Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Which Glucosamine product is right for me?

I want maximum strength Glucosamine in a one-a-day tablet
Glucosamax Original

I want maximum strength Glucosamine with Chondroitin and Omega 3
Glucosamax Plus

I want medium strength Glucosamine with Chondroitin other beneficial ingredients like
Rose Hip, MSM & Omega 3
Glucosamax Extra

I want to be able to vary the dosage I take and have added antioxidants and vitamin C.
Glucosamine Sulphate

I want a high strength of Glucosamine & Chondroitin with added antioxidants and vitamin C
Glucosamine & Chondroitin

I want a high-strength Glucosamine which is suitable for vegetarians
Glucosamine HCL

I want maximum strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin (with added vitamin C) in liquid form
Joint-Flex Liquid Glucosamine & Chondroitin

I want medium strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin (with added vitamin C) in liquid form
Glucosamine & Chondroitin Effervescent

I want a Glucosamine product which is for your back
Backosamine

I want a Glucosamine product that can be applied directly to the skin
Glucosamine Gel & Gel Patch
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar found in healthy joint tissue. It plays an important role in the production of cartilage and can help support tendons and ligaments. It's known as 'the cement of the connective tissues' because our joints rely on it to maintain themselves. Sadly, as we get older our bodies become less efficient at producing the nutrients we need to keep us active.

What is Chondroitin?
Glucosamine works beautifully when combined with Chondroitin. Naturally-occurring Chondroitin sulphate exists in the body in the form of chains of repeating sugars. It is known as the 'liquid magnet' because it stimulates the uptake of fluid and nutrients into the cartilage, which is vital for proper joint movement.

Is Health Perception Glucosamine safe?
The Health Perception brand has been manufactured since the 1980s
Health Perception have always produced our products within the EU and under rigorous pharmaceutical quality control to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) using high quality ingredients.

Their tablets are blister packed
Pure Glucosamine Sulphate degrades rapidly when exposed to moisture. To overcome this, all of our tablets are blister packed to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation - which happens every time the tablets are exposed to the air. Oxidation can result in the active ingredients losing potency.

High Quality Product
We only want the best for you so we only ever use Glucosamine and Chondroitin from a marine source with a minimum purity of 90%. Some cheaper products may contain a lower grade.

Health Perception do more than tablets
We know some people don't like swallowing tablets, which is why their extensive range of Glucosamine products is also available as drinks, gels and patches. After all, variety is the spice of life!

Have there been any independent clinical trials on the safety and effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Yes. Major independent safety reviews have been conducted by the recognised groups ADIS (published in 2003) and by the Cochrane Collaboration (2005). The ADIS review included more than 1000 patients and concluded that Glucosamine has a safety profile similar to that of placebo. The Cochrane group included more than 2,500 patients and said that Glucosamine was as safe as placebo.
As you can see, there is little dispute about the safety of Glucosamine. From time to time there may be isolated newspaper reports about individuals who have had problems while taking Glucosamine. Often however these are people who have been taking other products and may have other medical conditions. These reports should not be seen as a cause for concern.

Is Glucosamine licensed?
Glucosamine is a food supplement and is not licensed.

I am allergic to shell fish. Would it be safe for me to take Glucosamine?
You should avoid taking marine derived Glucosamine if you are allergic to shellfish. You should try vegetarian Glucosamine which is made from corn. Our 'regular' Glucosamine Sulphate is obtained from Chitin. Chitin is the main component from the shells of sea crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and shrimp.

Will I experience any side effects from taking Glucosamine? Is it safe?
Trials with Glucosamine products internationally have shown it to be very safe and the supplement is regarded as safe for use as a food supplement. In the clinical trials there were no noticeable adverse effects in people taking our Health Perception Glucosamine tablets. Our Glucosamine is made to a pharmaceutical GMP standard (Good manufacturing practice).
If you are susceptible to stomach upsets, we recommend you take your Glucosamine with food. You should also always consult your GP before taking any new supplement.

