Arth-Support Formula™, provided by
Douglas Laboratories, is a synergistic and comprehensive combination of natural
ingredients, including glucosamine sulfate, shark cartilage, and bromelain,
carefully formulated and specifically designed to support normal inflammatory
processes while maintaining and restoring the structure and function of healthy
joints.
FUNCTIONS
Studies show that a high
percentage of adults in North America and other developed countries eat less
than the minimum daily allowance of 10 or more essential nutrients. Adequate
amounts and proper balance of these nutrients are needed not only for
maintaining good health, but also for the dietary management of the body’s
structure as well as the optimum functioning of its various systems, including
its joints. Arth-Support Formula™ has been carefully developed to
contain the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and other
nutrients without danger of toxic build-up or of side effects. Each ingredient
is selected in consideration of its absorbability, competitive relationship with
other nutrients, allergenic potential, and long-term safety. Certain nutrients
such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and B-complex vitamins are included
in high-potency amounts because of the vital roles they play in antioxidant
protection, energy production and maintenance of healthy blood cells, nervous
system, hormonal balance, and more. Minerals and trace elements are provided in
their safest and most bioavailable forms.
The Arth-Support Formula™
contains not only the base formula of Douglas Laboratories’ Ultra-Specific
Nutrition 2000 Series™ that offers intensive support for the healthy
functioning of the body in general, but also a blend of herbs and additional
nutrients specifically formulated for maintenance of healthy joint structure and
function.
Glucosamine is a naturally
occurring amino sugar found in glycosoaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides),
integral components of the proteoglycans found in joint cartilage. Proteoglycans
are large carbohydrate rich structures that provide resiliency, load
distribution, shock-absorbing, compressive and lubricating properties to joints
and connective tissues. Dietary glucosamine serves as an immediate precursor for
glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and also stimulates incorporation of other
precursors into the connective tissue matrix.
The availability of
glucosamine is an integral part of the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and
proteoglycans that are necessary during the constant remodeling that aging
cartilage undergoes. Thus, the maintenance of healthy aging cartilage may be
improved with enhanced deposition of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.
Bioavailability of oral glucosamine sulfate is excellent. It is absorbed intact,
and utilized very quickly by all tissues, including connective tissues.
Glucosamine sulfate is more efficiently used for connective tissue metabolism
than other glucosamine sources, such as cartilage extracts or chondroitin
sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is a well recognized, highly effective source of
glucosamine for glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in all connective
tissues, such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, skin, and bone.
Bromelain, a protease from
the pineapple plant, can reduce the production of proinflammatory prostaglandins
by modulating the arachidonate cascade. Other herbs in Arth-Support Formula such
as licorice, feverfew, devil’s claw, and turmeric, also provide support for
normal inflammatory processes.
INDICATIONS
Arth-Support
Formula™ may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to
maintain healthy functioning of their joints.
Trace Elements
(Sea Vegetation).......... 100. mcg
†Krebs=Citrate, Fumarate, Malate, Glutarate and Succinate Complex
SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 4
tablets daily with meals or as directed by physician.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects
have been reported
STORAGE
Store in a cool,
dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
References
Giordano N, Nardi P,
Senesi M, Palumbo F, Battisti E, Gonnelli S, Franci B, Campagna MS, Gennari C.
[The efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of gonarthritis].
Clin Ter 1996;147:99-105.
Gottlieb MS.
Conservative management of spinal osteoarthritis with glucosamine sulfate and
chiropractic treatment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997;20:400-14.
Kelly GS. The role of
glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates in the treatment of degenerative
joint disease. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:27-39.
Leffler CT, Philippi
AF, Leffler SG, Mosure JC, Kim PD. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese
ascorbate for degenerative joint disease of the knee or low back: a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Mil Med 1999;164:85-91.
Lotz-Winter H. On the
pharmacology of bromelain: an update with special regard to animal studies on
dose-dependent effects. Planta Med 1990;56:249-53.
McCarty MF. Enhanced
synovial production of hyaluronic acid may explain rapid clinical response to
high-dose glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Med Hypotheses 1998;50:507-10.
Qiu GX, Gao SN,
Giacovelli G, Rovati L, Setnikar I. Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate
versus ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arzneimittelforschung
1998;48:469-74.
Setnikar I, Cereda R,
Pacini MA, Revel L. Antireactive properties of glucosamine sulfate.
Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:157-61.
Shankland WE, 2nd. The
effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on osteoarthritis of the TMJ: a
preliminary report of 50 patients. Cranio 1998;16:230-5.
Taussig SJ, Batkin S.
Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical
application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.
These statements have not been evaluated
by the Food and Drug Administration.
This
product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.