Glucosamine + MSM Forte 250 Capsules

Glucosamine + MSM® Forte? capsules provided by

Douglas Laboratories contain 500 mg of pure

glucosamine sulfate and 250 mg of

methylsulfonylmethane (MSM®). Ascorbic acid,

proanthocyanidins, and bromelain are also included to

provide additional aid in maintaining the health of

aging joints.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar found

in glycosoaminoglycans, integral components of the

proteoglycans found in joint cartilage. Proteoglycans are

large carbohydrate rich structures that provide resiliency,

load distribution, shock-absorbing, compressive and

lubricating properties to joints and connective tissues.

The availability of glucosamine is an integral part of the

synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans that

are necessary during the constant remodeling that aging

cartilage undergoes. Thus, the maintenance of healthy

aging cartilage may be improved with enhanced

deposition of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.

Dietary glucosamine serves as an immediate precursor

for glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and also stimulates

incorporation of other precursors into the connective

tissue matrix. Bioavailability of oral glucosamine sulfate

is excellent. It is absorbed intact, and utilized very

quickly by all tissues, including connective tissues.

Glucosamine sulfate is more efficiently used for

connective tissue metabolism than other glucosamine

sources, such as cartilage extracts or chondroitin sulfate.

In summary, glucosamine sulfate is a well recognized,

highly effective source of glucosamine for

glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in all

connective tissues, such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons,

skin, and bone.

MSM®, a derivative of DMSO, is a naturally occurring

compound of biologically available sulfur, an

indispensable element in human nutrition. As part of the

amino acids methionine and cysteine, sulfur is required

for the structural integrity and function of almost every protein in the body, as well as the glycosaminoglycans of

cartilage and other connective tissue. Dietary MSM®

serves as a versatile donor of metabolically active sulfur

for the synthesis of numerous organosulfur compounds

and proteins in the body. As such, MSM® helps maintain

normal immune response, lung function, connective

tissue metabolism, and muscle contraction. MSM®

occurs naturally in a variety of foods, such as fruits,

vegetables, cereal grains, milk, and fish. However,

MSM® is volatile and easily lost during cooking. MSM®

is very well absorbed by the intestinal tract and rapidly

distributed within the body.

Bromelain, a protease from the pineapple plant, reduces

the production of proinflammatory prostaglandins by

modulating the arachidonate cascade. Its antiinflammatory

action may reduce the pain associated with

aging joints.

Proanthocyanidins, such as those found in red wine, are

natural polyphenolic bioflavonoids that are widespread in

nature and highly regarded for their strong antioxidant

properties, as well as their functions in supporting the

body’s connective tissues. They have been shown to bind

with collagen fibers, thereby protecting from premature

degradation. This helps maintain the natural elasticity of

collagen in skin, joints, arteries, capillaries, and other

connective tissues.

Although vitamin C has numerous biological functions,

foremost, it is essential for the synthesis of collagen and

glycosaminoglycan which are the building materials of

all connective tissues, such as joint cartilage, tendons,

blood vessels, skin, and bone. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

is the required coenzyme for two groups of enzymes that

catalyze the cross linking of collagen fibers -lysyl

hydroxylases and prolyl hydroxylases. Consequently,

vitamin C is essential for the normal structure and

function of connective tissue.

Supplement Facts