Glucosamine Supplements
Glucosamine is a popular supplement for people who want to support their joint health. Healthspan's glucosamine supplements are available in two forms: glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) and glucosamine sulphate (2KCl), and are combined with various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and omega 3, for added joint and cartilage support.
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What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally in the body's connective tissue, as well as in shellfish, animal bones and some fungi. Most glucosamine supplements are made from shellfish, but Healthspan's Optiflex Glucosamine is made in a more sustainable process using corn.
Benefits of glucosamine
Glucosamine is an important structural component of joint cartilage – the flexible tissue that protects the joint bones from friction – but our body produces less of it as we age, leaving our joints more vulnerable to damage. There are no major food sources of glucosamine, so supplementing is the best way to obtain it.
Types of glucosamine supplements
Healthspan offers a wide range of glucosamine tablets and capsules. These contain either glucosamine hydrochloride HCl, glucosamine sulphate 2KCl, or both. Optiflex glucosamine HCl provides 40% more glucosamine per gram than traditional glucosamine 2KCl, so is a popular choice with those looking for high-strength supplements.
Vegetarian and vegan glucosamine
The glucosamine used in supplements is usually derived from shellfish exoskeletons (prawn, crayfish and lobster). Healthspan's glucosamine HCl supplements contain a vegan source of glucosamine called GlucosaGreen, which is produced from non-GMO corn.
This high-tech process produces the same high-quality glucosamine as the traditional method, but is more environmentally friendly (it uses less water and fewer chemicals, and produces less waste). The process also uses purely plant-based materials, making GlucosaGreen vegan-friendly and free from shellfish and its related allergens.
All Healthspan's glucosamine supplements are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, except for those containing chondroitin and omega 3.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are often taken together, as they work in a similar way. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a naturally occurring sugar compound that is a major building block of cartilage and connective tissue.
Healthspan's Glucosamine & Chondroitin (120 tablets) provides a combination of patented 500mg Optiflex glucosamine HCl and 100mg of premium 90% chondroitin sulphate. Alternatively, ChondroMax (60 or 120 tablets) is Healthspan's most advanced joint health combination, containing 500mg Optiflex glucosamine and 400mg chondroitin.
Glucosamine tablets
Healthspan offers various glucosamine tablets, in packs of 60, 120, 160 or 320, combined with other vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and turmeric.
Healthspan's Optiflex Glucosamine HCl 1000mg and Optiflex Glucosamine HCl 1325mg (1325mg is the maximum allowable glucosamine strength in a food supplement) contain added vitamin C, which contributes to collagen formation for the maintenance of cartilage.
There's also Glucosamine Fusion, which offers a unique combination of glucosamine HCl and 2KCl, and Turmeric and Glucosamine Joint Support, which has added calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D3 for the maintenance of healthy bones and cartilage.
Glucosamine capsules
Many people find capsules easier to swallow than tablets, and Healthspan offers three glucosamine capsule products, all in packs of 120.
Optiflex Glucosamine & Omega 3, with added vitamin C, supports joint, heart and brain health. Fast Release Glucosamine 70 Plus contains added calcium and vitamins D3 and C to maintain healthy bones, while Fast Release ChondroMax 70 Plus adds chondroitin for extra joint support. As we get older, it's harder to digest and absorb glucosamine, so these fast-release capsules are ideal for those over 70 who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Should you take glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a good choice for anyone who wants to support their joint health, but it's important to look for a high-quality product and consider which added vitamins and minerals will be most beneficial.
Additionally, anyone who is taking any prescribed medication, is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has any medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before taking glucosamine.
If you need free expert advice on which glucosamine supplement is right for you, please get in touch.