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For the development of Arthro-5, exercise physiologist Kris Kuiper reviewed various well-known and lesser-known ingredients. In consultation with scientist colleagues and based on their collective findings, 6 ingredients which complement each other particularly well were finally selected.
The combination of these ingredients and the use of the proper, high dosages make Arthro-5 a unique product and the ultimate dietary supplement for joint cartilage protection worldwide! It offers the highest chance of benefit and is therefore very popular among our customers.
Arthro-5 contains the well-known ingredients glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and vitamin C as well as the lesser-known but no less important ASU and hyaluronic acid. Some of these substances are produced naturally in the human body. They are important building blocks for cartilage, joint capsule, tendons, and other connective tissue. It is possible to replenish these substances by means of supplements. In Arthro-5 they are combined in one product which is hence the most complete and potent supplement for healthy joints.
Read more about the composition below.
1. Glucosamine sulphate
1500 mg per daily dose
Most utilised joint protection substance in the world - and for good reason. Glucosamine helps in maintaining cartilage, joint casings, tendons and other connective tissues. It also contributes to the maintenance of joint fluid, thus supporting joint lubrication. And Arthro-5 contains the proper, high dosage of 1500 mg of glucosamine per day.
2. Chondroitin sulphate
1200 mg per daily dose
Valuable ingredient that reinforces glucosamine. Even more important is the fact that chondroitin protects the cartilage by keeping a few key enzymes in balance. Glucosamine and chondroitin thereby complement each other excellently. Scientific research now shows that taking both supplements at the same time significantly enhances results.
3. ASU
300 mg per daily dose
Specially processed extract of avocado and soy oil. Despite extremely persuasive scientific evidence, ASU is still a relatively unknown supplement in most countries after glucosamine and chondroitin. Among other benefits, it can promote the creation of collagen, which contributes to cartilage strength.
4. MSM
1500 mg per daily dose
Popular with the public for years, but repudiated for many years by the scientific community. In the meantime scientific support for the use of MSM has grown: it has a beneficial influence on joints. Adding it to glucosamine leads to faster and better results.
5. Hyaluronic acid
80 mg per daily dose
A relatively new nutritional supplement. Hyaluronic acid is the most important component of the lubricating fluid in the joints. It also enables our joints to absorb shocks. For this reason, doctors have been giving injections with hyaluronic acid directly into the joints for almost 20 years. It has now also been established that it has a beneficial physiological influence as a nutritional supplement as well. It is important to note that only hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight is useful. A lot of (cheap) hydrolised hyaluronic acid is available. Its molecular weight is much lower, with the result that its effect is counterproductive.
6. Vitamin C
18 mg per daily dosage
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and hence to normal cartilage function.
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Glucosamine.com has been licensed to use the patented combination of chondroitin and ASU (EP2101799).
Ask Kris Kuiper, MSc,
exercise physiologist
The optimal (effective and safe) dosage of the ingredients in Arthro-5 is determined on the basis of thorough research by means of scientific investigations. This cannot be taken for granted, unfortunately. There are many reasons for supplement manufacturers and sellers to use a different dosage to the one endorsed by science. We explain the most important reasons below.
Because ingredients are often expensive, it is attractive for a provider of dietary supplements to save money on the dosage. Halve the dosage and you will practically halve the cost. The profit margin will rise substantially.
In scientific studies on the effect of for instance chondroitin, it has been determined that a daily dosage of 800 mg or 1200 mg is physiologically effective. We use that highest dosage. In many products, however, lower quantities of this expensive ingredient are used: 600 mg, 250 mg, even 50 mg! You can be sure that the ingredient in the last quantity is only used to decorate the label. It looks good, but to the user it is worthless.
Read more below about other causes of low dosages.
Too many capsules
The optimal dosage is often a high dosage (except in the case of vitamins). For that high dosage many capsules are needed, which not all users are happy with. Some producers therefore choose a lower dosage.
MSM is an ingredient which is regularly added to products for joint cartilage in a dosage that is too low. The minimum daily amount required is 1500 mg. For this only, 1.5 capsules are needed, and often 1500 mg of glucosamine and 1200 mg of chondroitin have yet to be added. For just these three ingredients 4-5 capsules must be taken, which is not easy to 'sell' as a daily dosage.
