Glucosamine

Description

Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine providing the basic molecule structure to store water in joint cartilage, synovial fluid and other connective tissues in the body. This characteristic is responsible for the "sponge effect" in joint cartilage and synovial fluid which gives these tissues the abiliteis to act like a shock absorber.

Properties

Glucosamine is used by the horse to maintain and repair joint cartilage. Results from several well-designed scientific studies suggest that glucosamine supplements may be effective in supporting joint mobility and flexibility by providing the main building bricks for remodelling the joint cartilage matrix. Glucosamine could can help to improve the physiological function of joints and help to maintain a balanced quality of life for horses with reduced joint mobility.

Possible uses

Since glucosamine is a precursor of glycosaminoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage, supplemental glucosamine may help to prevent cartilage degeneration. Glucosamine is commonly taken in combination with chondroitin sulphate, another glycosaminoglycan. As a horse gets older its natural production of glucosamine slows down - oral supplmenetation of glucosamine can help to protect horses from the consequences of this ageing process. Furthermore, sport horses with a higher level of joint stress may benefit from glucosamine supplementation, to keep their joint cartilage in a resilient condition.