We have talked about the bio-availability (absorption) of liquid supplements as opposed to pill or capsule form(s). For those who suffer from arthritis, this discussion centers on the use of liquid glucosamine.

As we have said, liquid supplements are generally absorbed by one's body at a much better rate than are pill or capsule forms. At least one study shows that a liquid glucosamine mixture was absorbed by the body at a rate of about 90%.

Body Weight

Your body weight can have an impact on your ability to maximize the benefits of taking a liquid glucosamine supplement. First, if you are significantly overweight, your weight alone can be a substantial factor in causing your joint pain and lack of mobility. That is why you should be sure to combine efforts to reduce your weight to an appropriate level through exercise and controlling your diet with your use of a liquid glucosamine.

Second, the amount of glucosamine in a daily dose of a liquid glucosamine product (like Syn-flex, the product my company sells) should provide the maximum relief so long as your body weight is not substantially over 200 pounds. If your body weight is between 200-300 pounds, you may find it necessary to increase the daily amount of liquid glucosamine by about 25 to 40% in order to maximize the benefits of taking liquid glucosamine.

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®