Glucosamine Sulfate???

[shotochem]

I get the occasional snap crackle pop in the hips and shoulders. I thought I would give

 

Glucosamine a try on the advice of someone I train with. Does anyone have any experience with taking this stuff? Will it have any side effects or long term effects? Will it help prevent excessive wear and tear on the joints?

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

[KickChick]

You are not alone ... Check out the thread "Flexibility Determination" (page 2)

 

...you'll see why!

 

"A GLUCOSAMINE-CHONDROITIN supplement for the healthy support of your body’s resilient, elastic tissues, particularly the ligaments, tendons and cartilage associated with healthy joint function. It is hard to imagine any other part of our body that over the course of a normal lifetime must endure more daily use and abuse than our joints - resulting in substantial wear and tear on these vital structures. Nevertheless, as we get older we seem to take for granted that our joints have already supported us through our entire lifetime and must continue to do so every day thereafter. It is therefore no wonder that as we age, we become more conscious of our joint’s gradual loss of resiliency and elasticity and the reduced ability of our joints to perform as they did in our youth. It only makes sense that we make some effort to both repay and contribute to that unwavering support. The ingredients in this product provide the most important essential building blocks for your body to naturally maintain healthy joint structure and function. The special ingredients in this formula help to rebuild and renew the vital cartilage in your joints that is naturally worn down as a result of the normal wear and tear of daily use. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are two primary ingredients required to rebuild, support and maintain the healthy properties of cartilage and connective tissue. Chondroitin Sulfate is also an essential component of healthy synovial fluid, which is the primary “shock absorbing” and lubricating system present in our joints. Not surprisingly, the benefits of these molecules extend beyond joint tissue and are also required for the unique structural properties of other “elastic” tissues in the body, such as arteries, veins and heart valves. By providing these two essential structural molecules together, their combined action offers complementary benefits not available when taking either Glucosamine or Chondroitin on their own."

 

This is the info that came with my supplement and I am seeing some improvement in my "pops".

 

 

[shotochem]

KC, thanks for the info. I know someone taking it and he found it to be helpful. I am concerned as to if it has any negative side affects short or long term. How long have you been taking it? Have you heard of any long term studies on it?

 

 

[KickChick]

Presently I am taking 1000 mgs a day in one dose (2 pills) You can vary your dosage up to 3 times a day 500 mg. ea. It is preferable not to exceed 1500 mg. , so as with any "drug" you should not exceed dosage limits.

 

Also keep in mind, the government doesn't regulate supplements as strictly as it does drugs, so quality and potency can vary from product to product. In rare cases, products may be contaminated with undesirable substances. The brand I take has absolutely no additives.

 

Some glucosamine products are made from the shells of shellfish, so if youre allergic beware!

 

One of the most encouraging aspects of these two supplements is that they appear to have few side effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin have not been shown to cause irritation of the stomach, however, animal studies have shown increases in blood sugar with glucosamine so if your diabetic you may want to avoid!

 

There is little information available on its long-term effects. The National Institute of Health http://www.nih.gov/ has a study underway and is expected to yield results in 2004.

 

Consult your doctor if you have any further concerns!

 

_________________

 

ITF/TKD Black Belt (1st dan)/Fitness Kickboxing Instructor

 

(KarateForums Sensei)

 

[ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-01-26 05:08 ]

[Gloi]

"Some glucosamine products are made from the shells of shellfish, so if youre allergic beware! "

 

I'm glad you mentioned that. I've been thinking of taking some glucosamine Chondroitin & msn and I'm extremely allergic to shellfish so I'll take care what I buy.

[YODA]

I've been taking Glucosamine for a few years now & have very good results with it.

 

I tried the Glucosamine & Chondroitin mix and didn't notice any difference - so I stick with the GS on its own. 500mg twice per day.

 

 

[shotochem]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the helpful info. Im going to give it a try. Ill let you know if it works.

 

 

[Bitseach]

interesting - I was wondering about this too as my joints have always been a bit clicky!

[YODA]

Go for it Bitsearch. You're in the UK so check out "Health Rack" for the cheapest GS - with Vitamin C too.

 

 

[KickChick]

.... another point: give it some time to work too. I was taking it for about 2 months and wasn't seeing any significant difference in the "clicking" of my femoral ligaments. So I stopped.

 

Thanks to Yoda's advice I went back on it to give it another chance. I usually take a night now after dinner (need to take on full stomach) everyday without fail (I used to forget now and then .... and after several months now I have seen a dramatic difference! I am way too impatient I guess!

 

_________________

 

KarateForums Sensei

 

1st dan Tae Kwon Do (ITF)

 

Cardio/Fitness Kickboxing Instr.

 

[ This Message was edited by: KickChick on 2002-05-13 14:43 ]