Damaged or eroded cartilage in the joints is one of the primary causes of joint pain, and an often unwelcome aggravation to sports players. It is a common mis-conception that cartilage cannot be replaced or repaired with proper nutrition. Unlike most other bodily tissue, cartilage is not fed with adequate blood supply to allow the body to repair itself quickly, so the healing process can be a lengthy one. Achieving the right balance of nutrition is important, for example, adequate Vitamin C and D is essential for holding glucosamine in the joint. Equally, the quality of the nutrition is fundamental to proper repair, and taking these nutrients in their food form (foodstate) is important to allow this healing process. I can speak from personal experience in recommending this program to support or replace damaged cartilage, having had a back operation some years ago to remove part of a prolapsed disc in my lower back. It did take several months before I genuinely felt the benefit, but I have returned to a full range of activities (including squash!) that I haven’t enjoyed for many years.
Chondroblasts are cartilage-forming cells that are a specialized type of chondrocyte.
Biological Function of Chondroblasts - Musculoskeletal System
Chondroblasts are responsible for the formation of the matrix of cartilage and are responsible for the endogenous production of glucosamine (a component of cartilage) from glucose (blood sugar) and glutamine.
Carbohydrates
Supplemental glucosamine may "instruct" chondroclasts to cease destroying cartilage and may reactivate chondroblasts to recommence "building" new cartilage.
Minerals
Supplemental Selenium may enhance the differentiation of chondrocytes into chondroblasts.
Silicon may stimulate chondroblasts to deposit certain Proteins and Glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid and Keratin Sulphate) onto Cartilage matrix.
These Substances may Interfere with Chondroblasts - Pharmaceutical Drugs
Aspirin may interfere with the ability of chondroblasts to stimulate the production of new cartilage. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may interfere with the ability of chondroblasts to stimulate the production of new cartilage.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to prevent Osteoporosis (by regulating the Calcium: Phosphorus ratio, by activating Osteoblasts and by enhancing the function of Osteocalcin) and is effective in the treatment of Osteoporosis. It is interesting to note that People with the highest intake of Vitamin D throughout their life have the lowest incidence of Osteoarthritis.
It is the Vitamin D3 form of Vitamin D that is known to activate Osteoblasts and Calcitriol (the active beneficial metabolite of Vitamin D3) that increases the production of Osteocalcin by Osteoblasts to the benefit of bone strengthening.
Vitamin D facilitates the incorporation of Calcium into the Teeth and helps to prevent loss of Teeth. It is noted that there is a decrease in the rate of bone loss in periodontal disease by improving the body’s utilization of Calcium.
Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids
Research has demonstrated that adequate vitamin C is known to help prevent osteoporosis and to accelerate the healing of fractures. This anti-oxidant vitamin is known to help preserve the integrity of the Intervertebral disks of the spinal column of the back. Vitamin C retards the erosion of cartilage that occurs during the course of osteoarthritis and may increase the synthesis of the endogenous materials called glycosaminoglycans that are necessary to repair damaged osteoarthritic Joints.
Depletion of this material called Glycosaminoglycans (which is a special carbohydrate – polysaccharide) from cartilage is one of the primary underlying mechanisms during the progression of osteoarthritis
Vitamin C does help to maintain the health of the teeth and loose teeth can occur as a result of vitamin C deficiency. An adequate intake is known to help prevent Tooth decay. Vitamin C may help to prevent periodontal disease (by protecting the periodontal mucosal barrier against antigens and detrimental bacteria).
Enoceride, rich in marine collagen, is a special formula containing ’food state’ vitamins and minerals, which are effective antioxidants in tablet form. Enoceride also features extracts of a marine origin that contribute to the body’s supply of collagen and elastin. Enoceride provides antioxidants known to help combat harmful free radicals that may cause premature ageing, and to help promote good health.
Multi Vit/Mineral: Contains a broad spectrum of nutrients that are in short supply in the diet. Several minerals are implicated in the protection and formation of cartilage.
Glucosamine
Helps maintain healthy joints, bones, ligaments and tendons and is necessary for the structure of cartilage and other connective tissue. Glucosamine occurs naturally in the joints and muscles where it plays a role in the mobility and smooth working of connective tissues, but reduces with age.
SUPPLEMENTS ADVICE
FIRST MONTH
o SELENIUM 1 PER DAY
o ENOCERIDE 2 PER DAY
o GLUCOSAMINE 2 PER DAY
o VITAMIN C 2 PER DAY
o VITAMIN D 1 PER DAY
o MULTI VIT/MINERAL 1 PER DAY
AFTER 1 MONTH
SAME AS ABOVE BUT 1 X VITAMIN C PER DAY