Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements do help a number of people get relief from arthritis and joint pain. While this does not cure arthritis, it does allow people to engage in activities they might not otherwise get to participate in. It provides considerable relief when taken regularly. This is not a good brand if you have are are being treated for high blood pressure!

The Osteo Bi-Flex brand was recommended to me by a physician

The doctor who uses this does so religiously. In fact, he had all but given up racquetball but tried this brand recommended to him by a colleague. He was so stoked about this stuff, he has a picture of it on his iphone. And again he's playing racquetball regularly. There is science to back up the effects of this supplement and orthopedic surgeons often recommend it or endorse its use.

Basically, healthy cartilage needs water and glucosamine is a major building block of this water. Some claim it repairs cartilage but that is often refuted by others. It is proven to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

When will you feel positive effects?

Keep in mind that for most people to realize the maximum positive affects from glucosamine/chondroitin, you need to take it 3 times per day. Most recommend with meals. The recommended dose is 1500 mgs. And you should expect to relief in 7 days. Most people I spoke with got relief before that.

Ideally, brands should have a combination of HCI and Sulfate. Most people noticed a big difference between brands suggesting that this proprietary brand is more effective. So the quality of the supplement is paramount. The caplets are coated for easy swallowing. And they are.

Joints and price

It works for all joints and is particularly helpful to old, stubborn joints that are trying to tie you to the couch and force you to eat bon bons and get fat. It works for elbows, knees, shoulder, ankles, hips. It is a pricey supplement but they do run sales on it.

Take note when comparing price. Many of the cheaper ones have fewer milligrams. So while they might look cheaper and have the same number of pills, what's in them might not be equal. Many of the cheap brands are often passed through the body unused. You want quality ingredients. Liquid is often recommended as working quickly and not passing through the body. However, this pill brand comes with great reviews from those I interviewed.

Contraindications

Discuss taking supplements with your doctor, particularly if you are pregnant.

• Glucosamine supplements normally contain one of two types of glucosamine: glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride. Bi-flex has Glucosamine sulfate which is not recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure
• It has a warning for those who eat shellfish since it has shellfish ingredients.
• One person mentioned to me that it raises her blood pressure. This is the only person who has told me this but bear that in mind if you take it and experience this side effect.
• See ingredients in the visual on the right.