Dona® FAQs

DONA® contains crystalline glucosamine sulfate, a naturally occurring substance found in cartilage to cushion joints. DONA® helps in maintaining cartilage health so that you can actively participate in daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, etc. DONA® has been proven effective and safe in major clinical trials. It may promote cartilage health, lubricate joints, and support joint mobility and flexibility. DONA® can be taken with water or juice, with or without food and even in the morning or at night.

Glucosamine is a natural sugar made by the body and is responsible for the maintenance and synthesis of cartilage. Cartilage is present between joints and acts as a cushion between the joint bones, to maintain joint comfort and mobility. Glucosamine is found in the synovial fluid and helps keep your joints mobile. Glucosamine serves as a building block for glycosaminoglycans, which are important for cartilage formation.

Glycosaminoglycans are long sugar chains that form the main part of tissues rich in collagen, such as cartilages, bones, connective tissue, and the joint fluid (synovial fluid) – which together form the cartilage matrix. When glycosaminoglycans chains bind to protein, a space is created in the cartilage that, on compression, expands once again. This action is important for smooth joint movement. Proteoglycans, on the other hand, give the collagen tissues much-needed structure and flexibility. The cartilage matrix acts as a shock absorber between two parts of a joint. With joint issues, proteoglycan deficiency (which can occur as a part of aging) reduces the joint cavity spaces and make the joints thinner and less resilient, leading to lowered joint comfort. Since glucosamine plays a vital role in synthesizing the cartilage matrix, research suggests that supplemental glucosamine may help in maintaining joint comfort while supporting functionality. There are two forms of glucosamine, namely glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine supplements are most commonly made from shellfish, like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. These supplements are commonly available in three forms: powder, tablets, and capsules.

Crystalline Glucosamine Sulfate is a specific Glucosamine Sulfate stabilized in the sodium chloride stabilization and is used in the DONA brand. Crystalline Glucosamine Sulfate is used to identify the specific version used within DONA and within its major studies. Glucosamine Sulfate comes in two different stabilizations, sodium chloride (like the crystalline) and potassium chloride. Both have been shown to be helpful for joint health but a majority of the positive studies were done using the sodium chloride stabilization, specifically the branded version crystalline glucosamine sulfate

The crystalline glucosamine sulfate in DONA® may act by preventing the breakdown of muscles and cartilage around joints. It may also influence the body’s response to joint discomfort, thereby decreasing joint tenderness and soreness. Crystalline glucosamine sulfate may also be known to prevent an inflammatory reaction in the joint that can be caused by aging or damage, thereby keeping your cartilage healthy. Healthy cartilage is necessary to keep your joints flexible and free from any discomfort. While the exact mechanism by which crystalline glucosamine works is continuously being explored, it has been proposed to work in one of two ways. Firstly, Crystalline Glucosamine Sulfate provides a base for the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans (including chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid), which are the building blocks of cartilage. Secondly, glucosamine has been thought to stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and collagen.Since crystalline glucosamine sulfate is a component of these molecules, there may be certain advantages to using crystalline glucosamine sulfate in maintaining joint health(1). The two most common forms of glucosamine are glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate. Of the two, glucosamine sulfate – specifically crystalline glucosamine sulfate, has been evaluated for its effect on cartilage health; the effect of the hydrochloride form on cartilage still needs further conclusive evidence.

DONA can be taken at any time of the day. It is to be taken 2 pills, at the same time, once per day. However, it is best to stick to the same schedule. For example, if you take DONA in the morning, you should always take DONA in the morning, as it is once per day.

DONA® is made of crystalline glucosamine sulfate, which is an important element of cartilage. Crystalline glucosamine sulfate works by activating the formation of the cartilage matrix, so as to increase joint fluid concentrations. When the cartilage matrix is formed, a space is created in the cartilage that , on compression, expands – making joint movement smooth. Besides this, DONA® may also aid in improving structure and flexibility of tissues for better movement. Reduced cartilage can lead to tenderness, soreness, loss of flexibility, and decreased movement of the joints. DONA® can help support the remaining cartilage and encourage healthy joint function.

Yes, DONA caplets are gluten-free.

If you are allergic to shellfish, we recommend not taking DONA since the glucosamine sulfate used in the product derives from shellfish.

It is recommended to continuously take the product, if you go off the product, discomfort may come back, and it could take up to 12 weeks to experience relief again.

When taking DONA, you must first consult your doctor if you are diabetic, as glucosamine is a type of sugar that may alter blood glucose levels.

There has been no reported cholesterol level increase associated with glucosamine sulfate.

There has been no reported blood pressure increase with DONA. With that being said, DONA can be taken by patients suffering from a disorder such as hypertension, but always under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

If you are on a prescription blood thinner, it is best to check with your doctor, who knows your medical history, before taking DONA.

Unfortunately, there is no clinical data on this. In the absence of such studies, we do not recommend taking if you are pregnant or nursing.