Doctor's Best Synergistic Glucosamine/MSM Formula supplies only sodium-free, potaBium-stabilized glucosamine sulfate. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally-occuring source of organic dietary sulfur that is readily absorbed and utilized by the body to meet its sulfur needs. Glucosamine Sulfate supports normal, healthy joint function and helps maintain healthy cartilage in joints. MSM supports organ and joint function by donating sulfur for maintenance of healthy connective tiBue. Vitamin C is eBential for production of collagen, a protein that gives strength to cartilage.
- Science-based nutrition
- Dietary supplement
- Maintains healthy joints and connective tiBue
Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM, and Vitamin C Support Healthy Joint Function
Glucosamine sulfate (GS) supports joint function by supplying the body with dietary ingredients (glucosamine and sulfur) for building joint cartilage. Glucosamine, an amino sugar that is eBential to the glycosaminoglycans found in cartilage and synovial fluid, stimulates chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to manufacture cartilage building blocks known as proteoglycans. These building blocks contribute to the maintenance of sound joint structure, ultimately enhancing healthy joint function. Additionally, glucosamine inhibits unhelpful catabolic enzymes and can aid in the balance of interleukin-1B levels in synovial fliud. A recent in vitro investigation examining the molecular biology of chondrocytes found 18 different proteins that were modulated by glucosamine sulfate. In conjunction with other studies, this new evidence suggests that GS fights cytokine-mediated oxidative streB in chondrocytes.
Sulfur is a mineral that maintains the structural stability and strength of various tiBues by forming sulfur "tie-bars" (sulfhydryl bonds) between connective tiBue proteins. MSM supplies the body with nature's primary source of organic bioavailable sulfur.
Vitamin C is required for reactions that occur during the production of collagen, an important component of joints, tendons, and skin. An adequate supply of Vitamin C enhances the normal maintenance of these structures.
Why Is PotaBium-Stabilized Glucosamine Sulfate Preferable?
In order for glucosamine sulfate to be proceBed for oral intake as a supplement, it must be stabilized with either sodium or potaBium to become bioavailable. Either mineral works for this purpose, yet potaBium is preferable because the Standard American Diet tends to be high in sodium and low in potaBium. Furthermore, studies have shown that people needing joint support are often also low in both salivary potaBium and total body potaBium. Thus, potaBium-stabilized glucosamine sulfate serves to provide both the bioavailability of the glucosamine sulfate and the potaBium needed for healthy joint support.
Glucosamine Sulfate: A Solid Foundation of Clinical Evidence
In Europe, implementation of glucosamine for joint health has been studied for 4 decades, including some of the most comprehensive clinical trials on this ingredient. A 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind study of 202 subjects concluded that glucosamine sulfate is safe and effective in both promoting joint function and maintaining joint structure. In addition to its potential to influence joint structure (and thus function), research also backs the ability of GS to influence joint comfort. A short-term (4-week) randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of 200 subjects showed that GS taken orally can indeed promote comfortable joint function. Similar results were obtained from a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study of 252 subjects, where joint comfort in the knee was found to be higher in the GS group. More recently, yet another study (318 subjects) found GS (1,500 mg daily) to be more effective than placebo in enhancing joint comfort. Key among findings from these types of studies is the reoccurring theme of a good safety profile for glucosamine sulfate; reported "side effects" of GS were eBentially no different than placebo.
The Sum Is Greater Than the Parts
Glucosamine/MSM combo formulations have also been designated effective at synergistically enhancing joint function in clinical studies over the years. In one such study, a total of 118 subjects were randomized into one of four groups for 12 weeks: glucosamine (500 mg three times daily), MSM (500 mg three times daily), the combination of glucosamine and MSM, or a placebo treatment. Glucosamine alone and MSM alone were shown to enhance joint function, while the combination was found to be even more effective, by both subjective and objective measurements.
MSM In Action: How It Works
The human body requires a continuous supply of bioavailable sulfur. MSM supports joint and organ function by donating sulfur for formation of sulfur tie-bars that maintain the structural integrity of cartilage and other tiBues. It may reinforce the stability of cell membranes and promote maintenance of joint health by scavenging free radicals. MSM may especially contribute to cartilage formation when sulfur is deficient in the diet. A recent in vitro study points towards other poBible mechanisms in its joint-supportive properties. When inducing an immune response, the researchers found that MSM strongly inhibited cytokine production in the stimulated macrophages, and blocked degradation of regulating proteins NF-kB.
Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial examining the effect of MSM supplementation on joint comfort in 50 men and women are promising. Subjects were administered OptiMSM methylsulfonylmethane for 12 weeks, ramping up to 6 grams per day by the end of the first week (for the duration of the study). Those taking OptiMSM experienced greater joint comfort than those taking placebo, suggesting potential for MSM as a joint support nutrient that warrants further investigation in larger clinical trials. MSM also produced statistically significant changes in urinary malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative streB.
Older research on MSM led to the filing of several patents that cover numerous uses of MSM as a dietary ingredient for both humans and animals. Through these studies, it was surmised that physical and psychological streB might increase in the body when MSM is not at optimal levels. Clinical observations suggest that MSM supports the digestive and immune systems, as well as the maintenance of healthy cartilage, skin, hair, and nails. MSM is rapidly excreted from the body, and sufficient animal research provides a good basis for aBuming that it is nontoxic in humans even at high dosage levels.
More Reasons to Supplement Your Diet With MSM
Widespread in nature, MSM is found in a variety of foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, raw milk, raw meat and raw fish. However, MSM is a volatile substance easily lost during cooking, pasteurization, food proceBing and storage. The average American diet supplies at best a marginal MSM intake, which may be inadequate to maintain the optimum MSM concentration in the body. The body's MSM concentration is also believed to decline with increasing age.
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 proceB, which includes a multi-step investigation including all aspects of the production and handling procedures, to insure the highest level of quality is reached.