With age, human articular and cartilaginous tissues lose their former elasticity, lose their functionality and are destroyed. Such changes can be delayed with the help of a number of drugs. Glucosamine chondroitin is a remedy that helps maintain the functionality of cartilage and joints, relieve symptoms of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system and improve the quality of life of older people.
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Let's figure out what monosaccharides such as chondroitin and glucosamine are. There is such a thing as chondroitin sulfate. This substance is an essential component of cartilage tissue, which it produces independently. The compound is part of the synovial fluid that fills the joint capsule. These facts indicate that the full functioning of the joints depends on the presence of chondroitin.
Glucosamine acts as a building base for chondroitin and joint fluid. Its deficiency provokes a deficiency of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage tissues. The consequence of this may be the appearance of pain and crunching in the joints.
GCA (glucosamine-chondroitin complex) ULTRA* (capsule No. 90)
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Compound
Composition: glucosamine sulfate from crustacean shells - 0.200 g, chondroitin sulfate - 0.080 g, methylsulfonylmethane - 0.050 g, boswellia extract - 0.025 g. Excipients: filler - lactose - 0.045 g. Capsule shell: gelatin, food colorings (titanium dioxide, indigotine, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide black). Content of biologically active substances: Biologically active substance - Content of the substance in the recommended daily dose (in 3 capsules), g, not less (% of the adequate level of consumption *) Glucosamine sulfate - 0.480 (69%) Chondroitin sulfate - 0.180 (30 %) * – according to the “Unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary-epidemiological supervision (control)” of the EurAsEC Customs Union. The results of chemical analysis may differ from the declared values, which is typical for products made from natural raw materials. Release form: 60, 90 or 120 capsules in a polymer jar with a label and instructions for use in a cardboard box.
Description
“GHC-Ultra (glucosamine-chondroitin complex Ultra)” is a biologically active food supplement recommended as an additional source of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. For prevention purposes, a person needs to introduce into his diet foods that are beneficial for cartilage and joints. Even ancient healers were well aware that strong, rich broths, as well as jellied meat, poultry and various types of fish, had healing powers. They also noticed that if tendons, bones, and cartilage are not removed from such dishes, their positive effects are further enhanced. To this day, the most useful dishes for the prevention of joint and cartilage diseases are considered to be various strong broths and jellied meats, poultry, and fish. Strong broths and jellied meats contain substances - polysaccharides, which are part of the coating of the periosteum, cartilage and ligaments, and also take part in the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, which plays the role of a lubricant. If there is a lack of this fluid, a person experiences pain in the joints. It is polysaccharides that provide the elasticity of cartilage tissue. Therefore, by consuming rich broths and jellied meats, a person introduces these beneficial compounds into his body. Proper nutrition and consumption of substances and plants that nourish cartilage and joints will allow a person to avoid diseases of the joints and cartilage, maintain health and performance. Glucosamine is a substance that is found in small quantities in food (in mollusk shells, as well as animal bones or bone marrow, and some types of mushrooms). In addition, it is produced by cartilage cells of the human body. Glucosamine stimulates the production of long chains of sugars (glucosaminoglucans) necessary to maintain healthy human cartilage tissue. Chondroitin is a high molecular weight polysaccharide and a structural analogue of human cartilage tissue. Contained in the skin, tendons and cartilage of animal origin and in fish (especially salmon, salmon). Chondroitin improves metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevents its destruction. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound, tasteless and odorless, which is a source of sulfur of natural origin in a bioavailable form, and is usually found in various fruits, vegetables, cereals, and meat. In addition, MSM is found in the cells of the human body. In the body, sulfur is necessary for the formation of muscles, connective tissue, nails, hair and skin. Since sulfur plays an important role in human life, it must be present in the diet. Boswellia extract is obtained from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, better known in Russia as the incense tree. The resin, obtained by cutting the tree trunk from where the milky sap appears, hardens and turns into yellowish balls. Frankincense tree resin has antiseptic properties, a pleasant smell, is chewed, and in small quantities crushed into powder is added to food.
Advantages
Enhanced formula contains MSM and boswellia extract. Capsule form of release. Affordable price. Complex effect of components on joints when combined with the use of GHK capsules and the cosmetic gel “GKHK Universalny”.
Mode of application
Recommendations for use: adults, 1 capsule 3 times a day with meals. Duration of treatment is 1 month. If necessary, the reception can be repeated.
