Question:
I would like to know what the concentration of heavy metals is in your Omega-3.
Answer:
We test the Omega-3 at least once a year since 2006 by an independent laboratory for the presence of heavy metals and other contaminants. The concentration levels are so low that even the most sophisticated testing equipment can almost never detect the presence of heavy metals. The result is then below the detection limitation of the equipment. Occasionally, when something is detected, it is so low that it’s far under the permitted threshold.
Theoretically it’s possible to consume thousands of our Omega-3 capsules a day(!) without exceeding the permitted limits. In comparison, eating fish a few times per month may exceed the heavy metal limits.
Question:
I would like to know where your Omega-3 comes from?
Answer:
The fish that is used for the fish oil/omega-3 is caught off the coast of Chile. They are mainly anchovies, and sardines to a lesser extent.
The oil is processed in the Netherlands, by a company called Stepan Lipid Nutrition. It’s is a very prominent company, known for the extra purification processes which the oil undergoes. As a result, the fish oil (with the brand name Marinoil), is free of contamination. Even the most sophisticated laboratory equipment is not able to find traces of pollution, such as heavy metals etc. With a natural process the oil is also brought to a higher concentration level. And the oil is deodorized, so less of a fishy smell and taste than with a standard fish oil.
The oil is also encapsulated and packaged in Western Europe. The capsules themselves are made of fish gelatin (instead of porcine or bovine gelatin).
Question:
I have a horse that I no longer ride on. He is 23 years old and suffers from osteoarthritis. Arthro-5 was suggested to me. Which dosage should I give?
Answer:
Our products are also very suitable for the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses. We have dozens of customers who are treating their horse or pony and achieve good results from it (although occasionally the result remains below expectations, so there is no 100% guarantee unfortunately).
But due to their weight, the usual dosage for horses are quite high, up to six times as high as that for humans. That would mean a daily dosage of 18 capsules of Arthro-5, which makes a jar only last for 10 days. That’s not really practical and can become pretty expensive (about €3 a day).
For that reason we prefer glucosamine, possibly supplemented with chondroitin. The results are usually very satisfactory and the dosage is a lot more practical: 6 capsules of glucosamine per day, (with 3 to 6 capsules of chondroitin per day if necessary). The capsules may be given simultaneously. They can be mixed through the food as a whole, or directly given orally. Opening the capsules and mixing it through the food is also an option.
Question:
I’ve ordered glucosamine from you for our dog, is it a good idea to give it to pups as well?
If not, at what age can they have it. Is it at all wise to give glucosamine to a pup?
Answer:
Quite a few people give glucosamine to their pups. This is mainly done in puppies of breeds that cope with a lot of hip and elbow dysplasia. Whether or not it’s harmful to start that early with glucosamine is not yet known. Due to the lack of this information we don’t recommend to give glucosamine to children for instance. That’s also the reason why we can’t give the go-ahead for pups. It remains a guessing game. Glucosamine is often seen as 100% safe because it is ‘only’ a supplement. That is incorrect however, side effects are definitely possible.
In adult dogs with joint problems we see that glucosamine works very well. I guess there is not much time lost in the fight against cartilage wear when you give a dog glucosamine at reproductive age.
Question:
My dog is 7 and a half years old and suffers from osteoarthritis. What do you recommend I should do?
Glucosamine or chondroitin? Or both? Now I use Gluco Dog Forte. I have to get 6 of them for 30 days for €25, I think that’s too many tablets in one day.
Answer:
If you’re dreading the cost (and the amount of capsules) then our glucosamine solution is definitely an alternative. The dosage we would recommend is neatly listed below:
– Up to 15 kg: 1 capsule of 750 mg glucosamine sulfate every other day
– 15-30 kg: 1 capsule of 750 mg glucosamine sulfate each day
– 30-40 kg: 1 to 2 capsules of 750 mg glucosamine sulfate each day
– 40 kg and over: 2 capsules of 750 mg glucosamine sulfate each day
If you give the maximum amount of Glucodog than your dog probably weighs more than 40 kg and you’d need to give him 2 glucosamine capsules per day. A pack of 180 capsules for €19.90 will last for 3 months (€ 6.65 per month). For even better results you can supplement with chondroitin if desired. You can give one capsule per day. In that case a pack of 180 capsules for €29.90 will last 6 months (€5 per month).
