New Studies Back Effectiveness of Joint Health Supplements

EDGEWOOD, Md.--Two new studies confirm the value of supplemental glucosamine hydrochloride and chondritin sulfate in promoting joint health. The studies, presented at the December 2004 World Congress hosted by Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), showed a combination of the two supplements supports cartilage matrix production in tendons, ligaments and joints.

In the first study, FCHG49® Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122® Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate (as the proprietary ingredient Cosamin® DS supplied by Gloucester, Mass.-based Nutramax Laboratories Inc.) accelerated collagen synthesis in vitro in chondrocytes, tenocytes and ligament cells. Louis Lipiello, Ph.D., director of cartilage research at Nutramax and a presenter of the study, said in a statement, "Collagen comprises a high percentage of the cartilage matrix and a large part of tendons and ligaments, both of which are accessory structures in the joint, helping to provide stability. By enhancing collagen synthesis, the combination of FCHG49 Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122 Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate directly supports cartilage matrix production and protects cartilage by helping guard against instability of the joint. Positive effects on ligaments and tendons could also be useful in rehabilitation of joints, especially in sports-related accidents. This type of tendon/ligament injury constitutes about 30 to 50 percent of all sports-related conditions."

In the second study, the combination of Nutramax's FCHG49 Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122 Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate inhibited in vitro breakdown of proteoglycans (PG)--vital proteins in cartilage explants. In damaged cartilage explants, the combination reversed damage of these proteins, restoring them to even greater levels than prior to the damage. The researchers concluded the combination increased PG levels in normal cartilage and noted the effects observed were greater than expected from the activity of each individual agent, demonstrating a strong synergistic effect.