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 Matrix 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.