FAQs
Q: What is glucosamine?
A: Glucosamine, derived from glucose and glutamine, is an amino-sugar that is naturally produced in humans. It is the key building block in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans, which are the foundation of many of the body's tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, collagen, basement membranes and synovial fluid in the joints.
Q: What is the source of Maco¡¯s glucosamine?
A: Glucosamine is produced by removing the proteins and minerals from the shellfish exoskeletons and extracted from chitin, a hard, cellulose-like compound that is the main component in external shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab.
Q: What is the source of Maco's chondroitin
A: Chondriotin is derived from bovine tissue from cattle. As with all of our raw materials, chondroitin has been screened for the presence of any undesirable microbes.
Q: I am allergic to shellfish. Can I take glucosamine sulfate?
A: No allergic responses have been reported in people with a shellfish allergy. Glucosamine, although derived from shellfish, has been purified to contain undetectable proteins. Therefore glucosamine should not cause a hypersensitive response. However, highly sensitive individuals should check with their health care practitioners before taking any glucosamine products.
Q: How effective is the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin?
A: Research showed that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin may produce a synergistic effect in supporting healthy joint function. This stimulating effect is greater than that when glucosamine or chondroitin is taken alone.
Q: Does glucosamine have any side effects?
A: Glucosamine induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle in animal studies. Glucosamine may lower cellular ATP levels and affect insulin action in fat cells. An animal study showed that interstitial glucose and insulin levels are not reduced by glucosamine administration. To date, no evidence has been found to support that glucosamine has an effect on blood sugar regulation in humans.
Q: Where does MSM come from?
A: All commercially available MSM is manufactured by reacting dimethyl sulfoxide with hydrogen peroxide. The raw materials used to synthesize MSM have many sources, including plants or other organically-based material. The source of these raw materials has no relationship to the end product of MSM. There is no commercially viable way to "extract" MSM in quantity from any organic or plant source. A synthesis process produces MSM that is chemically identical to that which occurs in nature.
Q: Does MSM have any side effects?
A: MSM toxicity studies indicate that these large doses do not present safety issues, however in rare instances, people taking large doses of MSM have reported mild gastrointestinal discomfort, an occasional headache, and more frequent stools, but no serious side effects have been reported with its use. If thee side effects occur, it is recommended to decrease the dose. Taking MSM in two or three doses throughout the day with food also help reduce possible side effects.
Q: Does the body produce MSM naturally?
A: Yes. MSM does occur naturally in the body in small amounts. It is probably synthesized by gut bacteria, and appears to have a function in the liver¡¯s processing of external toxic substances.
Q: Can I take Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM if I have kidney stones?
A: Yes. In fact recent new evidence suggests that glucosamine may help prevent kidney stones.
Q: What's celery seed made of?
A: Celery seeds contain several substances including volatile oils, flavonoids (plant pigments with antioxidant effects that may protect cells from damage), coumarins (chemical compounds that help thin the blood), and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid).
Q: Can I take celery seed if I am pregnant?
A: No. Celery seed supplement should not be used during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.
Q: How does celery seed work for gout?
A: Gout is caused by having higher-than-normal levels of uric acid in the body. If too much uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints, uric acid crystals form. These crystals cause the joint to swell up and become inflamed and damaged. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism. Foods high in purines such as organ meats, prawns, lobster, oysters, salami, pate, sardines and anchovies could result in the body's elevated production of uric acid. Celery seed helps get rid of uric acid from the kidneys through urination while also alkalizing the blood. Celery seed is a diuretic, so you need to have the proper intake of water.