Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine

Glucosamine Sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical that the body uses to make other chemicals.  These chemicals are then used to build cartilage, joint fluid, tendons, and ligaments.

Some form of a sulfate is needed to give the best uptake of glucosamine.  This just means the body has the best chance of using the glucosamine in the formula.

Glucosamine sulfate has everything needed for maximum uptake because it is the sulfate form.

Glucosamine HCL would need to be combined with a sulfate such as Chondroitin Sulfate in order for the body to be able to utilize the glucosamine the best.

Starting Dosages:

• 500 mg. (0 – 25 lbs.)
  
• 1,000 mg. (26 – 50 lbs.)
  
• 1,500 mg. (51 – 100 lbs.)
  
• 2,000 mg. (over 100 lbs.)
  

After improvement is seen, you can try decreasing the dosage to a maintenance dose.
Maintenance Doses are typically:

• 250 mg. (0 - 25 lbs.) 
  
• 500 mg. (26 - 50 lbs.)
  
• 1,000 mg. (51 - 100 lbs)
  
• 1,500 mg. (over 100 lbs.
  

If no improvement is seen after 6 weeks, a switch to a different brand may see results.

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Chondroitin

Chondroitin Sulfate is a major component of cartilage.

It helps keep cartilage healthy by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue, provides the building blocks for new cartilage, and may block enzymes that break down cartilage.

It seems to work best when paired with a form of Glucosamine.

Starting Dosages:

• 400 mg. (0 – 25 lbs.)
  
• 800 mg. (26 – 50 lbs.)
  
• 1,200 mg. (51 – 100 lbs.)
  
• 1,600 mg. (over 100 lbs.)
  

After improvement is seen, you can try decreasing the dosage to a maintenance dose.
Maintenance Doses are typically:

• 200 mg. (0 - 25 lbs.) 
  
• 400 mg. (26 - 50 lbs.)
  
• 800 mg. (51 - 100 lbs)
  
• 1,200 mg. (over 100 lbs.

If no improvement is seen after 6 weeks, a switch to a different brand may see results.