Glucosamine is a monosaccharide or simple sugar that occurs naturally in the body, and the compounds glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL (hydrochloride) are found in shellfish. Glucosamine, a combination of glucose and glutamine, contributes to the formation of cartilage. Cartilage cushions joints. As wear and tear occurs, the body's ability to replace cartilage slows or ceases, resulting in osteoarthritis.

In European countries for years, medicinal glucosamine has been prescribed for arthritis. In the United States, clinical studies on glucosamine's (both Sulfate and HCL forms) effectiveness at easing joint discomfort began in 1980 and it has more recently appeared on the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market as a dietary supplement. Several studies have proven it as being more effective in the treatment of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Overall, studies have shown that glucosamine helps slow degeneration of cartilage and relieves pain. In addition, glucosamine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Glucosamine also has fewer side effects compared to NSAIDS, which can erode stomach lining, leading to gastro-intestinal bleeding.

 For osteoarthritis treatment, the usual daily dose is 1,500 milligrams, taken all at once or divided into 500 mg doses, three times a day. People weighing more than 200 pounds are advised to increase their dosage to 2,000 mg/day.

In a 3-year study using 1,500 mgs of glucosamine daily, no severe side effects were found. The most common side effect was mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Other reported short-term side effects include drowsiness, skin reactions, and headache. Because part of the glucosamine compound is a sugar (monosaccharide), there is some question as to whether supplementation may not be indicated for people with diabetes. Some studies have shown an increase in short-term insulin resistance, but in longer-term use, no change in blood sugar has been noted. Pre-diabetics and people with diabetes interested in using the glucosamine need to have their health care provider monitor their blood sugar during the first few weeks of using this supplement.

 Toxicity studies have been done for the general public, but data is lacking on the effects of glucosamine supplementation in children and pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, although glucosamine has not exhibited toxicity at 1,500 mgs or higher, these special populations are not encouraged to take it.

People who are allergic or sensitive to sulfa drugs or sulfite-containing food additives can safely take glucosamine sulfate because sulfur is an essential nutrient that is naturally present in the body. Glucosamine is manufactured from the chitin exoskeleton of shellfish (lobster, crab, and shrimp), and although the pharmaceutical grade of glucosamine is generally devoid of shellfish contaminants, people with severe shellfish allergies need to exercise caution when taking this supplement.

 Glucosamine has been coupled with chondroitin sulfate in some supplements. Avoid glucosamine supplements that add NaCl (sodium chloride or table salt), KCl (potassium chloride), or include potassium in the ingredient list. In addition, NAG (N-Acetylglucosamine or N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine) is another rarer form of glucosamine that needs to be avoided due to its ineffectiveness and expense. Unless the label states glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine HCL, you may be getting an inferior product.

 Because glucosamine is classified as a natural health product, it is readily available OTC, and is held to a lower standard of purity and potency than prescription medications. A recent independent study revealed that up to 1/3 of glucosamine products did not contain the amount of glucosamine stated on the label. Liberty Health Network Bone and Joint Supplements are subjected to 100% Quality Assurance Testing at our manufacturing facilities. This insures that you get what you pay for!

The Benefits of Calcium and Magnesium:
Studies have shown that an adequate amount of Calcium is necessary for basic biological functions and strong bones. Inadequate Calcium intake has been linked to such diseases as osteoporosis, certain cancers and damage to nerves and muscles. Magnesium is also a necessary component to good health and is a major component in osteoporosis treatment. It is required for normal cell operation and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. It has been estimated that up to 70% of all adults are below the minimum daily allowance of these nutrients. In addition, it has been determined that Magnesium actually enhances the absorption and retention of Calcium. Coral Calcium contains a naturally balanced source of Calcium and Magnesium plus other important trace minerals.

Why Coral Calcium?
Coral is created by sea organisms called polys. Living in Colonies, these tiny warm-water creatures take calcium minerals from the sea and build out of them beautiful-branched structures that are hard as stone. In time, the formulations of some types of coral form great coral reefs and the foundations of coral islands. Coral Calcium is one of the finest sources of absorbable calcium in the world and some of the highest quality Coral Calcium in found in the reefs off the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa Islands.

Harvested with Care
Our Coral is harvested from the Ocean bottom of semi-tropical Okinawa in Japan. We believe preserving the environment is imperative, and so we use harvesting techniques that will leave the ecosystem pristine and the coral reefs unharmed. Coral harvested from this location is PCB (Poluchlorinated biphenyls) Free. Not a source of toxic minerals.

The importance of calcium in preventing osteoporosis is undeniable. Yet, calcium does not work alone in creating strong, healthy bones. Although calcium is a major constituent of bone, the whole bone matrix is composed of a variety of other minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, over 20 trace elements, proteins, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans. Any combination of these may be lost in diseases related to bone deterioration. It is imperative to replace them all in order to rebuild bone.*

The superiority of Microcrystalline Calcium Hydroxyapatite (MCHC) compared to traditional forms of calcium has been shown in a number of controlled calcium balance and calcium absorption studies. The whole bone extract is exceptionally well-absorbed, producing more prolonged positive balance than soluble calcium salts.* MCHC has been uniquely found to not only prevent further loss of bone, but to restore its mineral content, and is also well-tolerated. Unlike calcium carbonate, the bone extract does not produce carbon dioxide known to interfere with digestion.*

It is important not to confuse MCHC with bone meal. Although MCHC is derived from bone, MCHC is specially processed to retain all bone minerals and organic residues intact in their natural physiological ratios. Unlike many bone meal products, MCHC is not heated or treated with chemical solvents.*

Consider GCMSM, pH Plus, OsteoMAXe, Coral Calcium