Glucosamine Supplement Knees
the Competition with Results in Five Days

A new advanced vegetarian glucosamine supplement knocked out the leading competition in a 2011 clinical study that improved joint comfort in as few as five days.

The best glucosamine supplement of those studied was New Advanced Joint Health Complex manufactured and marketed by the Shaklee Corporation, a 56-year-old natural nutrition leader in the U.S. It contains 1500 mg of corn-sourced glucosamine hyrdrochloride, and 100 mg of a patent-pending fast-acting form of boswellia serrata herb extract resin in a complex also including Vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese.

As shown in the clinical study and illustrated in this short video, the boswellia extract in New Advanced Joint Health Complex works in as few as five days—up to 28% faster than claimed by Osto Bi-Flex®, Nature Made® Triple Flex, and Schiff® Move Free®. (1)

In addition, participants in a 90-day clinical study were asked to rate their level of comfort and ease of motion before and after taking joint health products. Results showed that the boswellia extract in New Advanced Joint Health Complex scored significantly better in both categories than the boswellia extract in Osteo Bi-Flex® (45% better joint comfort, and 31% better ease of motion).(1)

New glucosamine supplement is 100% chondroitin-free

In a recent clinical study, researchers found that chondroitin sulfate interferes with glucosamine absorption.(2) New Advanced Joint Health Complex is 100% chondroitin free. The leading competitive brands above all contain chondoitin and glucosamine sourced from shellfish. Nature Made® also includes artificial colors. New Advanced Joint Health Complex contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives and is gluten free. It is packaged in a recycable bottle and no bisphenol-A is used in packaging.

There is considerable controversy regarding absorption of chondroitin. Absorption of glucosamine is 90% to 98%, but chondroitin absorption is only 0% to 13% because chondroitin is 50 to 300 times larger than glucosamine. Chondroitin may be too large to be delivered to cartilage cells. In addition, there may be purity and identity problems with some chondroitin products, some of which have tested as subpotent. (3)

New vegetarian glucosamine supplement is 100% shellfish-free

Glucosamine supplements are most often sourced from the outer skeletons of shellfish, which may cause allergic reactions in those with shellfish allergies, or a possible worsening of asthma symptoms. (3) However, New Advanced Joint Health Complex parallels recent trends exhibiting increased popularity of glucosamine from corn; it works universally but targets vegetarians, individuals allergic to shellfish, and a specific population segment who strictly follow Jewish food habits.

Osto Bi-Flex®, Nature Made® Triple Flex, and Schiff® Move Free® all contain glucosamine sourced from shellfish.

What is glucosamine? Why is it important for older adults?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that serves as a key building block of proteoglycans, structural components of cartilage and the fluid between bones that provides lubrication.

Numerous studies published over the years indicate glucosamine supplementation helps improve range of motion, mobility, and flexibility. Multiyear studies also suggest glucosamine supplmentation improves long-term joint health. New Advanced Joint Health Complex features glucosamine hydrochloride, the most concentrated source of glucosamine.

Glucosamine is made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine found naturally in the body but its production slows with aging (4)--when people need it the most.

In long-term clinical trials glucosamine supplements are thought to help repair damaged cartilage by replenishing the body’s own diminishing supply of glucosamine.

Glucosamine supplements outmatch Celebrex for knee osteoarthritis

Natural glucosamine hydrochloride supplements outmatched popular prescription Celebrex in relieving moderate-to-extreme osteoarthritis knee pain, knee swelling, knee stiffness and inflexibility in the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Invervention Trial (GAIT) study.

GAIT was a large, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted across the United States with results published in three different journals in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), its conclusions found that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are extremely safe, however did not provide significant relief from mild osteoartitis pain among all particpants. (5)

The evidence for the effectiveness of glucosamine supplement treatments, with or without chondroitin, has never been strong, which is why they're considered "complementary". But doctors understandably prescribe them: they don't do any harm, for one thing; whereas some of the medical treatments for joint pain can cause dangerous side-effects. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with stomach and heart problems. The clincher, as far as prescribers are concerned, is probably good old patient choice. That is to say, patients believe in glucosamine. They want it; it does no harm: why not give it a go? (6)

What is the best form of glucosamine in a supplement?

Glucosamine comes in several forms, including glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate and others. Clinical studies show glucosamine benefits the body by metabolizing each about the same. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that one form is better than another.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is a more concentrated source and is bioavailable and sodium free (sulfate form may contain up to 35% salt). It is every bit as well absorbed as sulfate, yet does not use salt to stabilize the supplement as does the sulfate version. Glucosamine hydrochloride may also help the body make chondroitin sulfate (another substance necessary for healthy cartilage).(7)

Many people who need glucosamine supplements have low sodium restrictions for other health conditions, such as high blood pressure. Shaklee's New Advanced Joint Health Complex, Osto Bi-Flex®, Nature Made® Triple Flex, and Schiff® Move Free® all use glucosamine hydrochloride in their joint supplements.

