The organic compound glucosamine hydrochloride, or HCl, occurs naturally in cartilage, the connective tissue that builds and supports human joints. In modern naturopathy and integrative medicine, supplements made from glucosamine may be used to treat a variety of common ailments and medical conditions. Consult your health care provider before using glucosamine HCl for medicinal purposes, particularly if you have a medical condition or take medication.
Origins
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most glucosamine HCl supplements are manufactured from the chitan, or hard exoskeleton, of crustaceans. Other sources include animal by-products and shark cartilage. Some manufacturers additionally offer vegetarian glucosamine HCl supplements derived from fermented corn. Glucosamine HCl is more refined than glucosamine sulfate, a form of the compound bonded with naturally-occurring sulfur. Because of this, dosing guidelines are slightly different for each variety of glucosamine supplement.
Dose
According to the National Institutes of Health, most studies of glucosamine's medicinal properties have involved glucosamine sulfate rather than glucosamine HCl. Because of this, there is not enough evidence to firmly recommend a specific dose of glucosamine HCl. Mayo Clinic recommends 500 milligrams of glucosamine HCl three times daily. Alternatively, you might consider taking 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Consult your health care provider for specific dosing guidelines; do not alter your intake of glucosamine without first telling your physician.
Benefits
Scientists have not yet conclusively determined the exact benefits associated with glucosamine HCl supplements. The National Institutes of Health acknowledges glucosamine's proven effectiveness as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis; however, the NIH notes that most of studies have focused on glucosamine sulfate and not its more refined counterpart. Other studies have investigated glucosamine's benefits as a treatment for diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease and high cholesterol. These limited trials have yielded inconsistent results.
Side Effects
The UMMC reports that glucosamine causes few side effects when it is used as directed. The most common side effects include digestive complaints such as nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas. If you experience these side effects, try taking glucosamine supplements with food and contact your health care provider if the discomforts persist. Your physician may recommend that you begin taking a lower dose and gradually increase your intake.
Warning
Despite glucosamine HCl's general safety, certain individuals should exercise extreme caution when considering the supplement. No studies have evaluated glucosamine's effects on pregnancy and lactation, so the NIH advises against its use. Because glucosamine is derived from shellfish, it may trigger an allergic reaction in people with pre-existing allergies or sensitivities. Seek a shellfish-free formula if you are allergic to shellfish and interested in using glucosamine supplements.
Member Comments