More than 50 million men and women in the United States suffer from debilitating joint conditions that severly affect quality of life. Until recently, prescription drugs were the primary solution for most joint conditions. Today, glucosamine and chondroitin have emerged as both safe and effective solutions to restoring joint health by rebuilding cartilage and providing greater mobility.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar precursor to components of cartilage called glycosaminoglycans, acting to stimulate collagen production. Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage, and inhibits production of enzymes that can degrade cartilage. Both have the capicity to protect against loss of cartilage in joints by helping to restore normal joint function.
Over 70 clinical studies of glucosamine and chondroitin have been conducted in humans and animals since the late 1960s. Both substances have been shown to be safe and effective, and both are naturally found in the body in limited amounts.
Most studies have focused on glucosamine. A recent report published in The Lancet compared radiographic evidence (X-ray) in 212 patients given either glucosamine or placebo over a three-year period. Results of the study showed that patients supplementing with glucosamine were able to maintain a greater amount of articular cartilage than subjects taking placebo.
The National Institutes of Health is now conducting controlled studies with glucosamine, chondroitin, and a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. Virtually all studies, including the NIH project, have utilized three daily doses, since glucosamine remains in the blood for a short time. The ENDUR-FLEX™ extended release formulation prolongs the availability of glucosamine and chondroitin.
ENDUR-FLEX™ uses glucosamine hydrochloride rather than glucosamine sulfate. The hydrochloride form provides 81.3 percent bioactive glucosamine compared with 47.8 percent bioactive glucosamine from the sulfate form. Therefore, ENDUR-FLEX™ actually provides more bioactive glucosamine in two tablets than most other products supply in three tablets. Since glucosamine is the component with the most clinically proven efficacy, ENDUR-FLEX™ provides a greater glucosamine/chondroitin ratio than competitive products.
The claims made for this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
