Optimal functioning of the skeletal joints (knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, hips, shoulders, neck and back) dramatically affects our mobility and dexterity-especially as we age. This, in turn, dictates not only the level of athletic activity a person can enjoy, but can even affect the performance of such routine daily functions as turning a door knob or removing a lid from a container.

   Articular cartilage plays an important role in optimal joint function by providing a smooth, low friction surface between articulating bone ends while transmitting load forces to the underlying bone.

   Cartilage consists of cells called chondrocytes which synthesize and deposit around themselves a matrix of giant molecules. This extra-cellular matrix of immense molecules made by chondrocytes gives cartilage its properties of resilience and tensile strength.  The matrix consists of collagen and proteoglycans.  Collagen, a tough ropy protein that physically connects the tissues, provides the tensile strength of cartilage.  Proteoglycans consist mainly of hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).  The water-structuring properties of the proteoglycans provide the compressive resilience of cartilage. 

In response to increased mechanical forces the constant and ongoing synthesiaing process often generates extremely large demands for building blocks of collagen and proteoglycans with production requirements doubling or tripling over normal amounts. If the raw materials (nutrients) for these building blocks are not available in the amounts required, the synthesizing process is impaired and the cartilage loses its ability to replenish itself. Cosamin provides the raw materials that are essential for the synthesis of synovial fluid and the complete cartilage matrix including collagen, hyluronic acid and the various modified sugar chains of the glycosaminoglycans. Unlike steroids and NSAID's which can damage chondrocytes, Cosamin in not a drug; it is a true nutraceutical with outstanding safety.

 What Can I Expect Using Cosamin DS?

Since Cosamin provides nutrients, changes may occur more slowly than would be expected with drug compounds. We recommend an initial administration period of four to six weeks. You should notice changes in three to four weeks, but it may take five to six weeks before noticeable changes are observed. After the initial administration period, dosing can be lowered to a maintenance level which will vary between individuals. Decrease daily dosage in increments of 1 capsule every two weeks until you reach the number of capsules daily that maintains a desired comfort level. Dosage can be increased at any time depending on your needs. If you do not respond as well when dosage is decreased, return to previous dosage level. Also activity level can vary the dosage requirements. Dosage may have to be increased in times of high physical demand.

Are There Any Side Effects With Cosamin DS?

Cosamin offers unparalleled safety. Acute oral toxicity tests have been conducted indicating no oral toxicity. The tests indicate an LD-50 greater than 5gm/kg which is the standard for nontoxic substances. In addition, fungal and microbial test are run on each batch of Cosamin to make sure the product is free of pathogens.

What Is The Difference Between Cosamin DS and Other Oral Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine Products?

Cosamin is a patented combinations of glucosamine, purified chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate. The ingredients are of unparalleled purity and each has its own primary function in connective tissues synthesis.

• Glucosamine HCL - Stimulates the synthesis of synovial fluid and the complete cartilage matrix including collagen and proteoglycans.
• Chondroitin Sulfate - In addition to being the major GAG found in cartilage, provides protection by inhibiting degradative enzymes.
• Manganese - Must be present for the biosynthesis of proteoglycans to occur.
• Ascorbate - A necessary cofactor for proteoglycan synthesis

The synergistic effect of each ingredient performing its primary function concurrently is what makes Cosamin unique and the only true, broad-spectrum cartilage matrix enhancer.

This overall matrix enhancement, along with the protection afforded, will over time allow for lower maintenance dosing, thus making Cosamin more economical to use the longer a person is on the product.

Nutramax Laboratories is setting a new standard for excellence in the research and development of nutraceuticals.

All of our products are based upon sound and reproducible scientific data. The ingredients are of the highest quality and purest forms available and stringently tested to insure batch consistency. In addition, each batch of product is sent to an independent laboratory for fungal/microbial testing to insure that the products are free of pathogens.

Our dedication to providing the finest quality products available anywhere has elevated our production to the highest standards in the industry.

Each Cosamin DS Capsule Contains:

• Glucosamine Chlorydrate 99+% ...............................500mg
•  Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate 95%
• Mixed Glycosaminoglycans 5% ................................400mg
• Manganese (Ascorbate) ................................10mg
• Ascorbate (Manganese Ascorbate) ..............................66mg

Recommendation:

As a dietary supplement take three ( 3 ) capsules daily ( 2 in the morning and 1 in the evening ) for the first 30 to 60 days, or as directed by your health care professional. The dosage can then be adjusted to the number of capsules daily that maintains a desired comfort level.