Unfortunately, if this research turns out to be true that the body is fighting its own natural components of joints: glycosaminoglycans, then people are taking the wrong supplements for joints. Supplements taken to improve joints generally include stimulants of glycosaminoglycan production. If too many glycosaminoglycans cause arthritis, then taking these supplements causes rheumatoid arthritis.

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine has several important functions in the joints. It stimulates the production of two very important components of the joint—proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. These special proteins serve to bind water in the cartilage matrix, providing a cushion between the various bones of the joint. Glucosamine also regulates cartilage metabolism, helping to keep cartilage build-up and break-down in balance.

Chondroitin Sulfate

"Chondroitin sulfate as well as shark cartilage, bovine cartilage extracts, and sea cucumber contain a mixture of intact or partially hydrolyzed GAGs (glycosaminoglycans)... Chondroitin sulfate is composed of repeating units of derivatives of glucosamine sulfate with attached sugar molecules."5

The combination of these two supplements has been developed into drug form:

http://www.cdc-cdh.edu/hospital/cardio/art23.html

However, these supplements may help osteoarthritis while exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis.



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