What is MSM?

MSM stands for Methylsulfonylmethane, an organically bound form of sulfur. It is a natural substance found in various foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, breast milk is the richest natural source of MSM. As individuals age, the amount of MSM in the human body tends to decrease.

The recommended effective dosage for most people varies between 2 and 8 grams of MSM per day, and this dose is generally considered safe. Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. These side effects are typically mild and subside when the dosage is reduced. Additionally, MSM has a mild blood-thinning effect. Individuals using blood thinners are advised to consult with a healthcare professional or a doctor to potentially adjust the amount of blood thinners.

What is Glucosamine, and which form is best?

Glucosamine as a molecule is inherently unstable and is converted into a ‘salt’ by binding with another molecule. The most common glucosamine salts on the market are:

• Glucosamine sulfate.2KCl
• Glucosamine sulfate.NaCl
• Glucosamine-HCl

There is some uncertainty about which of these three forms is the most effective. Many scientists, however, agree that the specific form of the salt should not be of great importance. In the acidic environment of the stomach, the salt breaks down into a glucosamine molecule and a residual group. The glucosamine molecule is then absorbed in the intestine, while the remaining molecule disappears completely among the numerous molecules of hydrochloric acid (-HCl) in the gastric juice.

The Purity of Glucosamine

Some claim that glucosamine sulfate.NaCl is the only scientifically proven effective form of glucosamine. However, it is now known that proven efficacy depends more on purity than the specific form of glucosamine. Glucosamine sulfate.NaCl used in various reputable studies was a patented, pharmaceutical-grade product. Studies with other forms of glucosamine (glucosamine sulfate.2KCl and glucosamine-HCl) show that the quality of the glucosamine used may have had a greater impact on the research results than the form of glucosamine (sulfate vs. HCl).

The Dosage Protocol of Glucosamine

Moreover, the intake protocols in the studies were not uniform. Most studies used a dosing schedule of three times daily 500 mg, while successful glucosamine sulfate.NaCl studies were conducted with a once-daily intake of 1500 mg. Different intake patterns can lead to different pharmacokinetic profiles of glucosamine in the body, making a comparison of such studies challenging.

Conclusions:

• Research shows that the biological availability of glucosamine-HCl and glucosamine sulfate.NaCl is identical. Glucosamine-HCl contains 32% more elemental glucosamine and is also available from a vegetarian source (by fermenting corn dextrose).
• A vegetarian source eliminates the risk of allergic reactions, providing another advantage over glucosamine obtained from shellfish waste.
• Vegetarian glucosamine-HCl is preferred over glucosamine sulfate.NaCl, provided both are of identical (pharmaceutical) quality.
• The third commonly used form is glucosamine sulfate.2KCl. Due to the relatively low amount of elemental glucosamine and typically questionable quality, this is the least preferred form.

Mandatory statement: A dietary supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet. A varied, balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle are important.

What is Chondroitin?

Chondroitin, more precisely chondroitin sulfates, consists of elongated chains of interconnected molecules of galactosamine sulfate and glucuronic acid. They form the essential chains of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). For a long time, it was thought that chondroitin molecules were too large to be absorbed by the body, making their ingestion considered pointless. Recently, this view has been nuanced, as small chondroitin molecules are indeed absorbed intact by the body.

Where Does Chondroitin Come From?

Chondroitin is primarily commercially obtained from animal cartilage, originating from cattle. The effectiveness of chondroitin is strongly linked to its concentration and quality. Due to the costliness of this substance, it is often ‘diluted.’ Many cheap ‘chondroitin’ preparations on the market contain only a limited percentage of actual chondroitin. A high-quality preparation guarantees a minimum chondroitin concentration of 90%. An additional problem is that large chondroitin molecules are barely absorbed by the body, making the ingestion of such preparations somewhat futile. Clinical studies have shown that only small molecules (molecular weight Mw <25,000 Daltons) can be well absorbed by the body.

References:

• Rovati LC, F. Girolami et al: “Crystalline glucosamine sulfate in the **********: efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties.” Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. June 4, 2012 (3): 167-180.
• Aghazadeh-Habashi A. and Fakhreddin Jamali: “The controversy over glucosamine: a pharmacokinetic problem.” J Pharm Pharmaceut Sci 2011; 14(2): 264 – 273.