As we have said, pill or capsule forms of glucosamine are generally absorbed into the bloodstream at a rate of about 15-20%. Conversely, a liquid glucosamine absorbs into your body at a rate of about 80-85%. Assuming that supplement formula contains other arthritis-fighting ingredients, the same is true of them.

The Lifestyle Factor

There are other important factors at play when talking about bio-availability and all are important considerations. If you are a smoker or heavy user of alcohol, your absorption rate can be lessened. If you take prescription drugs this can also reduce the amount of a supplement that your body is going to absorb. As well, stress can be a factor.

Are you losing bio-availability?

If you are in one of those categories, it is almost a certainty that you are losing at least some of the bio-availability of the glucosamine you are taking. That is also a factor in my constantly recommending the use of liquid glucosamine as opposed to pill or capsule forms if you suffer from arthritis.

Digestibility and Arthritis

With all of those (other) factors at play, it is especially important to use a liquid when you suffer from arthritis. I think the "proof is in the pudding." Most of you who have used the alternative pill or capsule forms of glucosamine have found that they are just not as effective. In short, a liquid is a better "delivery system."

The Enzyme Factor Helps

Whether you are in that group that is affected by lifestyle and/or (other) factors, the use of an enzyme will increase bio-availability. For that reason, I recommend using a liquid glucosamine that contains bromelain. I also recommend that Vitamins C and E should be part of that formula for their anti-oxidant qualities. Of course, the presence of bromelain will enhance the delivery of both into your system.

The Omega Factors

Omega 3 and 6 provide anti-inflammatory qualities to a liquid glucosamine. Of course, it is important to anyone who suffers from arthritis to reduce inflammation and correspondingly, pain. For that reason, I think it is essential to have both present in liquid form.

Other Sources of the Omega 3's

It is interesting to note that some who suffer from arthritis will supplement their diets with other sources of Omega 3. Usually, by eating foods rich in them.

Herring and salmon are rich in Omega 3's. Unfortunately, if they are either pickled or smoked, they lose as much as 30-35% of the Omega(s). It is just a factor that has to be considered if you are supplementing with these foods. Frankly, I prefer and recommend that the source of Omega 3 should be directly in the supplement itself.

Should you increase your dosage?

If you are in the group of those who are losing bio-availability as a result of either lifestyle choices, stress or the use of prescription medications does not necessarily mean that you should increase your doses of liquid glucosamine. Most who suffer from arthritis will gain enough delivery into their body by using liquid form (as opposed to pills or capsules) that it should not make a significant difference.

J.R. Rogers is the founder and President of Activex America, Inc. makers of Liquid Glucosamine Formula Syn-flex®