Liquid Glucosamine - Arthritis and Glucosamine

If you suffer from any form of joint pain such as arthritis, chances are that you are familiar with Liquid Glucosamine, which has been hailed as a wonder supplement for joint problems.

Advertising claims go from assuring consumers that their joint pain may at least be temporarily held at bay to those that show seniors playing squash and table tennis just minutes after taking the supplement. However, are these claims true or are they just advertising hype?

Arthritis and Glucosamine

Glucosamine is nothing more than an amino sugar, which was originally used to treat osteoarthritis. Patients who suffered from this disease experienced inflammation in their joints that was based on a reduction in the cartilage that cushions them. Since movement is so painful, patients tended to remain immobile for as much of the day as possible, and as a result their muscles would atrophy. To avoid the latter, and to encourage the patients to continue a lifestyle as healthy as possible, physicians concentrated on alleviating the pain associated with movement and glucosamine was found to do just that.

Unlike many vitamins, glucosamine is not something you can ingest with your daily meals but rather it is usually synthesized within the body. The introduction of glucosamine as a supplement did not come about until it became a valid treatment for osteoarthritis.

Various research has shown that glucosamine does indeed work to ease arthritis and may also increase flexibility whilst other studies show evidence that it helps to rebuild cartilage as well.

Liquid Glucosamine

Test studies have found that liquid glucosamine is far superior to the tablet form and patients who take the liquid form also find that it far surpasses the effects felt from tablets. Obviously, since the liquid enters the stomach without a barrier, such as a tablet coating, it is absorbed immediatley, which means that the benefits may be felt sooner. As well as that, if you happen to suffer from a gastric ailment that might interfere with your stomach’s ability to break down a tablet, you will not get the full benefit of the dose unless you do use the liquid form.

Glucosamine Side Effects

If you have any allergy to shellfish, you should be aware that the glucosamine that you will usually find on the store shelf is derived from shellfish. Bearing that in mind, you may wish to first consult your doctor about taking glucosamine supplements, or perhaps stay away from it altogether.

If you are ready to invest in your dose of this wonder supplement for joint pain, make sure that you purchase a brand that will offer you the maximum benefits!

One dose of the supplement should contain 1,500 mg. If the supplement you are taking does not, then it means that you will have to take more doses to achieve the desired effect. This, of course, will cost you more in the long run.

The best form of the supplement is Glucosamine Sulfate Hydrochloride also known as Glucosamine HCL and you should make sure that you read the labels thoroughly before buying. It is a sad reflection on the supplement industry, but there are manufacturers that will include a trace of glucosamine in HCL form, but the lion’s share of the dose is made up of NaCl, which is a fancy way of spelling table salt. You should also beware of binding agents, fillers, and herbs that you have probably never heard of.

Bear in mind that in the US and the UK, glucosamine is not a substance that falls under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration, so wild claims are not surprising. Additionally, the mixing of strange concoctions with a variety of ineffective ingredients is not unheard of either. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, it is best to consult your doctor or an alternative medicine practitioner for an educated opinion.

As you can see, the studies to prove that glucosamine will ease joint pain, decrease inflammation, and even rebuild cartilage are there. However, there are no authorative guidelines to guarantee supplement purity and dosage. Consequently, it is a case of buyer beware and check out the manufacturer’s reputation on your own.