But, there are some physical conditions and other predisposing
factors that accelerate this process including the following: obesity,
poor nutrition, genetics, traumatic injury, and overuse. In fact,
some people even develop some degree of joint pain and degeneration
by their teenage years.
So, what are the answers to this complex problem? There are many
medications available today that address only the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Most of them are known as NSAID's or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory
Drugs. These are more commonly known by the names of Ibuprofen,
Naproxen, and Aspirin. There are also some other even more potent
medications available, but a physician must prescribe them. Although
frequently effective at alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis,
the NSAID's all have significant ill-health-related consequences
with long-term use. In addition, they don't address the underlying
problem, that being the worn cartilage and damage to the joint itself.
In fact, some studies show that these medications accelerate the
progression of osteoarthritis.
As a result of the limitations related to the currently available
medications for osteoarthritis, there has been significant research
done to identify other means of addressing this condition, and better
yet of preventing the premature deterioration of the joint cartilage
itself. As this research has progressed, there have been some rather
remarkable discoveries. Researchers have identified some of the
key building blocks in our joints and cartilage and have found naturally
occurring sources of them in our environment. By studying the effects
of incorporating these components into our diets, scientists have
found some wonderful results with regard to the improvement of joint
health, and even the slowing of joint degeneration. They have concluded
that by orally ingesting some of these compounds that are important
factors in the regeneration and maintenance of healthy joints, we
can delay the process and even improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
That is remarkable.
So, what are these compounds that have been found to be so helpful
in maintaining healthy joints? There are four that we will address
here: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane), and
Celadrin® (a proprietary combination of cetylated fatty acids).
These four ingredients have all been found in clinical trials, individually,
to improve joint function and health. They have become a mainstay
and a very important ally to those who suffer from joint pain and
immobility. What's more, they have been found to slow down the process
of joint deterioration, and are fast becoming a mainstay for all
adults who want to maintain healthy joints and active lifestyles.
Wouldn't it be great if there were a product available that had
all 4 of these ingredients in one formulation? What kind of synergy
would be present if all 4 of these natural joint health wonders
were able to perform together in a single blend?
- Agel Professional Advisory Board

Joint health benefits
in summary:
1. Glucosamine as a major structural component of
Chondroitin, stimulates its production.
2. Chondroitin as a major building block of cartilage helps keep
it soft and flexible, and protects it from enzymatic destruction.
3. MSM strengthens collagen bonds, creating stronger, healthier
cartilage
4. MSM relieves pain and reduces inflammation
5. Celadrin® increases cell membrane integrity helping to reduce
pain and inflammation of damaged joint tissues.
6. Celadrin® helps provide adequate joint lubrication.
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Chondroitin
is extracted from shark or bovine cartilage. It is one of the major
building blocks used in the formation and repair of the cartilage
matrix. Cartilage is the tough, flexible connective tissue that
serves as the cushion for the joints and is also found in other
parts of the body such as the tip of the nose and outer ears. One
of chondroitin's primary functions as one of the key components
in the cartilage matrix is to attract water to the other larger
macromolecules within the matrix, thus keeping it soft and flexible.
As such, it helps provide the cushion necessary to prevent bone-to-bone
contact, especially in the weight bearing joints such as the knees
and hips. In addition, the body uses chondroitin to prevent certain
enzymes from breaking down the existing cartilage, thus providing
a protective effect. The optimum daily dose is 1200 mg (contained
in Agel FLX).
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Glucosamine
is produced from crab, lobster and shrimp shells. It is classified
as an amino sugar. Unlike other forms of sugar found in the body,
this form is incorporated into the structure of body tissues, rather
than being used for energy. In fact, the body uses glucosamine to
build your fingernails and toenails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones,
ligaments and even your heart valves. But, in particular, it is
found in high concentrations in your joint tissues and more specifically
the cartilage matrix. Glucosamine is one of the components used
in the production of Chondroitin, and in fact, it stimulates the
body to produce more of this important building block for joint
cartilage. As we age, our bodies decrease the natural production
of Glucosamine therefore supplementation of this important joint
structural component is important. The optimal daily dose is 1500
mg (contained in Agel FLX). In multiple clinical trials, Glucosamine
and Chondroitin have been found to work synergistically to help
reduce joint degeneration and may in fact help to stimulate the
regeneration of damaged cartilage.
