Joint Health Supplements
A spokesman said: Despite the rise in sales of mens vitamins, the number of male-specific launches remains fairly low in this category. Taking greater confidence from maintaining a well-groomed appearance now defines what it is to be a man in today’s society. Retirement age has NO impact on life expectancy…unless you are forced out of work without a choice Men who buy grooming products to boost self-esteem or feel more attractive are now in the majority, however, there have been few vitamin launches targeted at men, particularly when it comes to vitamins with appearance benefits. Nearly four in 10 men take vitamins or supplements on a regular basis, prompting a 25 per cent boom in sales in the past year As 27 per cent of men agree that vitamins and supplements are important for improving your appearance, this market has great potential. The report found that 42 per cent of all adults regularly take vitamins or supplements to boost their health. Women are the higher users of vitamins and supplements, with 46 per cent taking them on a daily basis.
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Table 2: Examples of Common Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis1 Joint soreness after extended periods of overuse or inactivity Episodes of stiffness after periods of rest that goes away rapidly when activity resumes Morning stiffness, which typically lasts no more than 30 minutes Episodes of pain caused by weakening of muscles surrounding the joint due to inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle Joint pain that is typically less painful in the morning but worse in the evening after a days activity Deterioration of coordination, posture, and walking due to pain and stiffness Glucosamine and Chondroitin According to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), in recent years, glucosamine and chondroitin have demonstrated some potential for reducing pain associated with OA, although there are still conflicting results and there is no conclusive scientific evidence regarding the exact effectiveness of these supplements.6 The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), which was cosponsored by the NCCAM and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, evaluated the effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin when taken together or separately.5,6 The trial concluded that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin did not provide significant relief from pain associated with OA among all participants.6 However, a subgroup of study participants with moderate to severe pain reported significant relief with the combination.6 Glucosamine and chondroitin are classified as natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage.7 Glucosamine is classified as an endogenous mucopolysaccharide that the body produces and distributes in cartilage and other connective tissue, and chondroitin sulfate is classified as a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water.7-10 In the United States, glucosamine and chondroitin are sold as dietary supplements, which are regulated as foods rather than drugs.6,7 These supplements are available as single-entity formulations but are most often found in combination formulations. Glucosamine Glucosamine is believed to maintain and strengthen cartilage for overall mobility and support.7-9 Glucosamine is used by the body as a precursor for cartilage synthesis and may also serve as a sulfur donor for the sulfur bonds used in the production of cartilage.7 Research also states that glucosamine is essential to keep cartilage tissue lubricated and to maintain its naturally slippery texture.7-9 Some studies have demonstrated that glucosamine may slow the progression of knee cartilage degradation and increase cartilage growth in some individuals.7-9 Glucosamine supplements are marketed to slow the deterioration of cartilage, relieve pain associated with OA, and improve joint motility.8 Glucosamine is typically given in doses of 1500 mg daily.7 Patients should be advised that glucosamine will not provide pain relief as quickly as analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and APAP. Glucosamine may take 6 to 8 weeks to exhibit a therapeutic effect; continued use of analgesics, if appropriate and if no contraindications, may be needed.7 The full effects of glucosamine may take as long as 4 to 6 months to be realized.7 The most common adverse effects include nausea, upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea.7 Adverse effects can be minimized by taking glucosamine in divided doses.7 Pregnant and lactating women should avoid the use of this supplement due to lack of clinical safety data.7 Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine may raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as exacerbate asthma in some individuals, but the clinical results are inconclusive.7-9 Researchers report that glucosamine may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, so caution should be observed when both products are used.7-9 In addition, there is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the effects of glucosamine on glucose metabolism. Some studies report that glucosamine may elevate blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, so patients should consult their primary health care provider prior to using supplements that contain glucosamine.5-9 Some studies report, however, that for most diabetic patients taking glucosamine, routine blood glucose testing appears to be an effective monitoring parameter to detect elevated blood glucose levels.5-9 In addition, because glucosamine supplements are often derived from shells of shrimp, lobsters, or crabs, patients with seafood allergies should avoid the use of these supplements.5-9 Chondroitin Chondroitin sulfate is classified as a glycosaminoglycan that is normally present in cartilage.7 Chondroitin acts as a building material in cartilage production, stimulates chondrocytes to produce cartilage, and serves as a sulfur donor, which is a key function in the synthesis of cartilage.7 As a supplement, chondroitin is utilized primarily for treating OA and promoting joint health; it is marketed to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function, and slow the progression of OA.9-11 Usually, chondroitin is found in products that contain glucosamine as well. In supplements, chondroitin is usually derived from bovine trachea or pork by-products.7,9-11 The typical dose of chondroitin is 1200 mg once daily or in divided doses.7 Many clinical studies have concluded that this supplement needs to be taken for 2 to 4 months before patients experience any health benefits.7,10 If no relief is observed after 3 to 5 months, many health experts advise discontinuation of therapy.7 Common adverse effects include nausea and mild gastrointestinal upset.7 Chondroitin should be taken with food if upset stomach occurs. Chondroitin use should be avoided in pregnant or lactating women due to lack of clinical safety data in these patient populations.7 Patients should be advised to consult their primary health care provider before taking chondroitin because it may interact with anticoagulants.7,10 Chondroitin is not recommended for use in children.
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ESSAY; When ‘Health’ Supplements May Do Harm
I did not mention that I was a physician specializing in the prevention of heart disease, or that there were relatively few measures proven to reduce heart disease risk. But so many patients had brought in bags of supplements and ”vitamins,” convinced of their cardiovascular benefits, that I wanted to see how these products were being marketed. In the self-described ”health” store, the sales clerk asked a few questions about my cholesterol, blood pressure, exercise habits, etc. Then she showed me over half a dozen products, from $8 to $36 apiece, and assured me that they would address a variety of health risks. These products included a pill that was supposed to improve my circulation and another that would supposedly boost my ”metabolism.” Another was listed as an herbal ”vascular health” pill, with a long list of plant species names, none of them familiar.
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