GLOSSARY
Arthritis - The name which means "inflammation of the joint"
is a misnomer since the joint is not inflamed in all types of arthritis.
Arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by periods of flares and
remissions. Joint destruction, loss of range of motion, deformities,
chronic pain, and fatigue are among the changes that occur when a person
is affected by arthritis. Over 170 types of arthritis exist.
Glucosamine is a substance synthesized in the body, and is a
component of proteoglycan, which is a major structural component of
cartilage. Glucosamine Sulfate is an artificially synthesized
salt of glucosamine. Chondroitin sulfate is composed of repeating units
of glucosamine with attached sugar molecules. Combinations of glucosamine
and chondroitin have been tried in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting
more than 40 million Americans. It is characterized by joint degeneration,
loss of cartilage, alterations of subchondrial bone and damage to the
extra-cellular matrix. There is a 35 per cent incidence of weakness
in the knees as early as age 30. Its incidence increases dramatically
with age, affecting 80 per cent of all persons over the age of 50.
Rheumatoid Arthritis involves inflammation in the lining of
the joints and/or other internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis typically
affects many different joints. It can be chronic, which means it lasts
a long time, and can be a disease of flares (active) and remissions
(little to no activity). Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease
that affects the entire body and is one of the most common forms of
arthritis. It is characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining
the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling.
The inflamed joint lining, the synovium, can invade and damage bone
and cartilage. Inflammatory cells release enzymes that may digest bone
and cartilage. The involved joint can lose its shape
and alignment, resulting in pain and loss of movement.
Collagen - a fibrous protein occurring in bone, cartilage and
connective tissue. It is a major structural protein, forming molecular
cables that strengthen the tendons and vast, resilient sheets that support
the skin and internal organs. There is no organ or tissue which does
not have collagen. Collagen acts as the important support structure
in tissues around which cells live and function. Bones and teeth are
made by adding mineral crystals to collagen.
Collagen Triple Helix - collagen is composed of three chains
and each chain is over 1400 amino acids long, wound together in a tight
triple helix. A repeated sequence of three amino acids forms this sturdy
structure.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is a modified form of the protein that has
been broken down into smaller pieces by enzymes – which makes the
protein easier to incorporate into dietary products and may ease the
digestion and absorption of the amino acids by the intestine.
Bio-Active Collagen Complex is enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen.
It is a natural protein that provides structural support and is found
in skin, muscle, tendon and bone. In the skin, collagen provides texture,
resilience, and shape. In joints, it protects and stimulates anabolic
restoration of joint cartilage and synovial fluid (see clinical report).
It is the most abundant protein in your body, and is necessary for the
proper functioning of joints, the production of lean muscle tissue,
and smooth, supple skin, and the growth of hair and nails.
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