Given the popularity of Glucosamine to maintain healthy joint structures, one has to look at both the other ingredients found in Glucosamine products and the potential for side effects.
Glucosamine sulfate and Glucosamine hcl are both used for joint care and these molecular structures are quite small. However, it is normal to see Chrondroitin Sulfate added to Glucosamine formulas as well. So, what kind of side effects might you see from using these ingredients?
First of all, liquid Glucosamine formulas like Syn-flex® have been clinically proven to provide better absorption and bioavailability to your body than Glucosamine pills or capsules. That is a big plus for two reasons. First, there is a very large inverse relationship as to how much (Glucosamine) actually is received by your body. In the case of pills or capsules, the studies demonstrate that only about 15-20% effectiveness is achieved. On the other hand, a liquid formula such as Syn-flex® provides you with between 80-85%.
This also is an issue when discussing side effects of Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin. Although generally safe and free of side effects, some minor ones may occur. The chance of that happening is much lower with the use of a liquid formula such as Syn-flex®. The reason is clear.
Some gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported such as cramping, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset stomach. That is greatly reduced when using Syn-flex® because of the absorption and bioavailability issues. Unlike Glucosamine molecules which are smaller, Chondroitin Sulfate molecules are larger and therefore more difficult for your body to digest. There is some thought that this is a big factor in the gastrointestinal symptoms that occasionally appear. For that reason, Syn-flex® allows for faster and easier absorption which may reduce the potential gastrointestinal side effects.
