Glucosamine is a chemical compound found in the healthy cartilage of humans and animals. Glucosamine sulfate, a form of this substance stabilized with a mineral salt, is a common ingredient in supplements for treating arthritis. Glucosamine supplements often include chondroitin, also derived from cartilage, explains MedlinePlus. Consult a qualified health-care provider before beginning supplemental therapy for any health conditions.
Osteoarthritis Benefits
Research supports using glucosamine sulfate for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to MedlinePlus, particularly mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Study participants have experienced pain relief when taking glucosamine sulfate, along with improved joint function, and decreased swelling and stiffness. Relief from symptoms continues for up to three months after treatment ends. It appears that only the glucosamine sulfate form is effective at strengthening cartilage, according to MedlinePlus, although this has not been confirmed. Studies that did not find benefits of glucosamine for this condition included participants with severe arthritis or used other forms of glucosamine. Taking glucosamine may help patients decrease their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have disagreeable side effects.
Other Joint and Bone Conditions
Early research with humans indicates that glucosamine is useful for treating joint pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis, according to MedlinePlus. Additionally, preliminary research indicates that injections of glucosamine and chondroitin is beneficial for leg pain due to advanced lumbar degenerative disc disease. Glucosamine supplementation improved flexibility for athletes with knee injuries, although it did not provide pain relief in these cases.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Another form of glucosamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, shows benefits as a complementary therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in children, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. These two types of inflammatory bowel disease are characterized by chronic and frequent bloody diarrhea. During a small study, either glucosamine oral supplements or enemas improved the symptoms in children who had not benefited from conventional medical treatment, according to the UMMC.
Side Effects
Side effects associated with glucosamine include drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light and nail toughening. Rarely, some people develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite, heartburn, nausea, gas, constipation or diarrhea. Because glucosamine supplements can be derived from shellfish, people allergic or hypersensitive to shellfish or iodine could have a negative reaction to glucosamine products, cautions MedlinePlus. Glucosamine has been linked to a case of throat swelling, and glucosamine combined with chondroitin to cases of worsened asthma. Injected glucosamine has been associated with insulin resistance.
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