What exactly IS glucosamine?
A. Glucosamine, is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage (grout between the cartilage cells). It absorbs and releases water with each step, thereby acting as a shock absorber for the joints. With more glucosamine present, there is more joint protection. Glucosamine is a natural sugar produced by your body. It is the essential and principal ingredient that determines the quantity of proteoglycans (water-holding) molecules that also form in the body. The greater the amount of glucosamine in the body, the greater the amount of proteoglycans. The proteoglycans are large, water-binding molecules made up of (both) proteins and sugars. It is important to understand that they are a major building block of healthy, vital cartilage. glucosamine also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) which are important proteins found in cartilage. They serve to “bind” the water within the cartilage matrix.
A. Glucosamine, is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage (grout between the cartilage cells). It absorbs and releases water with each step, thereby acting as a shock absorber for the joints. With more Glucosamine present, there is more joint protection.