Products with a dosage of 1500 mg of MSM or more are not easy to find. The dosage is usually a couple of hundred mg. Good because there are less capsules to take, not good because the effect will also be less.
At Glucosamine.com we understand the preference for having to take less capsules. We nevertheless consider it more important to provide the proper dosage than a dosage which is easier to take but which is of less use. It is for this reason that we use 1500 mg of MSM in our Arthro-5 product. Together with the other likewise highly dosed ingredients, this means a daily quantity of 6 capsules. Not everyone is happy with that. But isn't the result what counts?
Lack of knowledge
Even if a provider chooses the proper, scientifically endorsed dosage, this is no guarantee that this is the dosage that will end up in the product. Glucosamine sulphate, for instance, is a product which is regularly administered in too low a dosage, usually due to ignorance.
Research has shown that 1500 mg of glucosamine sulphate per day is a physiologically effective dosage. A provider that is not familiar with the product glucosamine sulphate will not know that glucosamine sulphate is stabilized with a salt. If the company does not take this into account, it will provide 1500 mg including that salt. After deducting the salt, there will be 24% less left. This is unfortunately all too common.
Chondroitin is also an ingredient which is unknowingly regularly administered in too low a dosage. The best chondroitin has a purity of 90-95% at the most (100% cannot be achieved in practice). We are one of the few providers that correct for the missing percentage and deliver 1350 mg so that 1200 mg of pure chondroitin can be guaranteed.
Legal restrictions
In some countries legal restrictions are imposed on the dosages of dietary supplements. Italy and Germany are two of those countries. Those enforced lower dosages have nothing to do with safety. Their only objective is to make the supplement less effective.
They came into being under the influence of industrial lobbies of companies that have an interest in people taking less or no dietary supplements. They see effective supplements as competition for their products. With an enforced lower, less effective dosage, that competition is eliminated.
In the Netherlands, where we are based, these restrictions fortunately do not apply.
By choosing Arthro-5 you are choosing quality. We can guarantee it in the following way:
Safe product. These Western producers fulfill GMP and HACCP requirements. This means that they follow strict procedures which ensure food safety and hygiene.
Independently tested. The end product is randomly tested for heavy metals and biological pollutants by the independent laboratory NutriControl. Click on the microscope symbol below for the most recent test results. Read more about the independent laboratory tests here.
Proper, high dosage. Many dietary supplements contain dosages that are too low and ineffective. Arthro-5 contains the proper, high dosages. This is the reason that the daily dosage is 6 capsules (which may be taken simultaneously).
Capsule form. Arthro-5 comes in capsules instead of tablets. Capsules are absorbed more quickly and have less chance of causing gastric hypersensitivity. Another advantage of capsules is that they are easier to swallow than rough capsules with hard edges. Whoever does not want to or cannot take the capsules, can easily open them and use only the powder.
Specialist since 2000. Glucosamine.com is a specialist in dietary supplements for healthy joints. The company was founded in 2000 by exercise physiologist and human movement scientist Kris Kuiper and has developed several unique supplements since then. Plenty of knowledge and experience is available about the effect and the safety of these supplements.
The effect of Arthro-5 can usually be noticed within one to two months, but sometimes it is possible to notice the effect after shorter periods such as a week or longer periods of up to six months. This can vary from one individual to the next.
We recommend trying out Arthro-5 for at least three months (three bottles). After that period the supplement can be evaluated to decide whether it would be useful to continue taking it. Most people come to the conclusion that it is worth taking longer and take Arthro-5 continuously. There is no problem with that. It can be taken safely for years.
Arthro-5 is not our cheapest product. Still, the price that you pay for this supplement is very competitive, given its many highly-dosed high-quality ingredients. A 'normal' price structure would result in a product with comparable ingredients having a retail price of €75 / £75.
If the costs are still cause for objection, Arthro-5 can be alternated with for instance our separate supplements glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate.
180 capsules.
Contents per capsule (per 6 capsules):
The glucosamine is extracted from glucose from corn (not genetically modified). Chondroitin is a cartilage extract that comes from beef. ASU is extracted from soy and avocado (not genetically modified). MSM is a natural sulphur compound. hyaluronic adid is a cartilage extract from poultry.
Allergens: Soy.
Free of gluten, milk and lactose.
The recommended use is 6 capsules of Arthro-5 per day.
