Glucosamine AJF (Advanced Joint Formula) is a special formulation of several natural ingredients that have been found to contribute to joint health. Glucosamine stimulates the body's manufacture of collagen, the protein portion of the fibrous substance that holds joints together and provides shock-absorbing cushion. Chondroitin sulfate is synergistic with glucosamine. The combination is a popular and well-established nutritional formula that millions of people have found to be a beneficial addition to their supplement programs. Devil's claw and shark cartilage extract have also been added. Glucosamine AJF is an exclusive formula and the perfect product to help nourish the skeletal system!

It's common practice to take for granted how the body accomplishes the demands we place on it until the day that extreme discomfort forces you to evaluate and measure each movement and position. As a person ages, the cartilage that cushions the joints often loses its ability to support healthy cellular growth. In addition, the synovial fluid which lubricates these joints also deteriorates. This condition, called osteoarthritis, often leads to rough bones that rub together and cause distress with every twist or bend. Over time, the only option you have is to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These preparations may cause side effects like slowing down the body's rate of cartilage replacement and actually destroying cartilage.

Other side effects include: gastrointestinal tract damage, hemorrhaging, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), edema (fluid retention) and sometimes kidney and liver damage. After these products no longer are effective, you can choose to: 1) live with it or 2) undergo radical medical procedures like joint replacement surgery. This is where an orthopedic surgeon replaces your hip or knee with a metal one. The procedure is complicated and the recovery time extensive.

RESEARCH BRIEF

Moveable (synovial) joints in the skeletal system are characterized by the presence of a cushioning layer of cartilage on the ends of where the bones meet. This cartilage layer reduces the friction between the bones and allows for easier movement of the joint. Cartilage is a tough but resilient connective tissue that is constantly rebuilding to compensate for the mechanical stresses put on the joint. In addition, the joint is surrounded by tough layers of connective tissue that hold the joint together and also secrete a fluid that bathes the cartilage pads to reduce friction further. However, accumulated wear and tear on the joints results in the breakdown and thinning of the cartilage, causing pain, inflammation, and loss of motion. Cartilage is composed of molecules known as proteoglycans, which are deposited within a matrix of collagen fibers. This complex traps water and helps give cartilage its flexibility, resiliency, and resistance to compression. Proteoglycans are a combination of protein and carbohydrate molecules. The most important of these is glucosamine, an amino-sugar. Higher levels of glucosamine within the cartilage-producing cells (chondrocytes) is critical for production of adequate amounts of proteoglycans. Chondroitin is another molecule that is involved in the production of proteoglycans.

Q. What is the glucosamine in this product derived from?
A. The glucosamine is derived from chitin.

Q. Will the glucosamine build up in my body?
A. Glucosamine is water soluble, so it is eliminated daily.

REFERENCES

Caplan AI. Cartilage. Scientific American 1984; 251(1): 84-97.

Sledge CB. Arthritis Surgery Chapter 1: Biology of the joint. Philadelphia PA: W.B. Saunders Co; 1994. Pp. 1-21.

Dovanti A, Bignamini AA , Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulphate in osteoarthrosis: a placebo-controlled double-blind investigation. Clin Therapeutics 1980;3:266-272.

Pujalte JM, Llavore EP, Ylescupidez FR. Double-blind clinical evaluation of oral glucosamine sulphate in the basic treatment of osteoarthrosis. Curr Med Res and Opinion 1980;7:110-114.

Fabbender HM et al. Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1994;2:61-69.

Caplan AI. Cartilage. Scientific American 1984; 251(1): 84-97.

Sledge CB. Arthritis Surgery Chapter 1: Biology of the joint. Philadelphia PA: W.B. Saunders Co. 1994:1-21.

Dovanti A, Bignamini AA, Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulphate in osteoarthrosis: a placebo-controlled double-blind investigation. Clin Therapeutics 1980;3:266-272.

Pujalte JM, Llavore EP, Ylescupidez FR. Double-blind clinical evaluation of oral glucosamine sulphate in the basic treatment of osteoarthrosis. Curr Med Res and Opinion 1980;7:110-114.

Fabbender HM et al. Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 1994;2:61-69.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.