Recommended dose:

Adults: Take 4 caplets daily: 2 with morning meal and 2 with evening meal, or as directed by a health care practitioner. Avoid taking at bedtime.

Recommended use or purpose:

• Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Helps in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums.
• Helps the body to metabolize fats and proteins
• Helps in connective tissue formation
• Helps in wound healing
• An antioxidant for the maintenance of good health.

Cautions and warnings:

• Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen
• Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or are taking prescription medications.
• Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal bloating, constipation or indigestion.
• If seal around cap is broken or missing, do not use.

JOINT MEND is a combination of glucosamine sulfate, MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane), silica and vitamin C. Both glucosamine sulfate and MSM have been well documented for their benefits in treating osteoarthritis. Recent research however, has demonstrated that their beneficial effects are increased when both are taken simultaneously ⁽¹⁾ JOINT MEND combines the recommended daily effective dose of 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate and 1500 mg of MSM along with 48 mg of organic silica (from bamboo) and 300 mg of vitamin C in four tablets to provide the most effective nutritional supplement for joint health and osteoarthritis currently available.

Note: Vitex uses the correct measurement to show the amount of pure Glucosamine Sulfate in the formula. Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride has a molecular weight of 605.52, whereas pure Glucosamine Sulfate has a molecular weight of 456.42. In other words, Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride contains only 75.38% of pure Glucosamine Sulfate. The majority of companies marketing Glucosamine Sulfate label the amount of Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride as Glucosamine Sulfate. This is misleading to the consumer, as they are getting 25% less Glucosamine Sulfate than they think they are getting and are paying for.

Each Joint Mend tablet contains 375 mg of pure Glucosamine Sulfate from 500 mg of Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride derived from fermented non-GMO corn starch.

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE

Glucosamine is an amino-polysaccharide (a combination of the amino acid, glutamine and glucose). Glucosamine is a substance found naturally in the body. It is concentrated in joint cartilage where it is incorporated in longer chains known as glycosaminoglycans and finally into very large structures known as proteoglycans. The proteoglycans function to attract water into the joint space for lubrication of the cartilage during movement and is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. It is believed to reverse osteoarthritis, protect joints and tendons from injury and decrease inflammation in joints, tendons, cartilage and soft tissue. Some people get almost complete restoration. Others may experience relief from pain, better mobility than before and the prevention of further deterioration.

MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)

MSN is a naturally occurring sulphur compound found in all living plant and animal tissues. Sulphur is important in the formation of collagen and glucosamine. It helps nutrients and fluids to flow through cells and removes toxins from the cells by increasing permeability, this leads to a reduction in pain and inflammation and maintenance of healthy bones, joint, ligaments and tendons. MSM gives up its sulphur to the essential amino acids methionine, cysteine and other serum proteins, eventually finding its way into the collagen of skin, joints and blood vessels. It is also incorporated into the keratin of hair and nails.
While both glucosamine sulfate and MSM have received the majority of the scientific and media attention for their proven effect in managing the pain of arthritis, the equally important role of silica is often overlooked. Silica stimulates chondroblasts to deposit chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid into the cartilage matrix. This function of silica has important implications in managing arthritis pain. Silica improves the function of glucosamine sulfate, which is the precursor of both chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. It must be emphasized that dietary supplementation of chondroitin sulfate and particularly hyaluronic acid will provide little if any benefit in dealing with arthritis pain or joint health. Chondroitin sulfate is a large amino sugar molecule, and will be broken down into simple glucose by the digestive enzymes in the stomach. Hyaluronic acid is an even larger and more complex molecule and will share the same fate in the digestive tract. Glucosamine sulfate is a small amino sugar molecule and will be absorbed intact from the intestine where enzymes will transform it into larger amino sugars such as hyaluronic acid. The ideal approach is to provide the body with the nutritional tools to make this transformation occur in a natural and effective way.

SILICON (Si)

Silicon is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen. It is a sister element of carbon. Silicon's role as an essential nutrient was not established until 1972, but silicon is now known to play an essential part in the integrity of the skin, ligaments, tendons and bone.
The work of Dr. Carlile showed that Si was present in decreased amounts in animals with bone and cartilage malformations. It appears that the two fibrous proteins necessary for healthy connective tissue, i.e. collagen and elastin and also the glycosaminoglycans are dependent on a specific enzyme; prolyl hydroxylase, for connective tissue synthesis.

