Benefits of Glucosamine

On January 21, 2001, MSNBC reported that The Lancet (a leading medical journal) found that the use of Glucosamine had benefits for osteoarthritis. In no uncertain terms the Lancet article reported, "Previous studies had indicated that Glucosamine could dull the pain of arthritis, but experts say the latest study shows for the first time that it could improve the structure of the joints."

The news was soon lapped up by countless television commentaries and newspaper stories. Almost overnight, everyone began searching for the "perfect" glucosamine product and there has been no shortage of choices since then. At last count, there choices numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands.

An over-the-counter dietary supplement, the best advantage of glucosamine is that it’s completely safe; it’s a natural, non-toxic compound; and now, there is mounting evidence that glucosamine not only helps ease joint discomfort but also *may* help improve the structure of joints. (Note: evidence that glucosamine can modify the structure of your joints is still early and inconclusive. Some clinical trials have shown that glucosamine may help to prevent or slow down the loss of your cartilage rather than regrow cartilage. Stay tuned for new developments from science on this one.)

Suddenly, every company in America 'hit the market' with a glucosamine product they claim is the solution you have been looking for.

What Exactly is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar necessary for the construction of connective tissue and healthy cartilage. It is the critical building block of proteoglycans and other substances that form protective tissues. These proteoglycans are large protein molecules that act like a sponge to hold water giving connective tissues elasticity and cushioning effects. This also provides a buffering action to help protect against excessive wear and tear of the joints. Without glucosamine, our tendons, ligaments, skin, nails, bones, mucous membranes, and other body tissues can not form properly.

If Glucosamine is a Natural Product, Why Do We Need Extra Quantities?
Good question. Normally we generate sufficient amounts of glucosamine in our bodies to form the various compounds needed to generate connective tissue and healthy cartilage. But gradually the rate at which our bodies use glucosamine begins to gradually change with our increased athletic activity, injuries, burns, arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, age and other chronic degeneration. In such situations our bodies may not be able to keep up with the demand for glucosamine, leading to a decrease in the amount of proteoglycans produced. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of protective lubricating substances like the synovial fluids, which cushion our joints, and protects them from damage. In a nutshell, more glucosamine is needed but less is produced.

This is why researchers began to suggest extra dietary supplements containing glucosamine. Their studies showed that oral glucosamine could be easily absorbed and lead to the stimulation of healthy new cartilage and other protective molecules. The studies also showed that oral glucosamine carried this benefit without any toxicity, contraindications, or other harmful side effects. This is a stark contrast to dangerous COX-2 medications such as Celebrex or Vioxx. Vioxx was removed from the market in Septermber 2004 and which may have been implicated in tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes.

How Should Glucosamine Be Taken?
Glucosamine must be taken every day. This is a slow acting supplement that may take a month or more to show any effect. Dosage in most studies was 1,500 mg of glucosamine per day. The product is available in powder, pill and cream form. Glucosamine in a cream form may be nice for your skin, but there's no evidence suggesting that Glucosamine alone can be absorbed through the skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that liquid glucosamine, in fact, is the best form to take.

Are All the Available Glucosamine Products Equally Effective?
In several countries, glucosamine is approved and regulated as a prescription drug. But in the United States, glucosamine is a nutritional supplement, and is therefore not tested or regulated as other prescriptions are. Of late, market tests have shown that some supplements do not contain the amount of Glucosamine advertised on the label. Be sure to select a reputable brand and ensure that their manufacturing facilities are GMP (good manufacturing practices) compliant. It is important to note that dosages of glucosamine vary. The vast majority of manufacturers put 1,500 mg of glucosamine per day in their products.

Are there Any Risks with Glucosamine?
There do not appear to be any major side effects other than mild gastrointestinal upset for some people. Those with diabetes however need to consult with a physician and have their condition monitored (as usual). Persons allergic to shellfish should avoid glucosamine and due to lack of data, pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid glucosamine. Overall, glucosamine is very well tolerated and has a long history of safety in many different countries of the world.

Visit the Glucosamine Product Guide
A review of the leading commercial products available today. Each product is evaluated by type, method of delivery, quality, any additional ingredients and price.