glucosamine- nutrients vs. pharmacueticals

["Beth Glace" <lb@nismat.org>]

Hi, 
I have to disagree here.  The mechanism behind glucosamines's 
beneficial effect is so different from that of cocaine, that it is not a 
valid comparison.  We might argue that cocaine could enhance 
performance, but glucosamine does not.  It provides substrate which 
is used to repair cartilage.  It is not a pain killer, or antiinflammatory. 
We do lots of work with our horses which stress cartilage.    Providing 
nutrients to help it repair or maintain itself is, I think, a legitimate 
application of biochemistry, much as providing additional calories, 
vitamins, or electrolytes is.  A recent publication in The Lancet 
demonstrated quite conclusively that use of glucosamine prevented 
worsening of arthritic changes, i.e. joint space narrowing, over a span 
of a few years.  This is a highly reputed, peer-reviewed journal and 
the study was well done using several hundred people.  Quite 
promising.  
Just another opinion,
Beth Glace, MS
Sports Nutritionist
Lenox Hill Hospital
NY, NY

And the local peoples in the Peruvian mountains chew coca leaves "but they
just need a little help to be able to work more comfortably".

Bob Morris
  -----Original Message-----
  From: Carolyn Burgess [mailto:carolyn_burgess@hotmail.com]
  Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2001 7:38 PM
  To: bgloverhrsewmn@hotmail.com; Ridecamp List
  Subject: RC: Re: re; Glucosamine discussion


  When talking about these types of supplements, and saying should we be
competing these horses if they need these kinds of supplements, how many
of us start our day of riding by taking 2 Advil?  Now, why don't we apply
these same standards to ourselves, and not compete because we are not
physically in the condition to perform?  Because these medications are
available to make us have fun even though our bodies aren't quite up to
it.  And the same applies to our animals.  If they are up for it, and want
to do it, what is wrong with making them more comfortable so they can
perform like they want to.  And many of us have animals who want to work,
but they just need a little help to be able to work more comfortably.