While most published research has been done using glucosamine sulfate, the studies using glucosamine HCl have yielded similar results.  In addition, commercially available glucosamine sulfate is glucosamine HCl with 2KCl (potassium sulfate) added to the mixture.  So, in the event that the sulfate moeity has anything to do with the benefit (which it has not in studies up to this point), Procosa also contains potassium and magnesium sulfate.

A study (Setnikar et.al.), referencing the bioavailability of glucosamine, states that after oral administration, glucosamine sulfate is rapidly split into glucosamine and sulfate ions and absorbed. After absorption, the sulfate ions enter the blood stream where a steady level already exists. None of the clinical studies performed with glucosamine sulfate indicate that sulfate contributed to the benefits shown in the study. As a matter of clarification, while this study references glucosamine sulfate, it was actually glucosamine hydrochloride that was radiolabeled and used to prove the bioavailability of glucosamine. We can conclude that since sulfate and hydrochloride are not the key building blocks for the production of joint cartilage, it makes no difference whether glucosamine has a sulfate or hydrochloride carrier, in terms of bioavailability.

There is no evidence to suggest that glucosamine sulfate offers advantages over glucosamine hydrochloride. There is no need for glucosamine hydrochloride to be stabilized with salt. Hydrochloride offers a more concentrated form of glucosamine.  In fact, there is slight more elemental glucosamine in the current 3 tablet formulation than there was in the previous 4 tablet version. Other significant benefits of the current formula are the reduction in the number of tablets (the curcumin complex in the formula is as much as 30 times more bioavailable than the previous one, so the dosage is much lower), and the fact that it is now vegetarian.  That fact alone will now enable vegetarians and people with shellfish allergies the opportunity to use our formula.

References

Houpt JB, McMillan R, Paget-Dellio D, Russel A, Gahunia HK Effect of treatment of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of pain in osteoarthritic of the knee. J Rheumatology 1998; 25 (supplemement 52): 8.

Noack W, Fischer M, Forster KK, Rovati LC, Setnikar I. Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cart 1994; 2:51-9.

Muller-Fabbender H, Bach GL, Haase W, Rovati LC, Setnikar I. Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cart 1994; 2:61-9.

Setnikar L, Palumbo R, Canali S, Zanolo G. Pharmacokinetics of glucosmine in man. Arzneimittelforschung 1993;43:1109-13.

At present, no USANA products contain chondroitin.

Over a period of 15-20 years, numerous research studies have clearly demonstrated the benefits of glucosamine used alone in the reduction of osteoarthritis pain. There has been significantly less research on chondroitin, although it also seems to provide some benefit.

There is presently no substantial research to indicate that the benefits of glucosamine are enhanced by the addition of chondroitin sulfate. We will consider adding chondroitin only when, and if, published human research studies clearly establish that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is superior to glucosamine alone.

At present, no USANA products contain Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – also know as methyl sulfone or dimethylsulfone (DMSO2) – is an odorless breakdown product of dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO).

Some supplement manufacturers add MSM to their joint health formulas. However, it would be difficult to justify adding this ingredient and price to the Procosa product when research in human clinical trials is still inconclusive.

USANA scientists will continue to monitor the science behind MSM, and any product-related decisions will be based on the best available research.

Many commercial glucosamine supplements are derived from the outer shells of shrimp, crabs, and/or lobster. The glucosamine used in USANA’s Procosa is a vegetarian source derived from Aspergillus niger.

The Meriva Bioavailable Curcumin Complex is an innovative phytosome that delivers water-soluble curcumin wrapped in fat-soluble soy lecithin for improved stability and absorption. Studies have shown it to be up to 30 times more bioavailable than standard curcumin extract.

Poly C is USANA’s proprietary vitamin C blend. It’s a unique combination of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc mineral ascorbates (mineral salts). This mixture has been shown to increase and maintain higher levels of vitamin C in the blood than equal amounts of ascorbic acid alone. *

To learn more, read Pharmacokinetics of Poly C versus Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that must be provided by the diet, because your body can’t make it naturally. As a source of vitamin C, Poly C offers a number of important benefits:

  • Antioxidant activity neutralizes damage caused by free radicals to maintain cellular health*
  • Helps your body use iron*
  • Supports collagen synthesis (a major structural protein in the body) to help maintain healthy skin, gums, cartilage, blood vessels, muscle, and bones*
  • Supports immune function*
  • Supports eye health*

The body absorbs vitamin C more efficiently in moderate dosages (<1,000 mg). And, levels of vitamin C in your blood begin to decline after about five hours (as you can see in the chart above). So, spread your Poly C across two or more supplement doses during the day to optimize absorption and maintain protective levels.*

USANA Nutritionals with Poly C

Poly C is included in a number of USANA supplement formulas, including the CellSentials™, Proflavanol®, and Booster C 600™.

Some USANA markets also offer a stand-alone Poly C supplement, which features the proprietary vitamin C blend plus citrus bioflavonoids, rutin, and quercetin. Together, these antioxidants provide powerful defense against oxidative damage to support overall health and wellness.*

References

http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/linuspaulinginstitute/2015/05/28/questions-about-vitamin-c/

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Color

The color of urine is normally clear to pale yellow to very dark yellow, depending on your hydration, activity level, and diet. The bright yellow to fluorescent green color sometimes seen when taking nutritional supplements is primarily caused by some excess nutrients being excreted (particularly riboflavin and other B vitamins), and it may continue to vary in color based on your hydration and nutritional need.

Frequency

Supplements do not typically have a significant effect on urinary frequency. Although vitamin C and caffeine found in some supplements can be mild diuretics, increases in urination frequency are more likely related to increased water consumption. Many people add 2-3 extra glasses of water throughout the day when taking supplements.

