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| Friday, August 26, 2005 |
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Power Joints WHAT IS GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE?DESCRIPTION Glucosamine, an amino sugar normally formed in the body from glucose, is the starting point for the synthesis of many important macromolecules including glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycos-aminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides). The tissues containing these glucosamine macromolecules include tendons and ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid, mucus membranes, several structures in the eye, blood vessels, and heart valves. A deficiency of glucosamine can reduce the rate of production of these important macromolecules, thereby leading to tissue weakness. In certain cases of trauma to these tissues, the amount of glucosamine normally synthesized by the body is insufficient. Together with its associated macromolecules, glucosamine sulfate helps to make the synovial fluid thick and elastic, in joints and vertebrae. Tissues in the joints can become damaged when the lubricating synovial fluids in the joint spaces become thin and watery. Normal cushioning is lost. Bones and the cartilage scrape against each other inside the joint space. Weakened bursa sacs in the joints can also cause tendons to rub against the hard edges of bones, increasing the chance that the cartilage will erode and causing problems with movement and flexibility. Between You & Me at 1:06 PM ------------------------------ |
