Glucosamine and Chondroitin: The Need for Change
Collectively, our healthcare sector is the 13th largest producer of CO2 in the world. With 'greenwashing' commonplace, it is important that we extend our vision far beyond measures such as 'glass packaging' to truly address any CO2-related issues. This extends to the need for effective plant-based alternatives to conventional animal-based supplements, especially given that interest in veganism is at an all-time high. In fact, it is expected that in the coming years, many more will adopt a vegan diet, with motives relating to animal welfare, personal well-being and environmental protection contributing to the popularity of this choice. Here, we will explore some exciting ingredient innovations within the industry.
Glucosamine: A Shellfish Source
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring chemical that is a major building block of joints and cartilage. Currently, most glucosamine supplements are manufactured by processing chitin from the shells of shellfish, including shrimp, lobsters and crayfish. Unfortunately, this sourcing has several drawbacks – given that the process requires large volumes of water, chemicals and of course, shellfish. In addition, the process generates waste by-products including large volumes of solid waste, water waste plus a staggering 71 tCO2 per ton of glucosamine produced. Coupled with religious and vegan dietary restrictions, plus shellfish allergies, Lamberts embarked on a mission for change, sourcing an alternative, yet equally efficacious, raw material.
Introducing GlucosaGreen®
On a mission for change, the Lamberts team discovered a raw material known as GlucosaGreen: a sustainably produced alternative to traditional glucosamine. Bioequivalent to shellfish-derived glucosamine and produced by a direct-fermentation process, GlucosaGreen’s starting material is glucose, derived from non-GMO corn. Using a patented micro-organism as a processing aid, the technology efficiently transforms glucose into glucosamine; virtually eliminating the environmental impact inherent to chitin-derived shellfish production.
Bioequivalence
When assessing the suitability of a food supplement, it is fundamental to address the efficacy of the form provided, considering both its potency and bioavailability. This was also at the centre of our search for an alternatively sourced raw material for glucosamine. GlucosaGreen has been verified by laboratory testing to demonstrate bioequivalence to all forms of shellfish glucosamine, and has achieved official certification from Novel Food, establishing it as a suitable equivalent.
The Statistics
When compared to the manufacture of glucosamine from shellfish, the above process results in a reduction in solid waste by 98%, water use by 99.6% and the total carbon emission per ton of glucosamine to 14.5 tCO2.
“The manufacturing of GlucosaGreen requires minimal input and produces fewer waste byproducts than traditional shellfish processing.”
Introducing Phytodroitin™
Chondroitin supplements are frequently recommended alongside glucosamine, and it is common for this nutrient to be supplied alongside glucosamine within specialist formulas. Unfortunately, chondroitin sulphate supplements generally comprise shark cartilage – a process that’s both carbon-intensive and drives shark species into extinction, coupled with an end-product that is unsuitable for vegan consumption. Lamberts has always insisted on using a bovine source; however, more recently, we are proud to have found a superior alternative. Manufactured from a blend of seaweed extracts, Phytodroitin is a plant-based alternative to chondroitin, formulated with purpose-grown botanical ingredients to ensure quality, purity, and sustainability. Prior to formulation, researchers studied the mucopolysaccharide structure of chondroitin, in addition to the significance of its composition, including the role of glucuronic acid. In doing so, they were able to create Phytodroitin, containing a combination of specific mucopolysaccharide-rich algae extracts, mimicking the nutritional composition of chondroitin.
Conclusion
Lamberts has always strived to ensure that we offer the best products to our customers, and we will continue to do this, while looking at innovative new ingredients to support health and well-being. Overall, our team are excited about recent innovations that will enable a better quality of care for clients, and we are certain that Glucosagreen and Phytodroitin will be central to this going forward.