.
As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule three times daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar found ubiquitously in glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans, formerly named mucopolysaccharides, are an integral component of all connective tissues.
Connective tissue, a fibrous type of body tissue, has various functions. It supports and connects internal organs (ligaments), forms bone, cartilage, and the walls of blood vessels, attaches muscles to bones (tendons), and replaces tissues that have been damaged following injury.
The two main components of connective tissue are collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen is the strong, fibrous protein that physically connects our tissues. Proteoglycans are large carbohydrate-rich structures, resembling a bottlebrush in three-dimensional structure, i.e., a central protein rod with many strings of glucosaminecontaining glycosaminogly-cans extending outwards. Proteoglycans hold large amounts of water forming a stiff gel by virtue of their dense negative charges from sulfates. Proteoglycans are linked to collagen fibers to help form connective tissues, and proteoglycans provide resiliency, load distribution, shock-absorbing, compressive and lubricating properties to connective tissues and joints.
Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans are continuously being formed and replaced in connective tissues. Remodeling of connective tissues is also continuous, albeit slowly, with turnover half-lives of almost two years in healthy human joints. Turnover is accelerated in wound healing, arthritic joints, and burns. New synthesis of glycosaminoglycans has clinical importance in skin during normal wound healing, in bone during fracture repair and osteoporosis, and in joints. In these instances, glycosaminoglycan synthesis is necessary for healing, and enhancement of glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan deposition may improve tissue repair. Glycosaminoglycans are synthesized primarily by fibroblasts (skin, tendons, ligaments), osteoblasts (bone), and chondrocytes (cartilage). Thus, the cell’s ability to manufacture glycosaminoglycans and secrete proteoglycans is crucial during any healing or joint disease process.