Understanding Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin Sulphate and Their Roles in Joints
Cartilage contains connective tissue composed of cells (chondrocytes), protein fibres (chiefly collagen) and clusters of complex molecules called "proteoglycans." Proteoglycan molecules are formed from long proteins (polypeptides) with numerous side chains. (The proteoglycan structure looks like a bottle brush.) The attached side chains, chiefly chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulphate, are long polysaccharide molecules called "glycosaminoglycans." Glucosamine is a key component of keratin sulphate, and it can be converted to galactosamine, which, along with glucuronic acid, forms chondroitin sulfate.
Cartilage contains collagen fibres embedded within a gel-like matrix known as "intracellular cement." Proteoglycans are the key structural component within this matrix. Chondroitin sulfate and the other glycosaminoglycans have a strong attraction for water, due to negative charges on their sulphate groups. These negative charges also repel each other, creating spaces between glycosaminoglycan side-chains in the proteoglycan molecule. Water enters the spaces, giving cartilage a sponge-like quality that allows it to function as a shock absorber for joints. The movement of water in and out of cartilage allows nutrients to flow in and wastes to flow out. Glucosamine is also a component of hyaluronic acid, another glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage and other connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid forms the backbone for the proteoglycan clusters. As essential components of cartilage, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are therefore critically important for the health and function of joints.
The MSM Story-One of Nature's Primary Sources of Organic Dietary Sulphur!
The human body requires a continuous supply of usable sulphur, and MSM is one of the primary organic sulphur -containing molecules for use by living organisms. From life's earliest beginnings, primitive marine organisms (blue-green algae and phytoplankton) have absorbed inorganic sulphur from ocean waters and produced organic sulfur molecules, primarily dimethyl sulfonium salts.
These salts are released back into the sea, where they are converted to dimethyl sulfide, which readily evaporates into the upper atmosphere. Dimethyl sulfide is then oxidized by UV light, forming DMSO and MSM. The two compounds are delivered to land masses in rain water, and absorbed by plants. MSM is a stable end-product of this process, serving as a primary source of sulphur in the food chain.
Benefits
Supports Joint Structure and Function
may help in lubrication of joints and bones. Men and women suffering from hip pain may find this gives a measure of relief
JointLife Natural Supplement
Arthritis Free, Glucosamine sulfate 1000mg., Boswellian extract 250mg, Vitamin D 400 I.U., 120 caplets ~. 2 a day. Produced by Young Again NEW STOCK FEB 2008