Odor

The consumption of vitamins, minerals, and some plant extracts can change the smell of urine. This is not an indication of anything unhealthy or of concern, changes in urine odor can also occur when people eat beets, asparagus, garlic, onions, fish, etc.

Calcium carbonate contains more calcium (by weight) than calcium citrate. By adding calcium carbonate to USANA formulas, we are able to make the tablets smaller while still maintaining a good amount of elemental calcium.

Olives have been a part of healthy diets for hundreds of years. Eating olives and olive oil are thought to be a key reason people who live in the Mediterranean region enjoy long, healthy lives. And you can get some of the amazing health-boosting benefits of olives in a premium extract developed by USANA.*

Olivol® is an extract that is rich in antioxidant polyphenols (a type of organic chemical found in plants) derived exclusively from olive fruit.* USANA scientists originated a process to recover olive phenols from the by-products of olive oil production in order to formulate this advanced ingredient.*

The polyphenolic antioxidants found in olives (Olea europaea L.) are not present in other common dietary sources. They are structurally distinct from vitamins, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants may be one of the components of the Mediterranean diet associated with health and longevity.*

Hydroxytyrosol is a major antioxidant compound in olive fruit, and it is believed to play a significant role in many of the health benefits attributed to olive oil*:

  • Research has linked the compound to cardiovascular benefits, typically supporting healthy cholesterol levels (already in the normal range) and healthy circulation.*
  • Limited data has suggested the compound may support eye health.*
  • A number of studies show it can help support DNA, mitochondria (your cellular power plants), and other cell structures from oxidative stress, due to its ability to neutralize highly reactive free radicals.*
  • Emerging research on the ability of dietary nutrients to influence cell signaling has found that olive-fruit compounds can stimulate select molecular pathways. This includes those associated with the production of naturally powerful antioxidants like glutathione. Targeting cell-signaling pathways with hydroxytyrosol has shown promise for protecting brain, cardiovascular, skin health, and more.*

USANA® Products with Olivol

Put the power of the olive to work for your health. Visit the links below to learn more about USANA products that contain Olivol.

USANA CellSentials™ with the InCelligence Complex

CellSentials Booster, available only in USANA HealthPak or MyHealthPak

Body Rox

Hepasil DTX™

Rev3 Energy® Drink

Select Celavive® Skincare products with the Olivol® Botanical Blend

Vázquez-Velasco M, et al. 2011. Effects of hydroxytyrosol-enriched sunflower oil consumption on CVD risk factors. Br J Nutr. 105(10):1448-52.

Deiana M, et al. 1999. Inhibition of peroxynitrite dependent DNA base modification and tyrosine nitration by the extra virgin olive oil-derived antioxidant hydroxytyrosol. Free Radic Biol Med 26(5-6): 762-9.

Fabiani R, et al. 2008. Oxidative DNA damage is prevented by extracts of olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, and other olive phenolic compounds in human blood mononuclear cells and HL60 cells. J Nutr 138(8): 1411-6.

Manna C, et al. 1999. Olive oil hydroxytyrosol protects human erythrocytes against oxidative damages. J Nutr Biochem 10(3):159-65.

St-Laurent-Thibault C, Arseneault M, Longpre F, Ramassamy C. 2011. Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, two main components of olive oil, protect N2a cells against amyloid-β-induced toxicity. Involvement of the NF-κB signaling. Curr Alz Res 8(5): 543-551(9).

Omar SH, Scott CJ, Hamlin AS, Obied HK. 2018. Biophenols: Enzymes (β-secretase, Cholinesterases, histone deacetylase and tyrosinase) inhibitors from olive (Olea europaea L.). Fitoterapia 128: 118-129.

Hao J, et al. 2010. Hydroxytyrosol promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial function in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Nutr Biochem 21(7): 634-44.

Peyrol J, Riva C, Amiot MJ. 2017. Hydroxytyrosol in the Prevention of the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders. Nutrients. 9(3): 306.

de Las Hazas MCL, Rubio L, Macia A, Motilva MJ. 2018. Hydroxytyrosol: Emerging trends in potential therapeutic applications. Curr Pharm Des [Internet] [accessed 10 July 2018] Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29788874

Calabriso N, et al. 2018. Hydroxytyrosol Ameliorates Endothelial Function under Inflammatory Conditions by Preventing Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Oxid Med Cell Longev [Internet] [accessed 10 July 2018] Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29849923

Ghanbari R, et al. 2012. Valuable Nutrients and Functional Bioactives in Different Parts of Olive (Olea europaea L.)—A Review. Int J Mol Sci 13(3): 3291-3340.

Vilaplana-Pérez C, Auñon D, Garcia-Flores LA, Gil-Izquierdo A. 2014. Hydroxytyrosol and Potential Uses in Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancer, and AIDS. Front Nutr 1:18.

Zhu L, et al. 2010. Hydroxytyrosol protects against oxidative damage by simultaneous activation of mitochondrial biogenesis and phase II detoxifying enzyme systems in retinal pigment epithelial cells. J Nutr Biochem 21(11): 1089-98.

Zou X, et al. 2012. Stimulation of GSH synthesis to prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by hydroxytyrosol in human retinal pigment epithelial cells: activation of Nrf2 and JNK-p62/SQSTM1 pathways. J Nutr Biochem 23(8): 994-1006.

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Chelated, basically means “firmly attached,” usually to an amino acid or other organic component so that the two do not disassociate in the digestive system. Chelation is implemented because sometimes it is able to enhance mineral absorption. However absorption is not always improved by chelation, so other factors must also be taken into account when formulating products. We also look at which forms are better tolerated, more compatible, and more bioavailable.