Joint Health Supplements
You can look at another study done in 2003 by Ulloth et al. Let’s look at the lubricants that manufacturers use to let equipment run better. These same lubricants can inhibit the dissolution of the nutrients in your body over some time. The lubricans include stearic acid, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, palmitate, and hydrogenated vegetable oil (transfats). All these are lubricants that manufacturers use for the equipment. Yet they are additives in many commercial vitamins and other supplements you buy from health food stores and supermarkets.
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The truth about health supplements
Well, its because the legislation surrounding the dietary supplement industry is outdated and misguided. WEIGH IN: Ask your fitness questions Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (thats nearly 20 years ago), supplements are defined as a food and not a drug, which restricts the FDA in the testing and regulation of nutritional and dietary supplements. Basically, the products do not need to be preapproved by the FDA prior to hitting the shelves. Dr.
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Studies report that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to be relatively safe and well tolerated when used appropriately.5,6 Joint health supplements are formulated to support and protect healthy joint cartilage, serve as an alternative treatment for OA, and are marketed as single-entity or combination products. Table 2: Examples of Common Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis1 Joint soreness after extended periods of overuse or inactivity Episodes of stiffness after periods of rest that goes away rapidly when activity resumes Morning stiffness, which typically lasts no more than 30 minutes Episodes of pain caused by weakening of muscles surrounding the joint due to inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle Joint pain that is typically less painful in the morning but worse in the evening after a days activity Deterioration of coordination, posture, and walking due to pain and stiffness Glucosamine and Chondroitin According to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), in recent years, glucosamine and chondroitin have demonstrated some potential for reducing pain associated with OA, although there are still conflicting results and there is no conclusive scientific evidence regarding the exact effectiveness of these supplements.6 The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), which was cosponsored by the NCCAM and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, evaluated the effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin when taken together or separately.5,6 The trial concluded that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin did not provide significant relief from pain associated with OA among all participants.6 However, a subgroup of study participants with moderate to severe pain reported significant relief with the combination.6 Glucosamine and chondroitin are classified as natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage.7 Glucosamine is classified as an endogenous mucopolysaccharide that the body produces and distributes in cartilage and other connective tissue, and chondroitin sulfate is classified as a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water.7-10 In the United States, glucosamine and chondroitin are sold as dietary supplements, which are regulated as foods rather than drugs.6,7 These supplements are available as single-entity formulations but are most often found in combination formulations. Glucosamine Glucosamine is believed to maintain and strengthen cartilage for overall mobility and support.7-9 Glucosamine is used by the body as a precursor for cartilage synthesis and may also serve as a sulfur donor for the sulfur bonds used in the production of cartilage.7 Research also states that glucosamine is essential to keep cartilage tissue lubricated and to maintain its naturally slippery texture.7-9 Some studies have demonstrated that glucosamine may slow the progression of knee cartilage degradation and increase cartilage growth in some individuals.7-9 Glucosamine supplements are marketed to slow the deterioration of cartilage, relieve pain associated with OA, and improve joint motility.8 Glucosamine is typically given in doses of 1500 mg daily.7 Patients should be advised that glucosamine will not provide pain relief as quickly as analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and APAP. Glucosamine may take 6 to 8 weeks to exhibit a therapeutic effect; continued use of analgesics, if appropriate and if no contraindications, may be needed.7 The full effects of glucosamine may take as long as 4 to 6 months to be realized.7 The most common adverse effects include nausea, upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea.7 Adverse effects can be minimized by taking glucosamine in divided doses.7 Pregnant and lactating women should avoid the use of this supplement due to lack of clinical safety data.7 Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine may raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as exacerbate asthma in some individuals, but the clinical results are inconclusive.7-9 Researchers report that glucosamine may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, so caution should be observed when both products are used.7-9 In addition, there is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the effects of glucosamine on glucose metabolism.
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