Glucosamine & Chondroitin are not so much the ‘terrible twins’ of nutrition, but a beneficial symbiotic pairing that is essential for people who train at high intensity trainers and the aging population.
First let’s understand that they are completely natural products, specially formulated to help maintain joint mobility and efficiency.
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine sulphate is a naturally occurring amino acid necessary for the production of connective tissue in the body, which is important for the maintenance of efficiently functioning joints and muscles. The major function of Glucosamine is to stimulate the manufacture of soft connective tissue that makes up the tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
What is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin is one of the major structural components of cartilage, tendons and bones. It is a long chain sugar, which attracts fluid into the proteoglycan molecules (a sort of liquid magnet) and helps Glucosamine to form. Chondroitin has been shown to protect the cartilage against attack from ‘cartilage busting’ enzymes.
Used together High Strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin can:
· Enhance cartilage repair and improve joint function
· Provide lubrication between synovial membrane & cartilage
· Inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage
· Reduce joint pain
· Reduce inflammation of the membrane lining a joint
Dosage and effectiveness
Most manufacturers recommend 2 tablets per day taken with water. The Fitness Consultancy position is to “load” with this dosage for ten days, and then take on a maintenance dose of 1 tablet per day.
Trials on Glucosamine show that most people notice some difference in about two weeks, but it can take longer (up to 3 months) to become fully effective.