Glucosamine Sulfate
Doctor's Best Glucosamine Sulfate contains pure glucosamine sulfate, as confirmed by HPLC testing. Glucosamine sulfate consists of glucosamine, an amino sugar derived from chitin. Chitin, the resilient polysaccharide that forms the structural framework of animal shells, is a long-chain polymer consisting of many glucosamine molecules linked together. Purified glucosamine is sulfated and stabilized with potassium chloride. Best Glucosamine Sulfate is sodium-free. It contains 24-26% potassium chloride.
Supplies the Body with Building Material for Cartilage
Cartilage, a connective tissue, is composed of cells (chondrocytes), protein fibers (chiefly collagen) and clusters of complex molecules called "proteoglycans." A proteoglycan consists of a long protein (polypeptide) with many side chains attached to it. The structure of proteoglycan looks somewhat like a test-tube brush. The attached side chains are polysaccharides--chiefly chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate. Glucosamine is a key component of keratin sulfate. It is also a component of hyaluronic acid, another glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage and other connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid forms the backbone for the proteoglycan clusters. Glycosaminoglycans have a strong attraction for water. The water-holding ability of proteoglycan clusters gives cartilage its strong, sponge-like quality. It also allows nutrients to flow into cartilage while wastes flow out.
Supports Joint Structure and Function
Glucosamine sulfate is one of the most important nutritional supplements for joint health ever developed, providing significant benefits for both the structure and function of joints. Glucosamine sulfate has been thoroughly researched over the last 20 years, and that research has produced unequivocal evidence that glucosamine sulfate normalizes cartilage metabolism, slows breakdown of cartilage, and improves joint function. In addition, experimental studies and human clinical trials convincingly demonstrate that orally consumed glucosamine sulfate improves joint function.
In one large open trial, over 1,200 people took oral glucosamine sulfate for periods ranging from 36 to 64 days. 252 physicians participated in this multi-center study. 95% of the subjects experienced greater joint comfort and increased mobility. The physicians reported "good" results in 59%, and "sufficient" results in 36%. The improvements lasted for up to three months after the glucosamine sulfate was discontinued.
The effectiveness of glucosamine sulfate for joint health has been shown in double-blind, placebo-controlled research. One study compared glucosamine sulfate to ibuprofen, a commonly used pain medication, over an eight week period. During the first two weeks, better results were seen with ibuprofen, but by the eighth week, glucosamine sulfate produced greater improvements in pain scores.
Provides Sulfur, the Key Structural Mineral in Cartilage
Sulfur, one of the body's essential structural minerals, is incorporated into the structure of glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate.
Why Potassium-Stabilized Glucosamine Sulfate is Preferable
In order for glucosamine sulfate to be processed for oral consumption, it must be stabilized with either sodium or potassium. Either mineral works for this purpose. Potassium is preferable for numerous reasons; many people are on sodium-restricted diets, and the Standard American Diet tends to be high in sodium and low in potassium. Moreover, studies have found people needing joint support to be low in both salivary potassium and total body potassium.
About Doctor's Best
Doctor's Best produces products with the highest quality raw materials available on the market. They have direct control over and are an integral part of every aspect of product production, from formulation and raw material sourcing to finished product manufacturing. We directly purchase all active ingredients used in our products and use only the highest quality ingredients.
Every product is thoroughly researched and backed by the latest scientific studies conducted in the field. The formulations reflect the amounts of ingredients shown to be beneficial based on the results of scientific investigations. Doctor's Best uses patented, trademarked ingredients backed by scientific studies and clinical research. They never use insignificant quantities to enhance the label.
Doctor's Best directly purchases only the highest grade raw materials from proven and reputable suppliers to be put into product formulations. All raw material suppliers go through their stringent vendor qualification process, which includes a multi-step investigation including all aspects of the production and handling procedures, to insure the highest level of quality is reached.