Glucosamines, Cartilage, MSM and Other Joint Supplement Terms
An explanation of terms commonly found in joint supplement descriptions including glucosamines and msm
Joints, Tendons, Ligaments, Cartilage and Synovial Fluid
Joints can most simply be described as the hinges that hold the skeletal system together.
An animal's joints are what gives its skeleton flexibility and thus, along with muscles,
the ability to move. Tendons and ligaments help stabilize and hold the
joint together while synovial fluid surrounds and lubricates the joint for smooth action.
A joint has cartilage, a spongy material that coats and protects the bones making up the hinge,
the presence of cartilage is crucial to overall joint health.
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Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease
The term arthritis is actually a broad term used to describe a large number of medical conditions resulting in joint pain.
One form of arthritis you will commonly read about in joint supplement descriptions is
degenerative joint disease, often used to describe arthritis in dogs, degenerative joint disease is usually
characterized by degeneration of the cartilage that protects the joint bones. Many joint supplements
claim to help prevent and/or rebuild the cartilage surrounding a dog's joint.
Most joint supplements target better cartilage health.
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Joint Supplements - Definition and Purpose
For the purposes of this discussion, the term supplement in simple terms can be defined
as a product providing ingredients to the body to help strengthen something, improve
a capability of a function, including production of vital products, or to help make up
for the deficiency of a naturally occurring product. Joint supplements are usually designed
to fill one of three purposes, one - to rebuild joint tissues and fluids, two -
to remove irritating and pain-causing toxins from the body, or, three - reduce inflammation at the joint and
and hopefully provide a little pain relief in the process. It is believed by many that
the most beneficial supplemental program would include both a source of supplements for joint
rebuilding, as well as, a source of supplements to help rid the body of irritating, harmful toxins.
And of course, all three supplemental categories when pain and inflammation are present. When purchasing
a joint supplement, you'll want to read the full description carefully looking for ingredients that
fulfill the necessary goal, a combination of ingredients that assist each other synergistically, and,
high manufacturing standards. Often, the right joint supplement will be all your pet needs, thus
avoiding the side effects and possible adverse reactions that can occur from steroid, NSAIDs or
other medications. In addition, when stronger NSAIDs or prescription arthritis medications are
required, a joint supplement product used in conjunction with the medication, can sometimes improve
the overall effectiveness of the treatment program. However, certain supplements and medications
should never be combined so you will want to visit thoroughly with your veterinarian regarding
all the products, both prescription and non-prescription, that your pet is taking so the best
overall program can be designed for their very specific needs.
Some Popular Joint Supplements:
Cosequin 
Glyco-Flex
Arthogen
Vetri-Shark
Synovi
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Synergistic Effect
Synergistic effect implies that the ingredients of a joint supplement product are effective
due to their ability to work together, in other words, it is the combination of ingredients that
give the product it's effectiveness, rather than just the presence of each one individually. Some
ingredients always do better in the presence of another. For instance, vitamin c is often
a good catalyst for glucosamine, and, thus makes it more effective.
Some Joint Supplements w/ Synergistic in the Description:
SynoviG3Vetri-DiscResourcesConquer
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Nutraceuticals
As one might guess the term nutraceutical can be thought of as the result of a blend of two words,
nutrition (a food related term) and pharmaceutical (a synthesized medicinal product).
A nutraceutical is usually considered to be a food,
an ingredient taken from food, or an ingredient found in food that
offers medical health benefits,
including prevention and/or treatment of disease.
For example, raspberries could be called
a nutraceutical because their chemistry can have anti-inflammatory benefits within the body.
The term nutraceutical is often expanded
to include manufactured supplements with ingredients that can be found naturally occurring in foods,
including calcium, vitamins, echinacea and ginseng.
Manufactured nutraceuticals pose problems for regulatory authorities who are still working
out whether nutraceuticals are primarily foodstuffs or whether they should be controlled
by the much stricter guidelines applied to medicines.
Some Joint Supplements w/ Nutraceutical in the Description:
Corta-RX ProMotion
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Glucosamines, Chondroitin Sulfates and Hyaluronic Acid
We first heard about glucosamines around ten or twelve years ago when searching for something to
improve our horse's troublesome joint health. Next, we noticed it in
dog joint health products which were quickly gaining in popularity at the time. Now, it's
also a common ingredient in joint health products for people too.
There actually several similar ingredients, a group called glycosaminoglycans,
that are needed together for optimal joint health. Glycos amino glycans are often
mentioned by their acronym for short, GAGs.
Crucial GAGs include chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid, all of which
help provide cartilage with basic structural materials it needs to regenerate and exist.
Glucosamine is responsible for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and
glycosaminoglycans within the joint.
