How is InvigoFlex® GS Shellfish Free?

Shellfish-Free Glucosamine? 

Walk into any drugstore or supplement shop and you’ll find an aisle labeled “Joint Health” or “Joint Support.” Wander closer, and you’ll see any number of supplements containing an ingredient called glucosamine.

Glucosamine is a natural amino sugar compound found in the body and, in particular, in our cartilage and tendons. Your body produces this substance to help build, repair, and maintain healthy joints and to promote ease of movement. Over time, however, it can be difficult for the body to keep up with the wear and tear that occurs from just normal day-to-day life, not to mention the increased stress from more active lifestyles or physically demanding work. Additionally, overuse and other factors that promote inflammation can have a direct impact on the health of our joints.

In response to the aging of joints, it’s common for health practitioners to recommend glucosamine supplements, which some studies have shown can provide joint health benefits.

In its supplemental form, glucosamine is typically derived from the shells of shellfish such as fish, shrimp, and crab, as they are naturally high in this compound. However, some people are allergic to shellfish and are nervous about taking a supplement derived from them. As well, those following a vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based lifestyle need a different kind of glucosamine.

To help meet these needs, there are alternative sources of glucosamine. One of them is a synthetic version, carefully created in laboratory settings. Another shellfish-free glucosamine comes from plant sources such as soybeans and corn. Research suggests that these shellfish-free sources are just as effective, while meeting the safety or dietary needs of specific groups of people.

This is how InvigoFlex® GS can boast about its effective, yet shellfish-free, formula. Our glucosamine is sourced from corn, which goes through a natural fermentation process. This makes InvigoFlex® GS appropriate for everyone who would benefit from a premium quality glucosamine supplement, even if they have specific dietary, allergy, or food-sensitivity concerns.

References

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Glucosamine. (n.d.) WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-807/glucosamine-sulfate

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis. (2014). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-for-osteoarthritis

Westphalen, D. (2020). Glucosamine: Should I Try It? Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265748

Wheate, N. & Harnett, J. (2020). I’m Taking Glucosamine for my Arthritis. So What’s Behind the New Advice to Stop? The Conversation. Retrieved from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-02-advice-glucosamine-arthritis.html

Shmerling, R. H. (2019). The Latest on Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplements. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-on-glucosaminechondroitin-supplements-2016101710391

More, D. (2020). Glucosamine and Shellfish Allergy. Very Well Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/glucosamine-and-shellfish-allergy-83060

Harkins, D. (n.d.) What is Vegetarian Glucosamine? WiseGeek. Retrieved from https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-vegetarian-glucosamine.htm