MICROgenics^® Glucosamine MSM and Chondroitin Lemon/lime Joint Powder

The three key ingredients for joint health

1. Glucosamine
   

   Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is a key building block of mucopolysaccharides (such as glycosaminoglycans or GAGs), proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid that form the framework of joint tissue including cartilage, tendons and synovial fluid. The inability to manufacture glucosamine may be one of the major factors leading to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

   Supplemental glucosamine is used as an agent to support joint health and provide symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis. It is usually derived from chitin found in the shells of crustaceans such as prawns, crabs and lobsters. The use of glucosamine for osteoarthritis has been supported in numerous clinical trials. A randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving 202 patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, found that glucosamine supplementation reduced joint pain, inflammation and increased joint mobility after long term treatment (3 years). A systematic review of randomised clinical trials found that glucosamine supplementation was more effective than placebo in delaying the structural progression of knee osteoarthritis.

2. Chondroitin
   

   Chondroitin sulfate is an important glycosaminoglycan (GAG) found in cartilage and connective tissue. Chondroitin appears to protect cartilage by providing it with the raw material necessary for repair as well as inhibiting enzymes such as elastase and hyaluronidase that damage joint cartilage. Chondroitin acts as bait, attracting fluid into cartilage which provides shock absorption for surrounding bones and supplies nutrients to joint cartilage.

   Clinical data has found chondroitin, in conjunction with glucosamine, to be an effective agent for the symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 1583 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis observed the pain relieving effects of a glucosamine and chondroitin combination using WOMAC* scores. The study found that in a sub-group of patients with moderate to severe pain, 79.2% experienced a 20% decrease in the WOMAC pain score over 6 months compared to only 69.4% taking placebo. .

3. MSM
   

   MSM (dimethyl sulfone) is a source of dietary sulfur which is required for the proper synthesis and maintenance of connective tissue including joints, tendons and cartilage. Sulfur is a major component of glycosaminoglycans and is thus an essential nutrient for joint tissue. A clinical trial found that MSM in combination with glucosamine showed better efficacy in reducing pain (16%) and swelling (20%) and in improving the functional ability of joints, than either agent alone.

   Other important ingredients for maintaining joint health

   • Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and helps maintain the integrity of cartilage
   • Manganese is necessary for the development & maintenance of healthy bones & joints.
   • Selenium is a antioxidant that may help reduce free radical damage to the body’s tissues
   • Proline is one of the key components of joint cartilage
   • Ginger contains constituents including gingerols that appear to have anti-inflammatory effects

* The WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) index is used to assess patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee using 24 parameters. It can be used to monitor the course of the disease or to determine the effectiveness of anti-rheumatic medications.

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