These are naturally occurring substances produced in the body which are used to form large and complex molecules glycosaminoglycans or GAG’s. GAG’s are long chain polysaccharides such as Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfates. Glucosamines are modified sugars produced from glucose where an amino group has replaced one of the hydroxyl groups on the ring. These amino sugars can form large molecular units which are incorporated into connective tissue, joint constituents and components of bone, skin, and other internal organs. D-Glucosamine and N-Acetyl Glucosamine in the body where the added sulfate group increases the attraction for water in these substances.
Glucosamines are natural building blocks of the connective tissues that help strengthen and hold together the ligaments, tendons, heart valves, the nails, bones and cartilage in the body. They also form gylcosaminoglycans in the synovial fluid itself , which gives the joint fluid greater elasticity, shock resistance and lubricating power. D-Glucosamine is a part of many large macromolecules which serve as structural elements in the cell walls, intercellular spaces and connective tissues such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments and intervertebral discs. Glucosamine sulfate helps the GAG’s hold more water and thereby increases the joint flexibility, cushioning ability and resiliency. The body requires large amounts of glucosamines to maintain and repair joint fluid and connective tissues which may have been damaged or stressed through injury, wear and tear, aging or connective tissue disorders. When the production of these GAG’s is impaired or reduced, it increases the chance that the cartilage will erode, causing serious problems with movement and flexibility within the joints. A chronic shortage of Glucosamine can lead to deterioration and inflammation of the synovial fluids, damage to the connective tissues and muscles, inflamed discs and joints and loss of elasticity in general . Since GAG’s occupy the key role in connective tissue synthesis, they can exert a protective effect against joint destruction and can be used to specifically regenerate healthy joint tissues..
Being small naturally occurring molecules, GAG’s are nearly 100% absorbed when taken orally. Orally administered GAG’s have been shown to be retained by the connective skeletal system of the body for an extended period of time. In fact, orally administered GAG’s were found more effective than GAG’s administered intravenously.
GAG’s are completely non-toxic with no adverse side affects when used as recommended.