Hyaluronic acid is an important component of the synovial fluid surrounding the joint.
Glucosamine, as a supplement comes in many forms,
including glucosamine hydrochlorideglucosamine (glucosamine hcl for short),
glucosamine sulfate and n-acetyl glucosamine. N-acetyl glucosamine
also helps supports proper functioning of the digestive tract lining.
Chondroitin, one of the major gylcosaminoglycans, helps inhibit
the degradative enzymes that promote the breakdown of cartilage.
Glucosamine plus chondroitin work better together than either ingredient alone.
In the cartilage surrounding joints, GAG molecules are interspersed among the collagen fibers,
acting like a sponge to attract water molecules to lubricate the joint capsules.
The process of movement and activity alone creates a need for the joint to constantly replenish
the components that give it structure and function.
If the glycosaminoglycans building blocks are not available to the joints in adequate levels, the process will breakdown,
and eventually lead to degenerative joint disease.
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Although exercise and activity are great for an animal's heart and overall health, years of activity
can actually have an adverse effect on joints, creating wear and tear on the joint's cartilage.
Aging alone can also cause GAGs to diminish in quantity, leaving the cartilage tissue dried out
and vulnerable to breakdown in even the most fit and previously active of animals.
It is believed that giving your dog or other animal a glucosamine supplement will help it's
body replenish, restore and actually rebuild its own cartilage, in other words, that
joint tissue can regenerate with the help of the right nutritional building blocks.
Sources of glucosamine in animal joint supplements
often include bovine trachea, shark cartilage, sea cucumber, perna mussel and shrimp.
Some Joint Supplements w/ All 3 Glycosaminoglycans:
Jointagen III
OsteoCare
Conquer K9
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Perna Canaliculus Mussel
The perna canaliculus mussel is a frequent source of glucosamines in joint supplement products including
the popular line of glyco-flex products for dogs, cats & horses. The perna mussel comes from
New Zealand and is a natural source of
glucosamines, glycosaminoglycans and omega-3 fatty acids.
Other names for the perna mussel or perna rich supplements include
green lipped mussel, seatone, or greenshell mussel.
Perna mussel has been successful in managing degenerative joint diseases and arthritis in both human and people.
It also is reported to improve mobility and reduce the pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with
arthritis. The perna mussel is often used as a dietary supplement to help with issues related not only arthritis,
but also, asthma, menstrual pain, multiple sclerosis and skin problems as well.
Although generally beneficial and safe, some side effects are possible including allergic reactions,
fluid retention, skin rash and upset stomach. In addition, perna mussel supplements should not be given to
people or animals with allergies to fish or shellfish.
Dog Joint Supplements With Perna:
Glyco-Flex
Glyco-C-Mine
Synovi
Resources
ArthiSoothe
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MSM - Methylsulfonylmethane
MSM is a commonly used acronym for methyl sulfonyl methane, a naturally occurring source of sulfur and an
ingredient often featured in joint supplement products.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) contains sulfur in a form the body can readily use.
Sulfur is necessary for the production of collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and certain anti-oxidants - all
of which are vital to healthy cartilage and overall joint health.
MSM is believed by some to have multiple health benefits including
anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and healing properties. MSM is also claimed to help with
blood circulation, muscle cramps, energy, alertness, food allergies and free radicals.
One advantage to MSM is that it provides the vital sulfur ingredient without having a "sulfuric" taste or smell.
MSM Rich Supplements for Dogs:
MSM Pure
SynoviMSM
500 mg. Methylsulfonylmethane Tablets
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Amino Acids
Amino acid biomolecules are the building blocks of proteins. Beneficial amino acids help build cells, repair
tissue, carry oxygen throughout the body, combat invading bacteria and much more. Amino acids are
produced by the body when the digestive process breaks down proteins. Currently, there are 22
known amino acids, some are produced naturally by the body and others obtained only through nutrition
from ingested foods and supplements. A good example of an essential animal amino acid would be taurine,
cat's have to have taurine but they do not produce it naturally themselves, they have to get if from
the prey (or food) they ingest. Some other amino acids you may have heard of include tryptophan and lysine.
One amino acid in particular, hydroxyproline, helps provide additional raw material for the joint's collagen synthesis
process.
Dog Joint Supplements w/ Amino Acids:
Glyco-Flex
Nupro Joint Support
Palaflex
Lubrichon
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Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is an amino acid complex often used by body builders for peak muscle performance.
In muscles, creatine is used to form phosphocreatine, which helps supply
energy needed for muscle contractions. Creatine can be ingested as a naturally occurring
ingredient found in the meats that people and animals eat,
it can also be found in some joint supplements, such as SynoviCre products, to help promote muscle
development.
