JOINT xR is a combination of Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane), Silica and Vitamin C. Both Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM have been well documented for their benefits in treating osteoarthritis. Recent research however, has demonstrated that the beneficial effects are increased when both are taken simultaneously (1). JOINT xR combines the recommended daily effective dose of 1500 mg of Glucosamine Sulfate and 1500 mg of MSM along with 48 mg of organic silica (from bamboo) and 300 mg of vitamin C in three tablets to provide the most effective nutritional supplement for joint health and osteoarthritis currently available.

Glucosamine Sulfate. Glucosamine is an amino-polysaccharide (a combination of the amino acid, glutamine and glucose). Glucosamine is a substance found naturally in the body. It is concentrated in joint cartilage where it is incorporated in longer chains known as glycosaminoglycans and finally into very large structures known as proteoglycans. The proteoglycans function to attract water into the joint space for lubrication of the cartilage during movement and is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. It is believed to reverse osteoarthritis, protects joints and tendons from injury and decrease inflammation in joints, tendons, cartilage and soft tissue. Some people get almost complete restoration. Others may experience relief from pain, better mobility than before and the prevention of further deterioration.

MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in all living plant and animal tissues. Sulfur is important in the formation of collagen and glucosamine. It helps nutrients and fluids to flow through cells and removes toxins from the cells by increasing permeability, this leads to a reduction in pain and inflammation and maintenance of healthy bones, joint, ligaments and tendons. MSM gives up its sulfur to the essential amino acids methionine, cysteine and other serum proteins, eventually finding its way into the collagen of skin, joints and blood vessels. It is also incorporated into the keratin of hair and nails.

While both glucosamine sulfate and MSM have received the majority of the scientific and media attention for their proven effect in managing the pain of arthritis, the equally important role of silica is often overlooked. Silica stimulates chondroblasts to deposit chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid into the cartilage matrix. This function of silica has important implications in managing arthritis pain. Silica improves the function of glucosamine sulfate, which is the precursor of both chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. It must be emphasized that dietary supplementation of chrondoitin sulfate and particularily hyaluronic acid, will provide little if any benefit in dealing with arthritis pain or joint health. Chrondoitin sulfate is a large amino sugar molecule, and will be broken down into simple glucose by the digestive enzymes in the stomach. Hyaluronic acid is an even larger and more complex molecule and will share the same fate in the digestive tract. Glucosamine sulfate on the other hand, is a very small amino sugar molecule and will be absorbed intact from the intestine where enzymes will then transform it into the larger amino sugars such as hyaluronic acid. The ideal approach is to provide the body with the nutritional tools to make this transformation occur in a natural and effective way.

Silicon and connective tissue

The work of Dr. Carlile showed that Si was present in decreased amounts in animals presenting with bone and cartilage malformations. It appears that the two fibrous proteins necessary for healthy connective tissue, i.e. collagen and elastin, and also the glycosaminoglycans , are dependent on a specific enzyme, prolyl hydroxylase, for connective tissue synthesis. Not only is this enzyme lower in silicon deficient tissues, but it increases when silicon is added. When Dr. Schwartz found silicon present in GAGs, he hypothesized that it has a cross-linking role to stabilize the network. Collagen synthesis and GAG formation are therefore both adversely affected by a Si deficiency. Dr. Calomme suggests that making sure silicon is available in conjunction with Glucosamine and Chondroitin could be useful in the treatment of connective tissue disorders.

Finally, vitamin C is included in the formula because it is required for the synthesis of connective tissues such as chondroitin sulfate and collagen, and for its role in wound healing.

Reference

The combination of Glucosamine and MSM has been clinically proven to be of greater benefit than either one alone ("Combination therapy showed better efficacy in reducing pain and swelling and in improving the functional ability of joints than the individual agents," report the researchers in the June, 2004 issue of Clinical Drug Investigations (vol . 24, no. 6, pp 353-363).