Contraindications
Individual intolerance to product components, pregnancy, breastfeeding.
special instructions
It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
What is the difference between glucosamine and chondroitin?
One of the questions that people face before using drugs is what is the difference between glucosamine and chondroitin? These substances have the same structure. It is important to know that glucosamine is an essential component of chondroitin, which complements it and enhances its properties. The combination of these substances makes it possible to improve their absorption, provide effective protection and active restoration of cartilage. Most chondoprotectors are drugs consisting only of these components. There are also products in which chondroitin and glucosamine complement the composition.
Complex glucosamine, chondroitin in sports nutrition
Industrially produced glucosamine is obtained from chitin, the main component of crustacean shells. Crabs, shellfish and lobsters are the most popular raw materials for obtaining additives based on them. Calcium carbonate and proteins are removed from chitin, then it is hydrolyzed to produce glucosamine hydrochloride. If the goal is to produce glucosamine sulfate, a sulfate group is simply added.
Chondroitin is obtained from natural sources such as shark or cow cartilage. Most often it is chondroitin sulfate, which is a combination of chondroitin with a mineral salt.
Every person needs support for the musculoskeletal system.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional athlete or someone who leads an active lifestyle and cares about your own health, you should be interested in keeping your ligaments and joints completely healthy. If you don't provide your connective tissues with the nutrients they need, you weaken their protection, thereby increasing the risk of sprains and injuries. Glucosamine and chondroitin are what you need in such cases. Top
Properties, benefits and role for the human body
Speaking about why glucosamine chondroitin is taken, it is worth turning to the research of scientists. With long-term therapy with drugs that include this compound, pain relief in gonarthrosis in elderly patients is noted. Their quality of life improves as their joints become more functional. The need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in this case is reduced (). The properties of glucosamine chondroitin allow the drugs they contain to perform the following functions:
- ensuring the regeneration of failed and damaged tissues;
- support of the process of cellular nutrition;
- prevention of the formation of age spots;
- fight against inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
- preservation of tissue structure at the molecular level;
- preventing the appearance of vascular plaques.
Observations by scientists have led to the conclusion that glucosamine chondroitin is effective as a remedy against osteoarthritis. Its mechanism of action is based on triggering the active production of proteoglycans that have a healthy structure. The benefit of glucosamine chondroitin is that it prevents the destruction of cartilage tissue by inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinase. This compound also helps prevent the spread of inflammatory processes ().
Why take chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis?
The loss of necessary characteristics by cartilage may be associated with changes in metabolic processes in the body as a whole:
- age;
- hormonal changes during menopause;
- systemic diseases;
- metabolic disorder.
Or locally in the area of the affected joint, due to:
- injuries;
- infections;
- increased loads.
Due to the above reasons, a large number of chondrocytes (cartilage tissue cells) are destroyed at once. Without the resource for their rapid regeneration, the body cannot cope with the pathology and the condition begins to gradually deteriorate.
Even at a young age, in the presence of diseases associated with impaired synthesis and absorption of collagen, restoration of cartilage tissue may be insufficient. There are often situations where chondrocytes divide at a normal rate, but the quality of new cells is low - such chondrocytes are called “abnormal”. They are easily destroyed under the influence of free radicals and decay products of already dead cells, which is why gaps, cracks and ulcers (erosions) form on the articular cartilage.
Alas, the content of collagen and glycosaminoglycans in the human diet is negligible. A menu that is healthy for cartilage is not always the most delicious. You can get natural chondroprotectors for arthrosis from:
- cartilage;
- soft heads of bones;
- ears;
- skin;
- pork feet;
- lips and noses (nush);
- tendons of farm animals;
- whole fish, which must be eaten with bones;
- sprouted wheat
Sounds unappetizing and complicated, doesn't it? Therefore, the most convenient way to saturate the body with collagen remains chondroprotectors - medicinal extracts from healthy products.
In the treatment of osteoarthritis, chondroprotectors help:
- start the process of regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue even in old age;
- form full-fledged chondrocytes;
- accelerate the healing of microtraumas:
- maintain the density, height and shock-absorbing qualities of articular cartilage;
- slow down the progression of the disease;
- relieve inflammation and pain;
- lead a full life while maintaining mobility with complex treatment of arthrosis.
