|
Cartilage and
Arthritis/Joint Disease… Cartilage exists wherever bones meet and it acts as the
shock absorber of joints – allowing smooth movement and cushioning. In
the normal course of wear and tear on joint cartilage there is a
continual process of cells and fluids being broken down and then
replaced with newly synthesised cells. However, repetitive joint
stress, aging and physical injury all contribute to cartilage losing its
resilience. As cartilage production is disrupted and the cartilage
degenerates osteoarthritis – characterised by pain, inflammation and
joint stiffness - sets in.
How can glucosamine help?
…Supplementing with glucosamine provides one of the most important raw
materials for the synthesis and healing of cartilage. Studies have
shown that orally supplemented glucosamine is - (a) well absorbed from
the equine gut, (b) incorporated into joint cartilage, and (c) able to
reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
…Providing glucosamine to stimulate cartilage repair allows the body to
address the cause of joint pain, which is preferable to merely
attempting to suppress symptoms.
What about drugs?
…While the use of corticosteroids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce symptoms and may be useful in the
short term they have significant side effects, especially in long term
use. One potential side effect of NSAIDs (e.g. bute) is
gastro-intestinal bleeding, and with long term use there is also the
possibility of liver and kidney dysfunction. Most significantly, the
long term use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids can actually contribute
to joint damage by inhibiting cartilage synthesis and repair.
In comparison, glucosamine supplementation actually “feeds” and promotes
the healing process without the risk of further damage to joints.
Dosage…
10 grams/day until benefit is noted then gradually reduce to a
maintenance dose of 3 to 4.5 grams/day (more for large horses).
Increase again, as needed, if symptoms reappear.
Please note…
It is important to remember that glucosamine is a nutritional
supplement, not a drug, and it may take from 2-8 weeks before a response
is evident. Also, glucosamine has been shown to function more
effectively in the presence of a bio-available source of sulphur such as
MSM
References available on request.
Ó
Melanie Sweeney -2005
|
|
HYDROCHLORIDE
VS SULPHATE |
|
Finding the right joint supplement for your horse can be a confusing
process, particularly with the variety of glucosamine products
available. Whether you are treating existing degenerative joint disease
or seeking a preventative measure, glucosamine can provide the nutrients
required to help facilitate healthy repair of cartilage.
Glucosamine also plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen,
synovial fluid and the production of hyaluronic acid. These provide
essential joint lubrication and act as a shock absorber to prevent bone
damage.
So
what do you look for when choosing a glucosamine product?
Glucosamine comes in two forms - glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) and
glucosamine sulphate. They differ in their purity, sodium content and
bioavailability.
Glucosamine hydrochloride is purer and more concentrated than the
sulphate form. The sulphate form is stabilized by salt, therefore
contains substantially more sodium per gram, whereas glucosamine HCL is
bound to hydrochloride which yields greater quantities of the active
form of glucosamine. This results in better availability and
absorption.
Initial daily oral intake of 10 grams of glucosamine hydrochloride may
assist to protect joints, provide mild anti-inflammatory action and slow
down the degeneration of cartilage. The dosage can then be reduced to a
maintenance level of 5 grams/day (once improvement has been noticed).
Ó
Angela
Antoniou |
|
