Osteoarthritis: Chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints, usually around middle age; the most common form of arthritis—accompanied by stiffness, swelling and pain.
It is estimated that 16 million Americans suffer from some form of osteoarthritis. With age, the joints lose the shock-absorbing cartilage (gel-like material) resulting in friction of bone to bone rubbing. Instability and pain in the joints is a daily woe of the arthritis sufferer. Supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin (Joint-Power-Rx) may significantly increase the rate of new cartilage being formed: this being a vital benefit for arthritis sufferers.
Glucosamine and chondroitin benefits:
- Improves joint flexibility
- Long term overall joint health
- Reduces pain and inflammation of the joints
- Safer to use than anti-inflammatory drugs
Glucosamine and chondroitin can ease the pain and increase the range of motion in the hands, hips, spine, and knees. Along with repairing aged and damaged cartilage, glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to be more effective and safer than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin—the most common remedy for arthritis sufferers. While over 16,000 deaths and over 103,000 hospitalizations are caused by anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine and chondroitin are a much safer and natural alternative for relieving pain and inflammation. In addition, glucosamine and chondroitin combat the progression of osteoarthritis—while NSAIDs only mask the pain; not to mention the overall side effects that NSAIDs can inflict (gastrointestinal bleeding, liver damage.) on a long term basis.
How they are made
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements come from a variety of cartiliginous extracts—cow, pig, shark, fish (chondroitin) and shellfish (glucosamine). Those allergic to shellfish may choose to avoid it; however, the allergen is in the flesh of the animal–not the chitin (exoskeleton). For those still with a concern, there are alternative supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin available (look for vegetarian supplements that employ the method of fungal fermentation of corn).When taking glucosamine and chondroitin, optimal results can be achieved after at least 4 weeks of usage, while daily doses thereafter will provide the arthritis sufferer continual maintenance and relief. 
In addition to tablet and capsule forms of glucosamine and chondroitin, the liquid form gets into the bloodstream quicker and some have even proposed a higher absorption rate as well. See which works best for your situation.
