Why Does Synflex Contain Less Chondroitin?
Pay Attention to Product Labels
March 03, 2013
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both found in joint cartilage. Both work to decelerate the destruction of cartilage, improve mobility, and improve osteoarthritis symptoms.
We understand that we include less chondroitin than other glucosamine chondroitin supplements, but we also understand the importance of providing you with high quality ingredients with correct labeling of ingredients. One study shows that of 32 chondroitin supplements analyzed, only 5 were labeled correctly. More than half of the supplements contained less than 50% of the amount labeled. Some manufacturers mislead customers by labeling the ingredient that contains chondroitin (e.g., shark cartilage) but do not specify the percentage of chondroitin that is contained in the ingredient. We correctly label our ingredients for your benefit.
Compared to Glucosamine, Very Little Chondroitin is Absorbed
Studies have shown that in the digestive process, very little chondroitin is absorbed. You will notice from the images below that the molecule structures of glucosamine and chondroitin are similar, but chondroitin has a much larger molecular makeup. Because of this large molecular structure, chondroitin is not easily absorbed in the body, and that which is absorbed has the same effect as glucosamine.
Molecular Structure of Chondroitin
Molecular Structure of Glucosamine
The molecule structures of glucosamine and chondroitin are very similar, but because of glucosamine’s smaller structure, it is more easily absorbed into the body. Glucosamine is a monosaccaride amino sugar. Monosaccarides are the simplest forms of sugar. Chondroitin is a sulfated mucopolysaccharide composed of alternating sugars. Mucoolysaccharides, aka glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), are much more complex, with long unbranched polysaccharies.
In a high-quality liquid form, much more Glucosamine is absorbed (80-85% as opposed to 15-20% for pills or capsules.) Since that is the case, it is far more beneficial to have a greater amount of pharmaceutical quality Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine HCL. Furthermore, after glucosamine is absorbed, it naturally stimulates the manufacturing of chondroitin sulfate and other mucopolysaccharides. Adding more Chondroitin to Synflex® would provide little benefit and would add significantly to product cost.
Benefits of the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Combination
Chondroitin still has documented benefit when combined with glucosamine. Major clinical studies have shown positive effects of the glucosamine chondroitin combination in subjects with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain. Here at Synflex, we understand the importance of the glucosamine and chondroitin combination, so we have included it in our formula.
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