Recently, Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulfate have received a lot of
attention and skyrocketing sales in the USA. A lot of the attention is due
to the reference to these supplements in the book The Arthritis Cure.
While the widespread use of these supplements is recent in humans (at least
in the USA). They have been used longer in veterinary medicine. While I do
not have specific citations for you it is my understanding that there have
been some favorable studies in dogs. I also understand there are some
studies underway in humans. Hopefully, we should have more evidence soon. A
recent concern has been raised that many manufactures of supplements and
vitamins do not have adequate quality controls and the percentage of active
ingredients varies wildly. I am not aware of any safety concerns as they
are dietary supplements.
The reported benefits of taking these supplements is an increased
production of synovial fluid and promotion of cartilage growth and repair.
I have used them in one of my dogs with a noticeable decrease in effusion
and markedly less lameness. As there is not a placebo effect with dogs I
was particularly encouraged. I have since used it myself with decreased
pain and increased mobility of my cervical spine which has DJD.
Douglas M. White, PT, OCS
Milton, MA USA
Erik KF Goossens wrote:
> A patient of mine is taking 'Structum' (Brand name in Switzerland for
> chondroitin sulfat) in order to releive her chondromalaciatic patellae.
>
> ARE THERE ALTERNATIVE 'HEALTH FOOD' (BIO-ORGANIC) PRODUCTS FOR THIS
> CAUSE...
>
> TIA
> --
> Erik KF Goossens
> Dipl. PT - PT Educator
> CH-4102 Binningen
> Switzerland
>
> [log in to unmask]
> homepage : under construction
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|