For customers concerned about potassium levels for reasons relating to dialysis, please consult a physician before taking MonaVie products. The potassium level in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active is approximately 62–66 mg/oz. MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active contain no potassium additives, grapefruit, or cantaloupe.

To create a blend of water-based fruits and essential fatty acids that tasted palatable, MonaVie considered a number of emulsifiers. The safest, by far, was polysorbate. Polysorbate has been thoroughly researched by the FDA and has been found to be nontoxic and safe at the amounts used in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (the “food police” for the USDA) awarded polysorbate their highest safety rating.

MonaVie is a delicious and energizing blend of the Brazilian a?ai berry—one of nature’s top super-foods—and other nutrient dense fruits. Developed with the philosophy Balance-Variety-Moderation, MonaVie delivers the phytonutrients and antioxidants you need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Essential fatty acids have been shown to be useful in countering many ailments such as arthritis and heart disease, and for increased immune response. Celadrin is a unique proprietary blend of these fatty acids that is added to the product Acai Juice to create Active Acai Juice that significantly aids in joint function and pain reduction.

Glucosamine is important for healthy joints. It is one of the components of the tissue that covers the surfaces of the bones in your joints (i.e., knee, elbow, hip), called articular cartilage. Cells that are found in this cartilage are able to make glucosamine on their own when the joint is healthy and undamaged, but changes in the joints appear to inhibit the ability of these cells to produce enough glucosamine.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is a natural compound found in the body that is used to help make and form cartilage. Glucosamine has also been shown to help lubricate, cushion, protect, and rebuild joints.

Past studies show that some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) taking either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate reported pain relief at a level similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Some research indicates that the supplements might also slow cartilage damage in people with OA.

Glucosamine, is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage (grout between the cartilage cells). It absorbs and releases water with each step, thereby acting as a shock absorber for the joints. With more glucosamine there, is more joint protection. Glucosamine is a natural sugar produced by your body. It is the essential and principal ingredient that determines the quantity of proteoglycans (water-holding) molecules that are formed in the body.

Chondroiton has been shown to break down into such small subunits when absorbed through the G.I. tract following oral administration that it is not effective. Chondroiton is the expensive component of many oral supplements, while glucosamine is the effective component.

There are three types of glucosamine: glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl), N-acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine sulfate. Both glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulfate are rapidly converted into “free” glucosamine in the stomach. So, from a medicinal standpoint, they are equally effective. However, glucosamine HCl is 79 percent glucosamine, while glucosamine sulfate is only between 47 and 52 percent glucosamine.

Glucosamine and MSM are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM supports healthy connective tissues, such as tendons and muscles. Both glucosamine and MSM are sold as dietary or nutritional supplements. Glucosamine is extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells. MSM is a natural occurring Sulfer component found in the body.