Douglas Labs Glucosamine Plus 120 CapsDESCRIPTION Glucosamine Plus, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contains a synergistic combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is a well-absorbed source of glucosamine, an important precursor for the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues. Chondroitin sulfate also supports formation of connective tissues, primarily joint cartilage, and helps protect existing cartilage. The potassium stabilized form of glucosamine sulfate is used, making these sodium-free products. FUNCTIONS Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar found ubiquitously in glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans, formerly named mucopolysaccharides, are an integral component of all connective tissues. Connective tissue, a fibrous type of body tissue, has various functions. It supports and connects internal organs (ligaments), forms bone, cartilage, and the walls of blood vessels, attaches muscles to bones (tendons), and replaces tissues that have been damaged following injury. The two main components of connective tissue are collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen is the strong, fibrous protein that physically connects our tissues. Proteoglycans are large carbohydrate-rich structures, resembling a bottlebrush in three-dimensional structure, i.e., a central protein rod with many strings of glucosaminecontaining glycosaminogly-cans extending outwards. Proteoglycans hold large amounts of water forming a stiff gel by virtue of their dense negative charges from sulfates. Proteoglycans are linked to collagen fibers to help form connective tissues, and proteoglycans provide resiliency, load distribution, shock-absorbing, compressive and lubricating properties to connective tissues and joints. Glucosamine sulfate is a well-documented, highly effective source of glucosamine for glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in all connective tissues. Chondroitin sulfate is an excellent source of n-acetylgalactoaminoglycan for synthesis and protection of proteoglycans associated with cartilage tissues. INDICATIONS Glucosamine Plus capsules may be a useful nutritional adjunct for individuals who wish to support the body’s connective tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, bone, and cartilage. SUGGESTED USE Glucosamine Plus: One to three capsules twice daily or as directed by a physician.