All capsules may be given at the same time, it is not necessary to spread it over the day. It makes no difference when it comes to the effect. However, it is important that the dog takes the capsules with food. It can be mixed with the food as a whole, the dog will likely eat the soft capsules right away. If this is not the case, it is possible to open the capsules and sprinkle the loose powder over the food.
Question:
Does glucosamine also work for women who are 81 years old and it said that they suffer from gout?
Answer:
Glucosamine and our other supplements are not effective against gout unfortunately.
But those who suffer from it could learn from the following guidelines:
– Avoid foods that are rich in so-called ‘purines’. In this way, the level of uric acid in the body remains low and gout will occur less quickly. Purines are in foods such as shrimp, beans, legumes, organ meats, some fish, some meat products, and soy products.
– Do not drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day.
– The symptoms of gout can be combated by eating 250 grams of cherries daily, or drink a quart of cherry juice. This may also prevent new attacks.
– During an attack it is important to put as less pressure on the painful joint as possible. This reduces inflammation.
Question:
I found out that there is no vitamin B12 present in Natural Multi. As a vegetarian I don’t eat meat, but I assume I need B12.
Answer:
People who have a deficiency of vitamin B12 are almost always people who eat little or no meat. By adding vitamin B12 to Natural Multi we wouldn’t be able to help them however. Natural Multi only contains natural vitamins. Unfortunately vitamin B12 can’t be extracted from plants, this vitamin would have to come from animals (the only non-animal alternative is a synthetic vitamin). So depending on the motivation to eat vegetarian a Natural Multi with B12 would not be an option for a vegetarian, hence the lack thereof.
The (fish) gelatin capsule may incidentally also be an obstacle for vegetarians.
We continue to look for a natural animal B12 extract that could be used in Natural Multi. But as of yet we haven’t been able to find it.
Moreover, vitamin B12 can be found in reasonable amount in dairy products and in eggs. In a pint of milk and an egg you have about the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12.
Question:
Should people who are allergic or intolerant to shellfish use your product?
Answer:
I assume you are referring to glucosamine or Arthro-5 (which contains glucosamine).
Glucosamine is extracted from the shells of shellfish. People who are allergic to shellfish are allergic to the crustacean meat (the protein) and not the shell itself. The meat is not used to make glucosamine. Yet it is not entirely ruled out that some proteins still remain behind, so an allergic reaction can therefore not be ruled out entirely. People with severe allergies are advised not to use glucosamine for that reason as a precaution. If you have a mild allergy it is usually not a problem.
Question:
Why don’t you have a glucosamine and chondroitin product all in 1?
Answer:
We deliberately offer both products separately because there are quite a few customers that only want to use glucosamine, and also some that only opt for chondroitin (glucosamine can’t be used by people who are allergic to shellfish, have glaucoma or people who use blood thinners such as warfarin or coumarin).
By the way, a combination product does not automatically mean fewer capsules. We recommend 2 glucosamine capsules per day and for chondroitin also 2 capsules per day. In a combination product that would be 4 capsules per day.
Is it better to take 2 glucosamine capsules or 1 of each glucosamine and chondroitin?
Question:
I’ve been using 2 glucosamine tablets a day for years. I’m also considering to use chondroitin, but I don’t want to take more than 2 capsules a day. What is the effect if I take 1 capsule of each formula? Is there an alternative?
Answer:
Unfortunately there is no concrete evidence because the effect differs per person (depending on the metabolism, the affected joints, the nature of the symptoms). It may very well be that 1 glucosamine capsule and 1 chondroitin capsule has the same effect as 2 glucosamine capsules for you, but there’s also a possibility that the symptoms will increase. The only way to find out if the effect remains the same is to try it out for yourself.
There are other alternatives, such as our product Arthro-5, but that involves taking more capsules, so that likely not an option for you.
