Alleviate Joint Symptoms With Viartril-S: Precautions for 3 Specific Groups

Over time our joints experience much wear and tear, glucosamine, the primary ingredient of Viartril-S can help to ease joint pain.
Alleviate Joint Symptoms With Viartril-S: Precautions for 3 Specific Groups
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Jingduan Yang
5/9/2024
Updated:
5/9/2024
0:00
What is Viartril-S and why the recent interest? Viartril-S claims to have significant effects on osteoarthritis. In this article, we discuss the ingredients of Viartril-S and its potential impact on bone and joint health.

Ingredients and Function of Viartril-S

The primary component of Viartril-S is glucosamine. Glucosamine exists in different forms, including pure glucosamine, glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate, and N-acetylglucosamine. The main component of Viartril-S is glucosamine sulfate.

The structure of human joints is highly intricate. Each joint is surrounded by muscles, and within the joint are ligaments that connect bones. Inside the bones is cartilage. The cartilage encloses joint cavities, which contain synovial fluid.

As joints undergo wear and tear over time, they can damage the cartilage, leading to a gradual loss of the lubricating synovial fluid. This can result in joint stiffness, pain, and even chronic inflammation.

Glucosamine can stimulate the production of proteoglycans in joint cartilage, prevent cartilage breakdown, and enhance the joint’s self-repair capabilities, thereby alleviating joint pain and promoting the production of synovial fluid.

However, as we age, the body’s ability to produce glucosamine tends to decrease, resulting in joint wear and pain. Menopausal women, people who are physically active, overweight, and over 55 years old often experience a deficiency in glucosamine.

So, is oral supplementation of glucosamine, such as Viartril-S, effective? There is currently much debate on this topic.

Health Benefits of Viartril-S

According to the official website, Viartril-S is known for its significant benefits in joint health, including a five-fold reduction in joint-space narrowing, a three-fold increase in absorption, and pain relief alongside cartilage repair.
Additionally, it helps delay degradation and restores joint flexibility, ultimately reducing the need for total knee replacements. These effects make Viartril-S a valuable treatment option for those suffering from joint-related issues.

Considerations Before Using Viartril-S

Should we consider taking glucosamine supplements? There are two key points to keep in mind:
  1. No medication or health supplement, including glucosamine, can prevent degenerative changes in the joints, as this is a normal part of the aging process. However, it can slow down their progression and alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
  2. Glucosamine is effective for various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint injuries. It promotes joint repair and regeneration, making it beneficial for athletes, middle-aged and elderly individuals, and menopausal women.
How much glucosamine should be taken daily to achieve these effects?
A large-scale Belgian study published in The Lancet in 2001 demonstrated that taking 1500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate daily not only helps alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis but also aids in repairing cartilage tissue, delaying the narrowing of the knee joint space.

The official document from the UK Department of Health and Social Care states that taking glucosamine for up to three years is safe. However, regulations vary in different countries. In the United States, it is considered a dietary supplement, while in Spain and Ireland, a prescription from a doctor is required.

Research has shown that glucosamine can reduce the narrowing of joint spaces and relieve pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
One study pointed out that symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis have made waves as they can relieve the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis with excellent tolerance and safety profiles. Glucosamine, a natural substance and one of the most common monosaccharides in the human body, is one such drug. It has been used as a medication to treat osteoarthritis for more than 50 years. Most European scientific societies (but not those in the United States) recommend the use of glucosamine for knee joint issues.  According to the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulfate can be taken long-term.

Usage Precautions for Viartril-S

While Viartril-S is beneficial for various types of arthritis, the following groups of people should use it with caution:
  1. Diabetes patients: Glucosamine may increase blood sugar levels.
  2. Individuals with gastrointestinal issues: The absorption and effectiveness of glucosamine may be affected. People with poor gut health may have difficulties absorbing nutrients, regardless of their diet. Therefore, improving gut function is crucial for addressing many health issues. While glucosamine is generally safe for most people, some may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. Additionally, individuals with sensitive stomachs or ulcers should also be cautious.
  3. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications: Glucosamine has an anticoagulant effect that may interact with anticoagulant medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. It is essential to consider this factor and consult a physician if necessary to determine the safe way to supplement with glucosamine.
While there is debate about the efficacy of Viartril-S, theoretically, it is beneficial for health as a dietary supplement. Nonetheless, individuals should consider their own circumstances before deciding whether to take this supplement.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.
Dr. Jingduan Yang, FAPA, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine for chronic mental, behavioral, and physical illnesses. Dr. Yang is also the founder of the Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine and the American Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and the CEO of Northern Medical Center in New York state. He contributed to the books "Integrative Psychiatry," "Medicine Matters," and "Integrative Therapies for Cancer." He also co-authored "Facing East: Ancient Secrets for Beauty+Health for Modern Age" by HarperCollins and "Clinical Acupuncture and Ancient Chinese Medicine" by Oxford Press.
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