Monograph

Everyday activities can be frustrating when tender joints and decreased mobility exist. NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Joint combines three main ingredients that can support joint health. Glucosamine, a natural building block for cartilage, may alleviate and repair sore, damaged joints. Chondroitin is combined with Glucosamine to further relieve joint discomfort and weakened mobility that may come from exercise and other daily activities. MSM, a sulfuric compound, may provide structural support to connective tissue.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Joint contains superior ingredients that are supplied by American and Japanese extractors. NUTRA Joint’s formulation includes Regenasure® (Glucosamine Hydrochloride), ChondrAIS® (Chondroitin Sulfate), and OptiMSM® (MSM).

Research

Chondroitin Sulfate (ChondrAIS®)

ChondrAIS®, a chondroitin sulfate manufactured from shark cartilage, is a beneficial nutrient for the production of healthy cartilage.

Chondroitin sulfate has anti-inflammatory activity that reduces joint swelling, maintains synovial fluid levels, and spacing between the joints.[1] Chondroitin sulfate reduces the proliferation of proteins to reduce joint inflammation.[2]

A one-year study recruited 42 patients with knee pain to take chondroitin sulfate or a placebo. Subjects taking chondroitin sulfate had greater joint mobility and less pain, when compared to the placebo group. Researchers suggested chondroitin sulfate could stabilize joint space, while improving bone and joint metabolism.[3] Furthermore, a three-month study recruited 110 patients with knee pain to take chondroitin sulfate or a placebo finding supplementation improved knee function, reduced pain, and maintained joint space in the knee.[4]

An animal study found cartilage cells responded to chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine when joints were under stress, especially in aged-animals. Researchers suggested chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine could repair and regenerate cartilage by supporting normal metabolic function in the joints.[5]

Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Regenasure®)

Glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) is a necessary component of healthy joints, including the preservation of cartilage, connective tissue, and synovial fluid. Glucosamine may aid normal metabolic activities to maintain healthy cartilage.[6] This was observed in rabbits with joint ailments that took glucosamine for eight weeks, as bone structure, turnover, and mineralization were significantly altered in the treatment group.[7]

Fifty-one patients with joint ailments took glucosamine or a placebo for twelve weeks, in which subjects taking glucosamine had greater pain relief and mobility in their joints.[8] Similarly, 30 patients with joint inflammation were recruited to take GH finding that supplementation reduced pain and improved joint function in the treatment group.[9]

A six-week study compared the effectiveness of glucosamine hydrochloride with glucosamine sulfate in 143 patients with knee or hip pain. Results indicated both forms of glucosamine were beneficial in relieving joint pain, but glucosamine hydrochloride was more effective in lessening joint stiffness and pain while walking and resting.[10]

Methylsulfomylmethane (MSM®)

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM®) is a natural sulfur-containing compound that is an essential building block to joints and cartilage. MSM has been viewed as an effective treatment in restoring joint health in various studies.

A 12-week study gave 118 patients with knee pain glucosamine, MSM, glucosamine/MSM or a placebo to observe the effects on joint discomfort. The treatment groups found a significant decrease in joint inflammation and pain, while the placebo group did not experience any relief. The most dramatic improvement was seen in the glucosamine/MSM treatment group.[11]

Fifty subjects with knee pain volunteered to take MSM (600 mg per day) or a placebo to alleviate joint pain. Researchers found MSM improved mobility in daily activities and alleviated pain without adverse effects.[12]

An animal study reviewed the effects of MSM on inhibiting joint deterioration and immune ailments finding prolonged administration reduced destructive changes in the joint and inhibited immune weaknesses associated with joint inflammation.[13]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Chondroitin Sulfate (ChondrAIS®) – Up to 1,200 mg per day in divided doses

Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Regenasure®) – Up to 1,500 mg per day in divided doses

MSM® - Up to 3,000 mg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the nutrients in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Chondroitin Sulfate (ChondrAIS®) – Mild gastrointestinal upset has been reported, such as nausea and diarrhea.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Regenasure®) – Individuals with diabetes or blood sugar ailments should have a physician monitor their glucose levels while taking supplements with glucosamine, as it may increase insulin resistance.

MSM® - May cause nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Joint, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Chondroitin Sulfate (ChondrAIS®) – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride (Regenasure®) – Anti-diabetic medicine (Glucophage, Diabeta, etc.)

MSM® – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Iovu M, Dumais G, Du Souich P. Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008 Jul 28.

[2] Jomphe C, Gabriac M, Hale TM, et al. Chondroitin sulfate inhibits the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB in interleukin-1beta-stimulated chondrocytes. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008 Jan; 102(1):59-65.

[3] Uebelhart D, Thonar EJ, Delmas PD, et al. Effects of oral chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998 May; 6 Suppl A:39-46.

[4] Uebelhart D, Malaise M, Marcolongo R, et al. Intermittent treatment of knee osteoarthritis with oral chondroitin sulfate: a one-year, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study versus placebo. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2004 Apr; 12(4):269-276.

[5] Lippiello L. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: biological response modifiers of chondrocytes under simulated conditions of joint stress. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003 May; 11(5):335-342.

[6] Uitterlinden EJ, Jahr H, Koevoet JL, et al. Glucosamine decreases expression of anabolic and catabolic genes in human osteoarthritic cartilage explants. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar; 14(3):250-7.

[7] Wang SX, Laverty S, Dumitriu M, et al. The effects of glucosamine hydrochloride on subchondral bone changes in an animal model of osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2007 May; 56(5):1537-1548.

[8] Nakamura H, Masuko K, Yudoh K, et al. Effects of glucosamine administration on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2007 Jan; 27(3):213-218.

[9] Svetlova MS, Ignat'ev VK. Experience with glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with osteoarthrosis. Ter Arkh. 2005; 77(12):64-67.

[10] Zhang WB, Zhuang CY, Li JM, et al. Efficacy and safety evaluation of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2007 Jul 15; 45(14):998-1001.

[11] Usha PR, Naidu MU. Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis. Clin Drug Investig. 2004; 24(6):353-363.

[12] Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar; 14(3):286-294.

[13] Murav'ev IuV, Venikova MS, Pleskovskaia GN, et al. Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone on a destructive process in the joints of mice with spontaneous arthritis. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter. 1991 Mar-Apr; (2):37-39.