Can I take Glucosamine even though I have diabetes?
Recent human studies have shown that Glucosamine probably does not affect insulin sensitivity, secretion or action in humans. However, we recommend that you consult your GP before using the product or, indeed, before taking any other new supplement.

Can I take Glucosamine if I am pregnant or breast feeding?
There has been no specific testing with regard to Glucosamine and pregnancy. We would, therefore, advise that you discontinue supplementing your diet with Glucosamine while pregnant or breast feeding. There are many other supplements on the market which are designed specifically for women during this stage of their lives.

What dosage of Glucosamine should I take?
This will entirely depend on your individual preferences. We are not allowed by law to make recommendations as to what dosage you should take. If you have specific questions, you should consult your GP.

Should I remain on 1500mg of Glucosamine forever?
This really depends on your joint health. We are not allowed by law to make recommendations as to what dosage you should take. If you have specific questions, you should consult your GP.

Why should I take Glucosamine and Chondroitin together?
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar found in healthy joint tissue. It plays an important role in the production of cartilage and can help support tendons and ligaments. It's known as 'the cement of the connective tissues' because our joints rely on it to maintain themselves. Sadly, as we get older our bodies become less efficient at producing the nutrients we need to keep us active.

Chondroitin
Glucosamine works beautifully when combined with Chondroitin. Naturally-occurring Chondroitin Sulphate exists in the body in the form of chains of repeating sugars. It is known as the 'liquid magnet' because it stimulates the uptake of fluid and nutrients into the cartilage, which is vital for proper joint movement.

How long before I'll see some benefits from taking Glucosamine?
As with all food supplements the benefits of Glucosamine build up over time. You should not expect any instant effect. It will vary dependent on the individual.

What if I exceed the recommended daily dose of 1500mg of Glucosamine? Will I suffer any side effects?
There is little experience of very high doses of Glucosamine and we do not recommend it. To date there have been no reports of overdose problems.

I am concerned that I already take lots of vitamin pills. Can I take Glucosamine as well?
Glucosamine is a food supplement and should not interfere with any vitamin supplements you take.

Some Glucosamine tablets contain Manganese. Can you explain why?
Manganese is important because it triggers some enzymes to activate so they begin to work. It is also essential for the formation of certain enzymes, one of which is superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant enzyme that neutralises potentially damaging free radicals.

Will the gel and patch leave a residue?
No, the gel can be rubbed on to the affected area and will leave no sticky residue. The patch can be applied to the affected area and there will be no stickiness or residence once you when you have finished with it.

When and how often can I use the Gel or Patch?
Our Glucosamine Gel and Patch can be used any time. You might feel the need for some TLC after gardening or other leisure or sporting activities, for example, so simply apply a gel or patch, as required.

Will Backosamine help with back pain?
Your back is a complex area. We cannot claim that Backosamine can improve back health. However, we do know that Glucosamine is an important nutrient in healthy cartilage formation. Cartilage is found not only in knee and shoulder joints but also within the spine. The name Backosamine is just a reminder that you should also look after your back to keep it healthy. Glucosamine supplementation can help support this.

Is there a Glucosamine Product for Vegetarians?
Most Glucosamine supplements are derived from a marine source, which doesn't always suit everyone. With this in mind, we've developed Vegetarian Glucosamine HCL which is derived from a vegetarian source and approved by The Vegetarian Society.

What forms does Glucosamine take?
Pills
Gel & Gel Patches
Effervescent
Liquid

What does 2KCl mean?
Glucosamine Sulphate degrades when exposed to moisture. So what this means is it needs to be stabilised as Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl. However, when you're deciding which product to choose you need to know how much Glucosamine Sulphate you're getting, so read the label VERY carefully. Just because it says 1000mg on the front doesn't necessarily mean you're getting 1000mg of Glucosamine Sulphate. It might be 1000mg of Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl in which case this would only give you 750mg of Glucosamine Sulphate.

