According to MedLine Plus, glucosamine is a natural compound manufactured by the body and is an essential element in the formation of cartilage, helping in the development and maintenance of the body's joints. In supplement form, glucosamine is meant to enhance the level of glucosamine in the body, which is said to aid in joint maintenance, as well as relieving joint pain and inflammation. Glucosamine supplements are also widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. While there is some scientific backing for some of these purposes, not all claims associated with this supplement have been conclusively proven.
The Natural Role of Glucosamine
According to 3DChem.com, glucosamine is an amino sugar that is produced by the body. Rather than providing energy to the body as other sugars do, amino sugars contribute to the structure of body tissues. Glucosamine is a building block in the process that manufactures and repairs the cartilage that makes up the joints. As we age, the body can become less efficient at manufacturing glucosamine, leading to the deterioration of the joints as less glucosamine is available for the repair of daily wear and tear damage.
Glucosamine Supplements
Glucosamine supplements are widely available today, found on the shelves of the local pharmacy, drugstore, grocery, natural food or discount store, as well as from many online sources. These are most often derived from animal sources, such as the shells of crustaceans like shrimp, lobster or crab. A few glucosamine supplements are manufactured from vegetable sources, such as corn. Glucosamine supplements are available in tablets, capsules, liquids or powders and vary widely in price and formulation.
Glucosamine for Joint Health
Glucosamine supplements are widely advertised as a beneficial for joint health. By ensuring that the body is provided with an ample supply of this amino sugar to combat daily wear and tear, glucosamine is said to slow damage to the body's weight bearing joints. Glucosamine supplements are also said to speed the healing of joint injuries, as well as alleviating pain and inflammation. While many glucosamine users will attest to its benefits in these areas, the effectiveness of glucosamine supplements for these purposes has yet to be definitively proven.
Osteoarthritis and Glucosamine
There is scientific evidence to support the use of glucosamine supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis. A variety of studies have shown that osteoarthritis sufferers may find some relief by using glucosamine. Perhaps the most important of these is one done under the direction of the National Institute of Health, called the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, which showed that glucosamine, taken in combination with chondroitin, proved beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Possible Side Effects
Since glucosamine is produced naturally by the body, it is generally well tolerated by as a supplement. However, those who have seafood allergies may be wise to avoid glucosamine supplements derived from seafood, opting instead for those extracted from vegetable sources. According to Mayo Clinic some users experience side effects that include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn and headache and in rare cases, the use of glucosamine combined with chondroitin has caused temporary blood pressure elevation, increased heart rate and palpitations.
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