Even for the supplement chondroitin, often given in combination with glucosamine, the absorption by the intestines into the blood and eventually into the joints and joint capsules is less than 10 percent. That's very little! Isn't there a better solution for this?

Why glucosamine?

Bones are surrounded by mucous membranes and synovial fluid. When dogs suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, there is often a reduced production of joint fluid, thinner cartilage, and sometimes weaker bones. This can cause the dog's skeleton to be less able to absorb impacts from activities like running or jumping. Glucosamine is an important component of all collagen-rich tissues, including cartilage, connective tissue, bones, and joint fluid. More glucosamine means more joint fluid, better quality cartilage, higher bone density, and stronger tendons and ligaments.

Producing glucosamine on its own

As mentioned above, glucosamine is essentially a natural substance in the body. Mammals can produce glucosamine (and chondroitin) themselves. Glucosamine is the main building block for cartilage, joint fluid, tendons, and ligaments. A supplement with glucosamine contains exactly the molecules that the body needs. This sounds great, but if the supplement barely reaches the right place, it won't be effective. Another solution is to stimulate the body to produce more glucosamine on its own. This can be done with the help of the mineral silicon. Silicon acts as a catalyst for the production of glucosamine. Scientific research has shown that hydrolyzed silicon is a well-absorbed form of silicon that actually stimulates the production of glucosamine. It goes from the outside to the inside. First, there is an increased production of joint fluid. Tendons become stronger and collagen production in connective tissue rises. Then, silicon stimulates cartilage and joint capsules, the hinge points. Finally, silicon also works on the bones. This entire process, from outside to inside, takes a few months. Therefore, silicon must be given for a long time to fully assess its effects.

Proven effects

Because of the differences in mechanisms of action and absorbability, there is also a difference in effectiveness between supplements containing glucosamine/chondroitin and silicon. Studies on the effect of supplements based on glucosamine and chondroitin show varying and mostly limited results. Studies on the effectiveness of silicon are quite positive. Long-term use particularly results in noticeable reduction of stiffness and joint problems. This is because bones and cartilage are better built up, and also due to the anti-inflammatory effect of silicon in the skeleton. This is especially important for conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies on silicon supplements in growing animals show improved bone quality. Another study concluded that adding bio-available silicon improves the performance and load capacity of racehorses and can prevent injuries. In humans, it has been shown that increasing silicon in foods can prevent women from developing osteoporosis. An added benefit of silicon is that it is good for nails and coat.

Conclusion

To combat and prevent joint problems in dogs, it is better to give them silicon rather than a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. This is because glucosamine is poorly absorbed. Hydrolyzed silicon is well absorbed and stimulates the body's natural production of glucosamine and chondroitin where these substances are needed: in the joints.

Sources

Paul M. Newberne & Robert B. Wilson. Renal Damage Associated with Silicon Compounds in Dogs. 1970. https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.65.4.872

Cefali, E.A., Nolan, J.C., McConnell, W.R. et al. Pharmacokinetic Study of Zeolite A, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Magnesium Silicate, and Aluminum Hydroxide in Dogs. Pharm Res 12, 270–274 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016291228957

Jurkić LM, Cepanec I, Pavelić SK, Pavelić K. Biological and therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and some ortho-silicic acid-releasing compounds: New perspectives for therapy. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013;10(1):2. Published 2013 Jan 8. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-10-2.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546016/

Charles T. Price, Kenneth J. Koval, and Joshua R. Langford. 2013. Silicon: A Review of Its Potential Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. International Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 2013. https://www.scienceopen.com/document_file/35a4be73-4673-4f19-8ebb-3e2723201c0d/PubMedCentral/35a4be73-4673-4f19-8ebb-3e2723201c0d.pdf

Mark JS Miller, Komal Mehta, Sameer Kunte, Vidyanand Raut, Jayesh Gala, Ramesh Dhumale, Anil Shukla, Hemant Tupalli, Himanshu Parikh, Paul Bobrowski, and Jayesh Chaudhary. Early relief of osteoarthritis symptoms with a natural mineral supplement and a herbomineral combination: A randomized controlled trial. 2005. Journal of Inflammation V2, 2005. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1276811/

Reffitt DM, Ogston N, Jugdaohsingh R, Cheung HF, Evans BA, Thompson RP, Powell JJ, Hampson GN. Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Bone. 2003 Feb; 32 (2): 127-35. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12633784