Here some calculations:
665mg Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl provides 500mg Glucosamine Sulphate
1000mg Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl provides 750mg Glucosamine Sulphate
2000mg Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl provides 1500mg Glucosamine Sulphate

What should I look for when choosing tablets?
If you prefer taking tablets, choose those which are blister packed. As we said before, pure Glucosamine Sulphate degrades rapidly when exposed to moisture. Oxidation can result in the active ingredients losing potency.

How can Omega 3 help with Joint Pain?
Many studies have shown that Omega 3 is enormously valuable for joint health in maintaining suppleness.
In addition, because Omega 3 is good for the body as a whole (for example helping to maintain the health of all cells and nourishing the brain and nervous system) that it helps the joints in many ways, both directly and indirectly.
Glucosamax Extra contains Omega 3 as well as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Rosehip extract.

What is Rosehip?
Are rich in Vitamins A, C & E and cartenoids; including beta-carotene, Lycopene and Lutein plus other beneficial fatty acids, all hailed as really useful nutrients. It works well in combination with substances such as Glucosamine.
Glucosamax Extra contains Rosehip extract as well as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Omega 3. Together these are designed to help maintain joint health.

What is MSM?
(Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) - a sulphur compound found in every cell of the human body, is an important constituent of connective tissue. The majority of our MSM intake comes through a varied diet, but it is quickly destroyed when foods are processed. Initial evidence indicates that supplementing natural levels could be helpful for joint function.
Glucosamax Extra contains MSM as well as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Rosehip extract and Omega 3.

What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is the name for protease enzymes extracted from the stem and fruit of fresh pineapple. When used in supplements it is extracted from the stem, which contains a higher concentration of the enzymes than the fruit. It is an anti-inflammatory agent which means it's helpful for healthy joints.

What is Horse Chestnut Extract?
Horse Chestnut Extract comes from the leaves and seeds of this plant. When used locally as a patch or gel, studies have shown that it improves blood flow and reduces swelling.
What is interesting is that this remedy has been known for centuries, and is currently widely used in Germany, where it is common to find it in gel form in household first aid kits.
Glucosamine Gel Patches and Glucosamine Gel both contain Horse Chestnut Extract.

What is Menthol?
Menthol has a natural soothing qualities effect. Both Ancient Greek and Japanese physicians knew of the benefits of its cooling effects. Many traditional remedies use mint oil for that purpose. Now recent research confirms the valuable analgesic properties of menthol, when used topically (on the skin) either in the form of a gel or patches.

Modern researchers found that menthol, simply applied in small doses to the skin, has a natural soothing effect. Most of menthol's uses are related to its stimulation of the skin's cold receptors. Menthol does not actually change the skin's temperature, but merely produces the sensation of temperature change. This stimulates specific cold receptors that are thought to control pain (i.e. the body produces its own natural painkilling substances in response to the sensation of cold).
It's important to remember that topical analgesics (or any pain reliever, for that matter) are only addressing a symptom (pain) of an underlying condition, so they are best used in conjunction with remedies that will promote healing of the underlying condition. Where exercise is useful, topical analgesics such as menthol can be used in conjunction with a therapeutic exercise programme - for example applied before and after exercise.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar found in healthy joint tissue. It also occurs naturally in crustacean exoskeletons of shellfish such as crabs, oysters, lobsters and prawns.

Glucosamine plays an important role in the production of cartilage and can help support tendons and ligaments. It’s known as ‘the cement of the connective tissues’ because our joints rely on it to maintain themselves.

Glucosamine must be synthesized by the body but sadly, as we get older our bodies become less efficient at producing the nutrients we need to keep us active.

Glucosamine was first identified in 1876 by Dr. Georg Ledderhose, but was not fully defined until 1939 by the work of Walter Haworth. It was given as a supplement to prize thoroughbreds, cats, dogs, and even exotic animals, long before being considered as a supplement for humans. Extensive studies on the effects of Glucosamine in humans have been conducted for over forty years and it is now one of the most well established and widely used supplements world-wide. It is frequently used to help maintain the elasticity, strength and resilience of cartilage in joints.