The capsules may be taken simultaneously or distributed throughout the day. It is preferable to take the capsules at mealtime(s) or with plenty of water.
Do not surpass the maximum recommended dosage. Dietary supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Do you have difficulty swallowing capsules? You can open the capsule by separating the two halves and just use the powder. You can combine it with water, fruit juice, or yoghurt, for instance.
The ingredient glucosamine in Arthro-5 can have an influence on the action of certain blood thinners (vitamin K antagonists). Do not take this supplement in combination with this type of medication without consulting a doctor. Other blood thinners such as aspirin do not pose a problem.
Do not take during antibiotic treatment.
Do not take if you suffer from glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Do not take during pregnancy or the breastfeeding period.
Diabetics must check their blood sugar level during the first weeks of use.
Read more about the safe use of Arthro-5 below.
Arthro-5 can be taken safely for a long time. It does not have any serious side effects, in contrast to many painkillers. There is no problem even if it is taken for years.
Research into long-term use (2-3 years) of the ingredients in Arthro-5 has not identified any serious side effects. There are no indications that even longer use would not be safe. Many of the ingredients have been available as dietary supplements for decades. During that period, no serious side effects have ever been reported.
Some precautions must be taken in certain conditions and if taking certain medicines. You will find more information below.
Blood thinners
The ingredient glucosamine in Arthro-5 can have an influence on the action of certain blood thinners (vitamin K antagonists). Do not take this supplement in combination with this type of medication without consulting a doctor. Other blood thinners such as aspirin do not pose a problem.
Antibiotics
The ingredient glucosamine can have an influence on the effect of some antibiotics - it can increase or reduce the effect. We recommend not to take Arthro-5 during antibiotic treatment.
Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
In July 2013, the results of a small study on the effect of the ingredient glucosamine on patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure) were published. The test subjects are 6 men and 11 women with an average age of 76 years (62 to 90 years of age). The study identified that the supplement can increase eye pressure in most of these patients. Suspending its use allows the eye pressure to drop again. The average difference in eye pressure measured is 3 mm Hg.
Since this is a small study, its design does not comply with a number of important guidelines for scientific research. The scientists also indicate that the study must be confirmed with a larger, better-designed study. Nevertheless, we assume that the effect is real and therefore give the following advice:
If you have glaucoma we recommend that you do not take Arthro-5. A second possibility is to have the eye pressure measured several times once you have started taking it. Important: this precaution is only for people who already have glaucoma. There are no indications that Arthro-5 can result in increased eye pressure in healthy people.
If you are looking for an alternative, try ASU Forte or Chondroitin. These two supplements do not have an effect on glaucoma. They can be combined for an even better result.
Diabetes type 2 (adult-onset diabetes)
There are indications that blood sugar level can be affected in people with diabetes type 2 (adult-onset diabetes) during use of the ingredient glucosamine. We therefore recommend that diabetes patients regularly check their blood sugar level when they start taking Arthro-5.
Another possibility is to choose an alternative supplement. Neither ASU Forte nor Chondroitin affect people with diabetes type 2. These two supplements can be combined for an even better result.
Potassium-restricted diet
The ingredient glucosamine is stabilized with potassium chloride. A daily dosage (6 capsules) contains 268 mg of potassium. This is slightly more than the quantity of potassium in half a banana or 4 slices of wholegrain bread. An increased intake of potassium can however have adverse effects in people with seriously impaired kidney function. The intake of potassium must also be restricted if taking potassium-sparing medicines.
Gastrointestinal hypersensitivity
The ingredient glucosamine is a substance which is naturally present in the body. No serious side effects have ever been observed. The mild side effects which occur in some people usually reflect gastrointestinal hypersensitivity. Nausea and excess gastric acid are the usual effects in those cases. Constipation or, conversely, diarrhoea, occur less frequently. Nausea and excess gastric acid can in general be prevented by taking Arthro-5 during or soon after meals.
Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Do not take Arthro-5 if you are pregnant, have the intention to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The supplement has a very favourable safety profile but no studies have been carried out which can rule out a possible adverse effect on the (unborn) child.
Use at a young age
Use by children and teenagers (up to 18 years of age) is discouraged. As a guiding principle, the body must be 'fully grown' in order to start taking it. 'Fully grown' refers to both bone development and hormonal development. The reason that we make this recommendation is that no research has been carried out to determine whether it is safe for children and teenagers.
