• Long term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis
• Antioxidants and Zinc to prevent age related macular degeneration

Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Published in Lancet Vol 357 Jan 27,2001:251-256)

Are you or someone you know suffering from degenerative joint disease? If you are, read carefully. This study randomized 212 patients with knee arthritis into a group that received either 1500 mg of glucosamine sulphate or placebo once daily for three years. X-rays were taken in several different angles of each knee and joint space was measured. The 106 patients who received placebo had a progressive joint-space narrowing (of negative 0.31 mm). The glucosamine treated group had no significant joint space loss (negative 0.06 mm). The conclusions of the study suggest that glucosamine may indeed by a disease-modifying agent in osteoarthritis. Overall, they found that when individual joint space changes were analyzed, twice as many patients receiving placebo had a striking joint-space narrowing compared to those receiving the glucosamine. They also found that those using the glucosamine reported a 20-25% improvement in symptoms (compared to a worsening of symptoms in the placebo group).

There are many alternatives that may be effective at relieving your arthritis. It is recommended that you seek an opinion from your physician before implementing any of the below options, but it is food for thought! (Also please not that this study just looked at glucosamine, I usually also recommend that it be taken with chondroitin-see below for more details).

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

• Claims: Enhances cartilage function, reduces joint inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis
• Actions: Glucosamine: stimulates collagen formation and chondrocyte function; Chondroitin: provides nutrients and shock absorption by attracting fluid into cartilage, acts as a matrix
• Contraindications: None noted
• Side effects: Long term use, in susceptible individuals, may increase your blood sugar (glucosamine is a derivative of glucose, a sugar. Therefore, it would be prudent to consider taking a baseline blood sugar level and repeating at 6 and 12 weeks. Then perhaps every 3-6 months, just to be on the safe side. (Note, this is my opinion, regarding testing frequency and may be a bit conservative)
• Interactions: None
• Dosage: Glucosamine: 500 mg TID Chondroitin: 400 mg TID (may take min of 4-12 weeks to see results

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

• Claims:Anti-depression, (more effective than prescription anti-dep 38% to 20%-Bressa 1994) arthritis and liver problems
• Actions: From methionine and ATP, synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleic acids and proteins. Enhances DA and seretonin fxn in brain
• Contraindications: When methyl group lost SAM converts to homocysteine (dangerous to CVS), B6, B12 and folate will convert homocysteine to glutathione
• Side effects: Manic episode in bipolar disease, mild GI prob
• Interactions: Do not use with MAOI
• Dosage: Depression-200-400 mg/day; Arthritis 600-1200/day
  

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

• Claims: Excellent to reduce symptoms of arthritis, supports skin, fingernail and hair growth, helps acne, environmental allergens, constipation, heartburn, muscle soreness, diabetes, stress, and others (E. Mindell The MSM Miracle 1997)
• Actions: Member of the Sulfur family (if you are allergic to sulfa antibiotics there should not be any cross over, ie it should be safe to take), important in the creation of proteins through its formation of disulfide bonds. Metabolized to a variant of DMSO in the body (a powerful antioxidant).
• Contraindications: None noted
• Side effects: None noted
• Interactions: None noted
• Dosage: 2000-6000 mg per day
  
  

Antioxidants and Zinc to Prevent Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Published in JAMA Nov 21, 2001-Vol 286 No. 19:2466-2468)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a cause of vision loss that affects approximately 13 million Americans, and is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65. It strikes people most often in their late 50's and sixties, and damages their central vision, the part necessary for such activities as reading, watching TV and driving. There is currently no successful form of treatment for this disease, although it is the object of considerable research. Because a cure is currently unavailable, prevention takes on a particularly crucial role in this devastating disease. It is believed that certain practices may help to delay the development of this disease. Wearing sunglasses when outside helps prevent exposure to harmful ultraviolet exposure, which has been linked to AMD. Since smoking has been linked to AMD, quitting can be helpful. Antioxidants in the diet are believed to play a preventive role. Initially, research pointed to diets high in Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, and Selenium. Currently, two antioxidant pigments know as lutein and zeaxanthin are believed to show promise. These are found in high concentrations in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and collard greens. Because it is not always possible to obtain enough antioxidants in a normal diet, supplements are now available taking your need for particular nutrients into account. Body Language Vitamin Co's proprietary Antioxidant Formula excels as a supplement that may assist your vision, amongst many other bodily functions, in the long run.

This particular study was conducted at 11 centers around the country. It was a study that started with 3640 participants and 2.4% were lost to follow-up. People who supplemented with antioxidants plus zinc had a statistically significant lower probability of progression to AMD than the placebo.

The moral of this story is take an excellent antioxidant supplement. We think that Body Language Antioxidant Formula is the best available. It has high doses of lutein, which is a powerful antioxidant and great for the eyes. It also has the important all natural E, C, beta carotene and zinc and is supercharged with n-acetyl cysteine, grape seed extract, green tea extract and some excellent herbs etc etc.

Body Language Vitamin Company's mission is to promote your health and wellness through responsible lifestyle choices and appropriate supplementation.

I hope you have found this information valuable and helpful. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I answer all of my emails; please allow 24-72 hours as we get many questions. You can also find many other interesting studies and articles by clicking on Educational Resources (the top left task bar) at Body Language Vitamin Company.

Michael D. Seidman, MD., FACS
B.S. Human Nutrition
CEO-Body Language Vitamin Co
Director of Otologic/Neurotologic Surgery/Henry Ford Health System
Director of Complementary/Integrative Medicine Henry Ford Health System
Office: 248-661-7211 (Henry Ford Health System)
Body Language Office (voice mail) 877-LIVE-FIT


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