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MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane)
is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in many plant
and animal tissues. Sulfur is an essential component of healthy
hair, skin, nails, tendons, and joints. It has also been found to
help detoxify the body on a cellular level, in addition to relieving
pain and inflammation. MSM provides the essential sulfur that is
necessary to build strong collagen and therefore strong and healthy
cartilage by strengthening the sulfur bonds between the collagen
strands. Although MSM is found in many of the foods that we eat,
processing and cooking easily destroy it. As a result, MSM is probably
not present in significant quantities in the majority of foods that
we eat. Most people would probably benefit from supplementation
of this crucial element for optimal health.
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Celadrin®
is a patented blend of cetylated fatty acids (CFA's) that have been
stabilized through a proprietary process of esterifying oils. This
blend has been formulated to optimize the natural ability of CFA's
to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in human tissues. In addition,
the CFA's in Celadrin® have the effect of increased joint lubrication.
The prime role of Celadrin® appears to be its ability to enhance
cell membrane health and integrity. As a result it halts the production
of inflammatory compounds known as prostaglandins. It also reduces
the production of the negative immune factors like IL-6 that also
play a central role in inflammation.
The body is made up of an enormous number of cells separated into
various types and functions. The cell membrane is the organized
structure that separates and protects components in the cell from
neighboring cells and the outside world. Some of the major components
of the cell membrane are structural lipids, which regulate nutrients
and other compounds across the cell membrane. This regulation is
very critical to the adequate function and health of the individual
cell.
Celadrin® enhances the cell membrane and its integrity for efficient
functionality. The result is a more efficient, fluid, permeable
and a youthful cell membrane. Loss of cell membrane integrity from
internal and external stressors begins a number of rapid aging processes
'including uncontrolled or imbalanced inflammation. Inflammation
can occur with age, dietary conditions, free radicals, stress or
other insults which stimulate or stiffen cell membranes. This could
lead to one or more forms of joint inflammation. Celadrin® not
only halts the cascade of inflammation but rapidly begins restoring
flexibility and eliminating pain. Celadrin® accomplishes these
features by enhancing the lipid structure of the cell membrane and
converting it to a super membrane enabling the cells to rapidly
repair and regenerate. This unique enhancement of the cell membrane
leads to the multitude of restorative, healing attributes of Celadrin®
- including arthritis and inflammatory conditions.
In simple terms, Celadrin® improves the lubrication of joints
and prevents the manufacture of compounds that produce pain and
inflammation.
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Can Celadrin® be used with glucosamine
sulfate and other natural approaches for osteoarthritis?
Absolutely, Celadrin's® unique mechanisms of action
complement any natural or drug therapy for osteoarthritis safely
and without side effect.
How does Celadrin® compare to CMO (cetylmyristoleate)?
CMO is simply one of the components of the unique
matrix of Celadrin®. Researchers discovered the mixture was
more effective than the isolated CMO. Hence, Celadrin® can be
simply regarded as an enhanced form of CMO.
Is there any difference between the various
oral forms of Celadrin®?
The product has previously been available in tablets,
soft gelatin, and hard gelatin apsules. Since Celadrin® is a
fatty acid complex, softgel capsules may provide advantages in absorption,
just as with other lipid-loving molecues (e.g. CoQ10). As well,
the published clinical trials utilized Celadrin® in a softgel
form.
Is Celadrin® safe?
The safety profile is exceptional with no reported
side effects or drug interactions. Celadrin® definitely does
not have any of the side effects associated with anti-inflammatory
drugs such as Steroids, NSAIDS (e.g. aspirin), and COX 2 inhibitors
(e.g. Vioxx, Celebrex).
Can Celadrin® be used on a long-term basis?
Absolutely, Celadrin® is completely safe for indefinite
use without side effect. Are there any interactions with prescription
drugs? There is no indication or known mechanism where Celadrin®
would cause an adverse interaction with any medication.
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There are some precautions in taking these ingredients. Chondroitin
is chemically similar the blood thinner called heparin. Therefore,
it should be used with caution in those who are taking other blood
thinners such as aspirin, coumadin, or others. It is important to
consult with your physician if you are on other medications, prior
to taking this supplement. In addition, there have not been sufficient
studies to determine the effect of these ingredients on pregnancy,
and are therefore not recommended for pregnant women. If you are
allergic to shellfish, you should avoid glucosamine supplements.
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