Unlike other medications aimed at suppressing negative symptoms, chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis affect the joint itself and can lead to real improvements.
Indications for use and instructions for use
According to the instructions for use, glucosamine chondroitin is prescribed in case of diagnosis of osteoarthritis, tendinitis, osteoarthritis and discosis. It is recommended to use drugs with this compound for people prone to injuries, such as dislocations and fractures. Glucosamine chondroitin should be used by people who engage in weightlifting, powerlifting or bodybuilding. Their body is subject to great physical stress, after which it needs help in recovery.
Mechanism of action of drugs
The task of chondroprotectors is to restore and maintain the integrity of cartilage tissue. To achieve their goal, they:
- Stimulates the development of chondrocytes. These are the main cells of cartilage, which not only form its structure, but also restore damaged cells.
- Reduce the activity of lysosomal enzymes (metalloproteinases), which destroy cartilage tissue.
- Increases the resistance of chondrocytes to anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- Activate anabolic processes (growth) in the cartilage matrix.
- They create all the conditions for the formation of a healthy joint.
Popular release forms
Glucosamine chondroitin is available in the form of external and internal use. These can be creams, ointments, capsules, tablets and powders. Products for external use do not always give the expected results and do not act as quickly as drugs that need to be taken. Tablets may be slightly less effective than capsules because some of the active ingredient dissolves on the way to the intestines, causing it to lose its benefit. In addition, the tablet form of the drug can cause intestinal irritation. Capsules are more effective and safe. They do not contain additional components that provoke adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, and deliver the active substance intact to the stomach, through the walls of which it is completely absorbed into the bloodstream. Powders are more convenient to use if it is difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.
Description of chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are drugs containing substances that make up the joint (hyaluronic acid, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin). They are prescribed for preventive and therapeutic purposes to:
- Improve the synthesis of macromolecules of cartilage cells, collagen, glycoproteins.
- Ensure the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which makes synovial fluid viscous, improving its lubricating and shock-absorbing properties. Thus, it ensures normal, painless movement of the joints.
- Suppress the action of enzymes that destroy cartilage cells.
- Dissolve fibrins, lipids, blood clots that are stuck in the blood vessels in the vertebral area.
- Reduce pain and inflammation in the intervertebral disc area.
There are chondroprotectors on sale that contain one active substance, but all of the above effects can only be achieved using combined means. For example, glucosamine is able to solve goals No. 1, 2, 5, while chondroitin effectively copes with goals 1, 3, 4, 5.
How to drink glucosamine chondroitin: norm per day, dosage
Glucosamine chondroitin is a drug with a cumulative effect, which is why the duration of its use can be up to 12 months, depending on the clinical picture. Athletes are recommended to drink 1500 mg of the drug in 2 or 3 doses. The maximum daily dose of glucosamine and chondroitin for humans is 2000 mg. The drug is started to be taken in a small amount equal to 400 mg, increasing the dosage according to the dosage regimen. It is drunk during or after meals, since the effect of the active substance slows down on an empty stomach.
How do chondroprotectors work?
The components of chondroprotectors - glucosamine and chondroitin - act as building materials for cartilage and synovial fluid of the joint.
With chronic tissue destruction, there is an increased demand for building molecules; joints “capture” them most readily
It is known that with degenerative diseases of the joints - arthrosis, osteochondrosis, the cartilage becomes thinner, the amount of synovial fluid decreases. Thus, decomposition processes prevail over synthesis processes.
It is believed that additional intake of building substances will have a beneficial effect on the restoration of joints. Indeed, it is known that with chronic tissue destruction, there is an increased demand for building molecules; joints “capture” them most readily. In this light, taking drugs with building materials in it becomes justified.
However, the main difficulties arise with the absorption of these substances and their delivery to the affected joint.
What happens to chondroprotectors in our body?
When taken orally, the molecules must be absorbed in the small intestine and enter the bloodstream and then be transported to the joint.
The process of absorption when eating food, for example, occurs as follows: large molecules of proteins, fats and carbohydrates are broken down into small amino acids, fatty acids and monosaccharides and in this form enter the blood.
However, chondroitin sulfate is a large, complex molecule that cannot completely cross the intestinal barrier. The molecule undergoes destruction to its constituent parts and then enters the bloodstream. This process occurs partially, and the other part of the large molecules is excreted unchanged from the body.
