Cartilage
| Basics |
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Cartilage is a tough, elastic tissue found in the joints and other parts of the bodies of various animals. Cartilage has a complex chemical makeup, including calcium, protein substances, carbohydrate mucopolysaccharides such as chondroitin, and collagen.
Bovine and shark cartilage have shown to exhibit many of the same beneficial attributes. However, studies using bovine cartilage have been undertaken more frequently and over a longer period than those using shark cartilage.
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| Remedy For |
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Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
It suppresses the development of new blood vessels.
Cancers and tumors.
Psoriasis.
Wound healing.
Immune function.
Diabetic retinopathy.
Macular degeneration.
Ulcerative colitis.
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| Prevention |
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Smaller daily doses of cartilage may help to prevent cancer.
Supplements taken before the onset of symptoms may prevent joint inflammation from occurring.
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| Usage Directions |
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Cartilage has been sold in many forms and is given in many ways. It can be taken orally as a pill, powder, or liquid extract; given as a topical agent, an enema, or an intravenous infusion; or administered as an injection.
Doctors suggest that with conventional shark cartilage, 1 gram per 2.2 pounds of body weight, per day is effective. However, with very advanced cases, doctors have been using up to twice that level, namely, 1 gram per pound of body weight per day.
Anyone who is interested in taking bovine or shark cartilage supplements should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor for advice prior to intake.
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| Sources |
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Cartilage is derived from either sharks or cows. Bovine cartilage is derived primarily from the tracheas (windpipes) of cows, therefore, it is also called bovine tracheal cartilage
It is also available in capsules.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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Side effects are infrequent, though some people do experience mild gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, nausea, dysgeusia (bad taste in the mouth), fever, dizziness, hypercalcemia, scrotal edema (swelling of the scrotum), and discomfort at the injection site.
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| Overdose |
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Acute Overdose: None
Chronic Overdose: The calcium in the huge amount of shark cartilage taken by some people with cancer (greater than 50 grams per day) could lead to toxicity. However, remarkably few instances of actual calcium toxicity have been reported.
What to do:For an acute overdose, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. For symptoms of chronic overdose, contact your doctor.
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| Caution |
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There are no well-known drug interactions with cartilage.
Reports have suggested that people with cardiovascular disease, nursing mothers, children etc., should not use a cartilage supplement. However, this concern is based only on theory, not clinical evidence.
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