General Description
Glucosamine is an amino acid derivative of glucose that plays a
key role in the production of cartilage and other joint tissues.
Supplemental glucosamine is derived from chitin, the processed exoskeleton
of shrimp and crabs. Available forms include glucosamine sulfate,
N-acetyl-glucosamine, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine
sulfate is generally considered the preferred form, and it is the
form used in most scientific studies.
Health applications
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint tissue repair
Primary functions
The role of glucosamine in the body is to provide the raw material
for and to stimulate the production of key structural components
of joint cartilage. Supplemental glucosamine is popular among
osteoarthritis sufferers for promoting cartilage repair. It is
often taken in combination with chondroitin
sulfate, a closely related compound.
Glucosamine and osteoarthritis
Most of the research on glucosamine sulfate has focused on its
potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Studies have shown
glucosamine sulfate to be more effective than placebo1,2
and equal or superior to ibuprofen in relieving osteoarthritis
symptoms. 3,4 Most studies on glucosamine
have been conducted in Europe and Asia, and few long-term studies
have been done. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) are currently funding a multicenter,
four-year study in the United States to determine the usefulness
of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, alone and in combination,
in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Dosage/toxicity
Most studies on glucosamine sulfate have used a total daily dosage
of 1,500 mg, usually divided into three 500 mg doses. Glucosamine
is generally well tolerated at this dosage. Side-effects, when
reported, have mostly been mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms
such as heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea.5
Taking glucosamine with food may help minimize adverse effects.
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