As for glucosamine, they are smaller and are absorbed in the intestines almost unchanged and enter the target organs as building material. However, glucosamine can be synthesized in our body from glucose that we get from food. You don't need to take supplements for this.
What about injectable forms?
When administered intramuscularly, the drug bypasses the absorption process and immediately enters the bloodstream. For small molecules this is not a problem, but large molecules can cause allergic reactions, both local and general.
Administration of the drug directly into the joint cavity is preferable. Then there are no problems of absorption or allergic reactions and the drug goes directly into the joint. However, cartilage is poorly nourished from the washed-out synovial fluid, and even here chondroprotectors will not be the most effective. Hyaluronic acid preparations cope better with the task of replacing synovial fluid. But it has been shown that exogenous hyaluronic acid does not stay in the joint for a long time (about a day), and the effect is expected to last for 6-9 months.
For the drug to start working, it needs to go through a difficult path to the joint.
Contraindications and side effects
Do not take the drug if you are hypersensitive, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contraindications to the use of glucosamine chondroitin are also:
- minor age;
- blood clotting disorder;
- diagnosing diabetes mellitus;
- presence of asthma or hypotension;
- disruption of vascular function, including thrombus formation.
When talking about whether glucosamine chondroitin is effective, it is worth taking into account the cumulative effect of the drugs. In order for the therapy to bring results, you need to take the drug for at least 6 months. Thorough research helped determine how safe long-term use of the drugs is. It is noted that effective relief of pain and restoration of joint functionality is observed both while taking the drugs without breaks, and when they are used in courses of 3 months with breaks of the same duration. Side effects of glucosamine chondroitin have been observed in isolated cases. These include abdominal pain after discontinuation of use and a papular rash during use (). In some cases, drugs can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How to take chondroprotectors for arthrosis?
Chondroprotectors for the treatment of osteoarthritis should be taken on an empty stomach or with food, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you follow the instructions, inflammatory symptoms will begin to go away after 2 weeks of use, and after 4 weeks, pain and swelling will subside.
To achieve stable long-term remission, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors for arthrosis for 3-6 months, since they are slow-acting drugs. It is advisable to take a course of oral medications annually throughout your life.
Injectable drugs (for example, alflutop) are used in courses of 5 or more intra-articular injections with an interval of 3-4 days. Or, intramuscularly, 20 injections daily. Powdered chondroprotectors for joints with arthrosis (arthrosis) are diluted in ½ glass of warm water and drunk twice a day.
Please note: for polyarthrosis and arthrosis of small joints (for example, interphalangeal joints), oral medications or intramuscular injections are more often used. For arthrosis of large joints, intra-articular injection into each joint separately can be prescribed.
Do chondroprotectors help with arthrosis?
If the course of the disease is favorable, effective chondroprotectors for arthrosis allow the patient to return to an active life (after a course lasting 6 months) and improve overall well-being (especially in case of systemic diseases of the musculoskeletal system).
Do chondroprotectors help with arthrosis in advanced cases? Taking chondroprotectors at the 3rd stage of osteoarthritis has its own specifics, since the cartilage is already severely destroyed and cannot be restored naturally. In the later stages, chondroprotectors are prescribed to slow down the destruction of bone tissue and have little symptomatic effect. They can also be prescribed for postoperative recovery for arthrosis.
Please note: chondroprotectors should be used as part of a complex treatment of arthrosis, which also includes therapy for exacerbations, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, diet, and treatment of primary diseases.
Are there any side effects from chondroprotectors for arthrosis?
Chondroprotectors for joints with arthrosis are made from natural products that have been part of the human diet for centuries. Therefore, the likelihood of side effects is very low.
Rarely, when taking chondroitin sulfate, an allergic reaction (rash, itching, dermatitis) may occur, and when taking glucosamine - discomfort or pain in the abdomen, bloating, stool disorders, vomiting, flatulence. It is extremely rare for patients to experience headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and sleep disturbances (drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia). Pain or swelling in the legs may be a reason to consult a doctor - the patient may have kidney problems.
Glucosamine, which is included in almost all combined chondroprotectors for arthrosis (i.e., combining two or more types of protective agents) can change glucose tolerance, therefore, in case of diabetes, the issue of taking chondroprotectors should be decided with your doctor.
