Supplement Facts

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is the most completely studied form of glucosamine. It is commonly derived from the exoskeleton of shellfish and is a critical nutrient needed for the synthesis and repair of joint cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate has the ability to stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and other components of the structural matrix of joint tissue. Because of the comprehensive nature of glucosamine sulfate's effects, it may play a role in maintaining the health of joint tissues.2

Increased Range of Motion in Joints

Research has shown that Celadrin® can have an impact on improving the range of motion in the joints. A placebo-controlled trial conducted in 2002 showed that those individuals taking a complex containing Celadrin® for 2 months had a significant improvement in knee flexion (ability to bend the knee) over those taking a placebo.1

Another study conducted on Celadrin® published in 2004 concluded that treatment “significantly increased physical performance (as measured by a variety of orthopedic tests)” in patients with compromised knee mobility. The study found that the subjects given Celadrin® showed improvement in their ability to climb stairs, rise from a chair and walk, along with an improved sense of balance, strength and endurance.3

Helps Maintain Healthy Joint Cartilage

Glucosamine sulfate plays a fundamental role as a building block for joint cartilage. Evidence to date suggests it may reduce the severity of the symptoms in individuals with joint problems.4,5

Glucosamine sulfate has been shown in some studies to stimulate the regeneration of damaged cartilage, while also having anti-inflammatory effects. Research has found that glucosamine sulfate may have a stimulatory effect on proteoglycan production from human cartilage cells.6

A specific 3-year placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted to assess the impact of taking oral glucosamine sulfate on the progression of joint space narrowing. Joint space narrowing may be associated with certain degenerative conditions of articular tissue. The study found that those individuals taking the oral glucosamine at the recommended intake had no space narrowing on average over the time period versus significant space narrowing in the placebo group.7 Glucosamine sulfate may further play a role in enhancing joint lubrication by acting to form the protective agent mucin, a necessary component of healthy joints.2

Maintains Joint Comfort

The anti-inflammatory actions of Celadrin® have been demonstrated by one double-blind, placebo controlled trial that showed Celadrin®, when taken orally at recommended intake levels, decreased pain scores and increased walking distance compared to the group receiving placebo. The authors theorize that Celadrin® may work by down-regulating the effect of certain precursors of the body's inflammatory response.1

In one large open trial, over 1200 people took oral glucosamine sulfate for periods ranging from 36 to 64 days. Over 252 physicians participated in this multicenter study. 95% of the subjects experienced greater joint comfort and increased mobility. The physicians reported "good" results in 59%, and "sufficient" results in 36%. The improvements lasted for up to three months after the glucosamine sulfate was discontinued.8

1. Hesslink R Jr., et al. Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatology 2002;8:1708-1712.
2. Anonymous. Monograph: Glucosamine sulfate. Alt Med Review 1999;4:3;193-195.
3. Kraemer WJ, et al. Effect of a cetylated fatty acid topical cream on functional mobility and quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis. J Rheumatology 2004;4:767-74.
4. Crolle G, D'Este E. Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: a controlled clinical evaluation. Curr Med Res Opin 1980;7:104-109.
5. Rovati LC. Clinical research in osteoarthritis: design and results of short-term and long-term trials with disease modifying drugs. Int J Tissue React 1992;14:243
6. Acting as a biochemical "super-thiamin," it does this through several different cellular mechanisms, as discussed below.
7. Bassleer C, et al. Stimulation of proteoglycan production by glucosamine sulfate in chondrocytes isolated from human osteoarthritic articular cartilage in vitro. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1998;6:427-434. Med. 2002 Oct 14;162(18):2113-23.
8. Macario , J. T., Rivera, I.C. Bignamini, A.A. Oral glucosamine sulphate in the management of arthrosis: report on a multi-centre open investigation in Portugal . Pharmatherpeutica 1982; 3(3):157-68.