Not only is this enzyme lower in silicon deficient tissues, but it increases when silicon is added. When Dr. Schwartz found silicon present in GAGs, he hypothesized that it has a cross-linking role to stabilize the network. Collagen synthesis and GAG formation are therefore both adversely affected by a Si deficiency. Dr. Calomme suggests that making sure silicon is available in conjunction with glucosamine and chondroitin could be useful in the treatment of connective tissue disorders.
Silicon is thought to improve the cardiovascular system, as it is essential to the structural integrity, elasticity and permeability of the arteries. Silica may be useful in reducing blood fats & cholesterol. Atherosclerosis can occur as a result of silicon deficiency whereas silicon is abundant (up to 14 times more) in the arteries of people who are free of heart disease.
Silicon improves the condition of the hair, nails, teeth, gums and skin and has been used to alleviate eczema and psoriasis.
Silica plays an essential role in mineral absorption and may help in re-calcifying decalcified bones & decalcify soft tissue deposits of calcium. Silicon enhances the function of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and boron, and is essential for normal bone development which may help prevent osteoporosis. Silicon helps to maintain the correct calcium-magnesium balance.
Silicon may be useful in strengthening the musculoskeletal system, preventing injuries and helping bones to heal in athletes & others.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is involved in virtually every biochemical and biological reaction in the body. It is required for the synthesis of connective tissues such as chondroitin sulphate and collagen. It stimulates lymphocytes, heightening their ability to resist and overcome disease. It is necessary for wound healing, and it aids in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C is required to convert cholesterol to bile acids and it helps regulate blood fats. It helps with calcium absorption and it enhances the absorption of dietary iron by up to 400%. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which protects the B vitamins and vitamin E from oxidation. Vitamin C enhances immune function, protecting all tissues in the body including the brain and spinal cord from damage by free radicals and toxins. Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps protect against the stress of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

BIOFLAVONOIDS

Bioflavonoids, often called vitamin P (P for permeability), were first discovered and named by Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, the discoverer of vitamin C. Bioflavonoids are water-soluble flavone derivatives which include Hesperidin, Quercitin, Naringin and Rutin. Bioflavonoids are found along with vitamin C in foods such as citrus fruits, green peppers and buckwheat.
Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption and utilization of vitamin C. The bioavailability of vitamin C is enhanced when adequate bioflavonoids are present, and in turn, the bioavailability of bioflavonoids is enhanced when adequate vitamin C is present. They assist vitamin C in keeping collagen, the "intercellular cement" in a healthy condition. As a potent antioxidant, bioflavonoids keep vitamin C and adrenalin from being oxidized by copper-containing enzymes. They reduce the risk of heart disease by their ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They improve capillary permeability and reduce red blood cell aggregation. They have anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory activity and reduce swelling and body fluid concentration at sites of inflammation, and they dilate small arteries, improving circulation. They stimulate bile production, influence endocrine glands and have anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial properties. Bioflavonoids reduce platelet adhesiveness and the incidence of heart disease and stroke.

Note: Vitex uses a potent form of citrus bioflavonoid complex containing 50% hesperidin.
Together, vitamin C and bioflavonoids have proven helpful in treating capillary injuries and they help minimize contact sport bruising. They also have proven helpful in the treatment of bleeding gums, eczema and haemorrhaging.

⁽¹⁾ The combination of Glucosamine and MSM has been clinically proven to be of greater benefit than either one alone ("Combination therapy showed better efficacy in reducing pain and swelling and in improving the functional ability of joints than the individual agents," report the researchers in the June, 2004 issue of Clinical Drug Investigations (vol. 24, no. 6, pp 353-363).

NOTE: For maximum benefit, take the SOURCE Optimum, SONA based vitamin/mineral/enzyme formula and VEGAN Omega 3-6-9 to provide the body with optimum levels of other essential nutrients necessary to help maintain long term good health.

Packaging: Packed in light & oxygen resistant recyclable PETE (Bisphenol A free) bottles.
Excipients: Croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide.
Gluten Free: Contains no animal substance; artificial preservatives, colours, flavours, sweeteners, dairy, salt, yeast or wheat
Aqueous Coating: Microcrystalline cellulose, carrageenan. Ingredient details can be read here.

Why people with knee osteoarthritis experience different kinds of pain - Altered nervous system mechanisms may account for differences in pain, The effect of glucosamine supplementation on people experiencing regular knee pain - Br J Sports Med. 2003;37:45–9. discussion 9.