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CHONDROITIN SULFATE
DESCRIPTION :
Chondroitin Sulfates (CS) are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which are found
naturally in the body and are important in maintaining elasticity and
integrity of many types of body tissues, including connective tissue and
the walls of blood vessels.
Chondroitin Sulfate - the Cellular Fountain of Youth
Chondroitin sulfates are the molecules in cartilage that attract and hold
water, thereby giving cartilage its elasticity and fluidity. To some
degree, chondroitin sulfate is present in all organ systems, including
other soft connective tissues - tendons and ligaments - as well as in the
skin and blood vessels. The body's ability co synthesize this key
mucopolysaccharide (a long chain of natural sugars) is believed to be a
major indicator of healthy joint function.
Chondroitin sulfate chains have negative electrical charges that very
effectively capture water molecules, giving cartilage its sponge-like
quality. When a joint is at rest, the cartilage soaks up (synovial) fluid
from the joint capsule. When compressed, the fluid is squeezed out.
Cartilage does not have its own blood supply, so it relies on this flow of
synovial fluid for nourishment and waste removal, as well as for
lubrication.
Chondroitin Sulfate and Joint Repair
Repeated stress to a joint can weaken or damage its cartilage, leading to
discomfort and reduced mobility. Bones may even come in direct contact
with each other. Cartilage repairs itself very slowly, due to its poor
nutrient supply and the fact that joints are seldom given the time to
rest.
Chondroitin sulfate is essential to cartilage growth and repair. It is
produced by cartilage cells called "chondrocytes," but the
process declines with age and is also disrupted by stress or injury.
Without enough chondroitin sulfate, cartilage integrity seriously
declines. chondroitin sulfate is also needed to keep destructive enzymes
in check, so they don't prematurely break down healthy cartilage.
European Success with Chondroitin Sulfate
Several studies in Europe have shown that supplemental chondroitin sulfate
is well-absorbed and used by the body to maintain and repair joint
cartilage. What's more, supplements seem to activate one's own natural
production of chondroitin sulfate and the other proteins needed to build
healthy new cartilage.
BIOCHEMISTRY :
Chondroitin sulfates (CS) are a component of cartilage, which in turn is a
component of connective tissue. Helping to give support and shape to
tissues, cartilage is found in joints, between vertebrae and elsewhere. CS
create a net electronegative charge, which attracts water. Hydration
maintains the compressibility, elasticity and fluidity of joint movement
characteristic of healthy cartilage. As a result of aging, the water
content of cartilage decreases, causing problems in joint mobility. The
integrity and function of cartilage can also be detrimentally affected by
acute traumatic injury, arthritis, malnutition and other conditions. CS
are also components of the walls of blood vessels. CS are important in
maintaining vascular health. In addition, CS are known to activate
lipoprotein lipase on capillary endothelial cells, which helps blood
lipids to be metabolized.
INDICATIONS : Studies
have demonstrated the effectiveness of CS supplementation for the healing
of connective and certain other tissues that have been injured or
otherwise degraded through malnutition, aging or certain drugs and
diseases. CS supplementation may also be indicated as a preventative or
possible treatment agent for certain vascular conditions.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE :
Two 300 mg. capsules taken three times per day for healing phase. One to
three 300 mg. capsules one to three times daily as a maintenance dose.
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Chondroitin Sulfate is considered to be safe and there are no known
contra-indications.
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