OK, if you're sure I'm not going to get funny looks from the folks at Holland and Barrett!

I think if I went in with a black eye, it'd be more realistic!

I thought evening primose oil was for PMT as well......most runners take glucosamine sulphate you want to take 1500 mg per day.

__________________
Getting ready for the GNR

What does glucosamine sulphate do?

"Glucosamine is a combination of a protein and a sugar and is substance that occurs naturally in the connective tissues and cartilage joints. Most, if not all, scientific studies with glucosamine refer to the formulation of glucosamine sulphate and when sold as a dietary supplement this is usually combined with Chondroitin Sulphate. Chondroitin is found in and around the cartilage cells and it has been suggested that this supplement may help repair some of the damaged joint.

It has been suggested that glucosamine helps regenerate damaged cartilage as glucosamine is needed to make proteins (proteoglycans), which are the building blocks of cartilage. Along with collagen (a fibrous protein that makes up the connective tissue), these proteins provide the strength and support of the joint. Glucosamine also pulls water into the cartilage (to maintain the 70% water content of cartliage) producing a gel like sac providing cushioning and flexibility in the joint. Therefore, in essence supplementation is thought to magnify the bodies natural level of glucosamine.

The supplements sold are execrated from animal tissue with glucosamine taken from crab, lobster or shrimp shells, although it can also be chemically synthesized. It is typically sold as oral tablets or capsules with the most common commercial compounds being glucosamine sulphate, N-actyl-glucosamine and glucosamine hydrochloride. Chondroitin sulphate is extracted from animal cartilage such as tracheas or shark cartilage."

__________________


The Virtual Runner
Where is he now?

Well, I was thinking I would buy some, then I saw where it comes from :eek: If it's just protein, how do the benefits differ from milk-derived casein eg a protein drink?

Hi, I had the same problem. New to running and as I ran longer my knee started to get so bad I couldnt walk back from a run without limping all the way home. I have been to two specialist sport shops. The first was a waste of time, told me I wasnt an overpronator and got me to buy a £80 pair of shoes which made my problem worse. The second shop was brilliant! I was in there for an hour, told me I was an overpronator. They didnt even try and get me to buy any shoes, just gave advice. I did buy the trainers in the end. What I also did and do everyday if I get time is stretch stretch stretch. Stretching hamstrings and the exercises for stretching iliotibial band have almost cured my problem. One thing a physio told me, but you might know anyway, is not to do any weight lifting on gym machines that involves lifting or pushing weights cos it just grinds your knee. I'm no expert just a slow beginner.

All I know is: if I stop taking the combined CLO and EPO capsules my knees will inevitably let me know about it in less than a week. My partner takes them too. In spite of all the racing and mileage we put in, neither of us have knee problems though we've 136 years between us!
Cheers!

__________________
Give me the hills!

Running Fox you and your partner are very special people and make a very positive contribution to the running community. You can't really argue with 136 yrs of experience.

__________________
Getting ready for the GNR

Yup, thanks Running Fox

A protein drink is completely different. It's not the same thing at all. As it says above, glucosamine is a comination of a protein and a sugar. There are different types of protein.

Re-read the above post and do some research online regarding the topic. You'll see.

All the best.

__________________


The Virtual Runner
Where is he now?

Can I just mention that it is possible to get vegetarian glucosamine/chondroitin

As I understand it, we take protein in, break it down, then rebuild it in the form of whatever protein we actually need. Sugar just provides energy; the different types of molecules wouldn't have much impact on cartilage growth, I "think". So in theory milk protein would be about as beneficial as glucosamine, but various people have said that the shark cartilage stew works better

I'll do some research online