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Glucosamine supplementation
Although I am currently healthy, I am approaching middle age and so am thinking about taking a glucosamine supplement to prevent problems in later life. However, I am not sure whether I should buy a supplement that includes chondroitin or not. What do you think?
Glucosamine, as you may already know, will help strengthen bone and so may protect you from osteoporosis, as well as arthritis, in later life. Since there are over 3 million osteoporosis sufferers in the UK today - more women die from it than from cancer of the ovaries, cervix and uterus combined - then taking preventative steps makes good sense.
What the chondroitin does is attract more of the synovial fluid to the space around the joints to help keep them lubricated. So if your goal is to avoid stiff hips and knees and enjoy an active, as opposed to crippled old age, buy a supplement that combines both.
Even better, buy one that includes collagen too - which the body uses to build bone in the first place. I recommend a supplement called Collagen Plus that does combine all three with vitamin C, which will enhance their activity in the body and has been shown in clinical trials to work.
For even more protection, take an organic sulphur supplement as well. The body will use this to make cartilage and collagen - and although natural sources include meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy foods, it is easily destroyed by cooking making supplementation a safer bet. Sold as Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) Higher Nature’s powder form costs £9.90 for 100g, plus £1.50 p&p. To mail order call 01435-882880.
*Collagen Plus is made by the Preston-based company, Arthrovite. It comes in powder form, which you dilute to make an orange-flavoured drink to take once a day, after breakfast. One month’s supply costs £26.99. It takes three months to kick in. Mail order on 0800-0181282 and add £1.50 p&p. Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking anticoagulants and other drugs for heart problems. Also, do not give it to children.
*Health Perception also have an extensive range of Glucosamine products - in tablet, effervescent drink, and gel form - which were recently chosen for a 6-month trial at St Peter's Hospital. Phone 01252 861454 for ordering and information.