Dog Joint Supplements w/ Creatine:
Joint Max Triple
Synovi
Corta-Rx Creatine
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Free Radicals and Antioxidants
The definition of a free radical actually goes to the most basic entities of the body, the
molecule, atom and electron. Free radicals are unstable molecules sometimes produced by the
body through the bonding and splitting process of molecules. It is expected that some
free radicals will be created normally throughout the body's metabolism process.
Sometimes the body’s immune system purposefully creates them to neutralize threatening viruses and bacteria.
However, they can also arise from environmental factors such as pollution.
Free radicals are considered unstable molecules which
actually like to steal an atom from a neighboring healthy cell in an attempt to become more stable,
however, in their attempt to gain stability for themselves, they in turn make the previously healthy
cell an unstable free radical too.
Under normal circumstances, the body can usually handle the free radical situation, however,
if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. It is also believed that
free radical damage can accumulate with age.
Antioxidants, like vitamin c and e, help rid the body of free radicals.
Antioxidants are quite wonderful actually, they neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons,
ending the free radicals need to steal an electron from a neighboring healthy cell. The
beauty of an antioxidant is that they themselves don’t become free radicals
by donating an electron because they are stable with or without the extra atom.
Deteriorating cartilage can cause toxins, free radicals and waste material to build up
in the joints causing pain and inflammation. Detoxifiers like antioxidants and certain natural or herbal ingredients
can help the body neutralize and remove these irritants and harmful free radicals from the joint
area so the glucosamines can work more effectively. Many health enthusiasts belief that providing
antioxidants vitamins and herbs in conjunction with GAG therapy will yield quicker and better
overall joint health results.
Dog Supplements w/ Antioxidants:
Joint Max Triple
ProMotion
Select Antioxidant
Resources
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Vitamins A, B-6 and C - Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese and Copper
Vitamins and minerals necessary for proper enzymatic action,
connective tissue formation and maintenance in joints.
Vitamin C and Zinc also help the body’s natural antioxidant response to free radicals - a reduction
in toxins and free radicals helps support the cell membranes, health and integrity of joints and tissues.
Magnesium helps nerve and muscle functions, as well as helping the body absorb calcium which
is necessary for better bone strength.
Although most animals can produce vitamin c and other vital minerals on their own, the amount produced
may not be sufficient enough to prevent or counteract the stresses on joints
associated with aging, injury or misalignment. Supplements like Lubrichon and Glyco-C-Mine provide
a source for vital vitamin
c, along with ingredients like glucosamine and essential minerals for overall joint health.
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Phosphorous and Calcium
Phosphorous and calcium are known for their ability to help strengthen animal bone structure
and are particularly beneficial to growing pets for proper development of bones and tissue.
Vetri-Science makes several animal joint health products with the additional
benefits of calcium and phosphorous, their vetri-shark and vetri-disc supplements both contain
cartilage ingredients to serve as a source of calcium and phosphorus.
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Chelated Minerals
Chelation is the pharmaceutical process of bonding a mineral to an amino acid to
make it easier for the body to digest, assimilate and utilize it.
Chelated minerals, or chelates for short, are designed to
mimic the way minerals occur naturally in the diet as well.
Depending upon the product, the minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese
found in joint supplements are often chelated.
Look for the term chelated minerals.
Dog Supplements w/ Chelated Minerals:
Glyco-Flex
Chondro-Flex
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Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are the natural pigments in fruits (mainly yellow citrus) and vegetables and are reported to have numerous
health benefits including improving the absorption of vitamin c in the body. On occasion, bioflav- onoids
are erroneously referred to as vitamin p.
Some reports show bioflavonoids as useful in enhancing the antioxidant action of certain nutrients, as
well as helping maintain better capillary health. Because they work so closely together, many believe
that vitamin C and bioflavonoids need each other to properly produce their beneficial effects on the body.
By scientific standards, bioflavonoids are a somewhat recent discovery and the jury is still out
regarding their necessity in the body, as well as, their true benefits toward overall health.
Dog Joint Supplements w/ Bioflavonoids:
SyonviCre
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fatty acids, in general, are a major component of fats, including those
used by the body for energy and tissue development
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids,
essential to health, but are not manufactured naturally by the body.
Fortunately, fatty acids can be obtained through the diet and are partic- ularly rich in
fish and certain plant oils. Common sources of omega-3 fatty acids utilized in joint supplements include fish and flax
seed oils. It is widely believed that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the inflammatory response in the body,
and consequently, are often utilized to help provide relief from inflammatory arthritis conditions.
They are also believed to reduce the activity of the enzymes that destroy the joint's cartilage.
