Best Glucosamine Sulfate contains pure glucosamine sulfate, as confirmed by HPLC testing. Glucosamine sulfate consists of glucosamine, an amino sugar extracted from shellfish skeletons. "Chitin", the resilient polysaccharide that forms the structural framework of animal shells, is a long-chain polymer consisting of many glucosamine molecules linked together. The purified glucosamine is then sulfated and stabilized with potassium chloride. Note: Best Glucosamine Sulfate is sodium-free. It contains 24-26% potassium chloride.
Cartilage, a “connective tissue,” is composed of cells (chondrocytes), protein fibers (chiefly collagen) and clusters of complex molecules called “proteoglycans.” A proteoglycan consists of a long protein (polypeptide) with many side chains attached to it. (The structure of proteoglycan looks somewhat like a test-tube brush.) The attached side chains are polysaccharides-chiefly chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate. Glucosamine is a key component of keratin sulfate. Glucosamine is also a component of hyaluronic acid, another glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage and other connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid forms the backbone for the proteoglycan clusters. Glycosaminoglycans have a strong attraction for water. The water-holding ability of proteoglycan clusters to hold water gives cartilage its strong, sponge-like quality. It also allows nutrients to flow into cartilage and wastes to flow out.
Warning
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.