Why glucosamine chondroitin is not recommended

The Shaklee corporation is recognized as a scientific company. They have more scientists on staff (70) than any other nutritional company by far. In this regard, they dwarf their competition.

From a purely scientific point of view, they've decided to use glucosamine in combination with plant-sourced boswellia but not in combination with animal-sourced chondroitin. Many other companies combine chondroitin with their glucosamine supplements. The source of most raw chondroitin is the meat packing industry, mostly imported from China. Chondroitin supplements are prepared from animal cartilage like bovine trachea, pig and shark cartilage.

Osto Bi-Flex®, Nature Made® Triple Flex, and Schiff® Move Free® all contain chondroitin in their glucosamine supplements.

Liquid glucosamine not scientifically validated

Glucosamine is widely available as a nutritional supplement in different formulations. Recently liquid glucosamine supplements have appeared on the market. There are many brand names, many claims, many pronouncements and a lot of hype. They’re promoted with a few testimonials, and may have a paid doctor’s recommendation, but little if any solid clinical substance.

Those that claim clinical testing, refer to previous clinical trials on glucosamine tablets. I found no human studies on the liquid products themselves. All liquid supplements should be viewed with caution until valid scientific clinical research is conducted. You must do your homework before buying any natural product.

Remember, under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dietary supplement industry regulations (Current Good Manufacturing Practices [cGMP])), manufacturers can market products without proving efficacy. They don't have to work, gang, for the FDA to approve them! Shaklee Corporation voluntarily operates as if it were a pharmaceutical company, where efficacy must be proved before it can be sold. That's what impresses us about Shaklee.

Featured natural glucosamine supplement for arthritis

From other pages on this site you may be aware that my husband and I both have osteoarthritis. We no longer use prescription or non prescription drugs of any kind to manage arthritis symptoms.

Frankly, we've achieved surprisingly good results through natural herbal supplements alone. We're very happy because we're getting our money’s worth without compromising our health from drug side effects.

The difference in Shaklee products is they're always safe, always work, and always green. In keeping with that tradition, New Advanced Joint Health Complex is:

Always Safe.

  • 100% shellfish free
  • 100% vegetarian
  • gluten free and
  • contains no artifical flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

Always Works.

  • 1500 mg. Glucosamine hydrochloride per serving size (only 2 caplets)
  • 100 mg Boswellia Extract per serving size (only 2 caplets)
  • Improves joint comfort in as few as five days.
  • Up to 28% faster joint comfort than claimed by Osteo Bi-Flex®
  • 45% more effective at improving joint comfort than Osteo Bi-Flex®
  • No chondroitin for better glucosamine absorption.
  • Includes a specially designed combination of key joint health nutrients: zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin C—each playing a unique and critical role in building healthy connective collagen and cartilage.

Always Green.

  • Recyclable bottle
  • No bisphenol-QA used in packaging

My husband and I believe we’ve found the best glucosamine supplement available. We don’t have to worry about ingredient purity and potency or side effects--we’ve chosen the right company with an ironclad guarantee (if it doesn't work, get your money back).

For natural relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, I confidently recommend New Advanced Joint Health Complex.

Note: For information on two other products synergistically designed for pain by Shaklee scientists, click on the following link: Three natural pain products.

References/sources

1. Product bulletin, New Advanced Joint Health Complex, Shaklee Corporation, http://www.shaklee.net/pws/library/products/20281_jointhealthbulletin.pdf
2. Dahmer S et al. Glucosamine. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Aug 15;78(4):471-6. PMID: 18756654
3. Benedikt H. Chondroitin sulfate: the new arthritis therapy. Nat Pharm, 1997;1(8):1,22.
4. Wong, C. Glucosamine for Natural Arthritis Relief, About.com September 26, 2011 (updated).
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/arthritis/a/Glucosamine.htm
5. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), 2006 primary and 2008/2010 ancillary study results (links to three journal abstracts) http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/gait/
6. Brown, A.M., Glucosamine supplements for arthritis do not work, new study shows, article, Health and Lifestyle, updated Sept. 17, 2010
7. Gaber, C; Day, C., Why Do I Feel This Way?, 2nd Edition, p 146, 2005


Glucosamine Supplement Disclaimer: Health statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease








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