Popular Joint Supplements w/ Omega-3:
Arthramine
SynoviG3
Missing Link Joint Support Formula
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Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins and catalyst agents that trigger activity in other cells without
being affected themselves by the very activity they have initiated in these other cells.
As a beneficial catalyst, enzymes are believed to help the body and joint repair itself and thus
contribute to relief from joint and muscle discomfort issues.
Popular Joint Supplements w/ Enzymes:
Missing Link Joint Support Formula
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Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids, like those in glyco-flex products are protein building blocks that act on the nucleus of cells.
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Homeopathic, Natural, Botanical, Holistic, Herbal and Flower Essence
The actual definition and history behind the term "homeopathic" is actually a little
complicated and confusing. In it's simple form, the homeopathic theory could be described
as a belief that disease is a disruption in the body’s life force,
that the symptoms of disease are not the disease itself, and that with proper facilitation the body can be
stimulated into healing itself. Homeopathic products, often natural products, herbs, botanicals and
minerals, are designed to help facilitate the body to begin this self-healing process itself - to provide a
little boost if you will.
Natural products can be considered products derived from a living organism or something found naturally
in nature. Most vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids are considered natural products.
Some synthetically produced products are called "natural" because they can be found
naturally occurring in nature despite the fact that they were manufactured in a processing plant. Just the
same, there is some controversy today among pet food, supplement and product manufacturers as to just what
products can be labeled as "natural".
A herb is technically a plant lacking a permanent woody stem, herbs can be medicinal, beneficial, flowering,
aromatic or even toxic by nature. Some common herbs you may have heard of include basil,
dandelion, dill, lavender, sage and thyme.
Herbal medicines utilize herbs and can be traced back hundreds of years to before the advent of
modern day medicine and pharmaceuticals.
The term botanical means relating to plants, whereas, botanicals are products
derived from plant material. Herbs and flowers are also botanicals.
Flower essence therapy is similar in theory to homeopathic treatments in the
sense that the body's natural healthy balance is considered an important part of the desired cure.
However, flower essences are used primarily to treat behavioral rather than physical disorders. True flower essence
products are in liquid form and derived from a numerous array of botanicals and flowers.
And finally, holistic medicine believes in looking at the "whole" self and seeks to achieve an overall balance of the combined
physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of life. Overall balance is the key to health.
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Beneficial Bacteria
Most simply, the term bacteria can be used to describe a very small, single-celled life-form
that can reproduce quickly. Bacteria can be either beneficial or harmful. When most people think of
bacteria they think of disease causing organisms, like those that cause strep, cholera and tuberculosis.
when in fact, the good bacteria in our body usually outweighs the bad (hopefully, anyway). Good
bacteria essential to maintaining the healthy processes within the body can be thought of as
beneficial bacteria.
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Some Things To Note About Joint Supplements
There are several things to know about joint supplements. First, and foremost you should always visit
thoroughly regarding which products they feel will be the best and safest for your particular pet and
their overall health regimen. Side effects and adverse reactions are possible with many supplements, even with non-prescription
products, and some products should not be used in conjunction with others, or at all depending upon your
specific pet's individual health situation. Second, what is effective for one dog may not work as well for another,
and finding the right product can often be a matter of trial and error. Third, it can take
up to six to eight weeks to take effect so the trial and error stage may take a little patience.
Fourth, manufacturing and combination of ingredients is vital
to the effectiveness of a joint supplement, a good argument for sticking with the more well known,
highly respected joint supplement products like cosequin, glyco-flex and synovi. Lastly,
overall joint health usually requires a synergistic combination of ingredients rather than just
a lot of one or two, so, you'll want to look for a supplement that meets all your pet's needs.
Canine Joint Health and Arthritis - Buy Products Online at Discount
Low price sources and information on over 30 supplements for canine joint health
as well as medication for arthritis in dogs. Learn about joint degeneration,
arthritis and how different ingredients and medicine can help.
Pet Medication for Arthritis in Dogs:
Information and low prices on prescription arthritis medication for dogs
Popular Joint Products:
Ten popular prescription and non-prescription products for canine joint care
Non-Prescription Joint Supplements:
Discount prices and profiles on over 15 dog joint supplement products
Canine Joint Function, Medication and Disease - Terms
Information on joint related issues including an explanation of the terms and ingredients you'll see when searching to learn more
about hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, treatment medications or canine joint care.
Terms Used in Discussing Arthritis in Dogs:
e.g., hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, synovial fluid, etc.
Dog Arthritis Medication Terminology:
e.g., NSAIDs, Steroids, Anti-Inflammatories, Cox 2 Inhibitors etc.
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