Glucosamine isn't considered an essential nutrient and isn't found in substantial amounts in the average diet, but glucosamine supplements, which are typically made from the shells of shrimp, crabs and lobsters are widely available. If you have a sensitivity to shellfish like shrimp, you might be at risk for an allergic reaction from taking glucosamine. Consult your doctor before taking glucosamine supplements if you have a shrimp or shellfish intolerance.
Function
Glucosamine plays a key role in your body's creation of glycosaminoglycans, molecules that are vital components of cartilage formation, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Your body naturally manufactures glucosamine, so the absence of glucosamine in your diet is insignificant. But people with osteoarthritis tend to have cartilage degradation and an impaired production of glycosaminoglycans, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Glucosamine supplementation appears to protect cartilage and provide anti-inflammatory actions in the joints.
Considerations
Because glucosamine supplements are made from shellfish including shrimp, you could experience side effects or even an allergic reaction, cautions the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In fact, an allergic reaction was reported during a double-blind clinical trial on glucosamine supplementation, which was published in a 2001 issue of "Cranio." However, reported allergic reactions to glucosamine supplements are rare, reports the University of Michigan Health System.
Uses
You might benefit from taking a glucosamine supplement if you suffer from osteoarthritis. Glucosamine could slow the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce your symptoms. Likewise, glucosamine may help treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteochondritis and tendonitis, as well as prevent muscle injuries. Glucosamine supplementation could also help treat knee pain, sprains, strains, wounds and autism, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Glucosamine has the potential to treat inflammation and temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, as well. No widely-accepted medical research supports the use of glucosamine for preventing or treating any health condition, however.
Amount
Glucosamine typically comes in tablets or capsules, in the forms of glucosamine sulfate, N-acetyl glucosamine or glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine supplements often also contain chondroitin. You might take 500 milligrams of glucosamine three times per day to help treat osteoarthritis or similar health conditions. Ask your physician about the dosage that's right for you before taking glucosamine.
Warning
In addition to the possible risks for an allergic reaction after taking glucosamine when you have shrimp intolerance, glucosamine supplements can cause various other side effects and health dangers. Glucosamine supplementation may increase your insulin resistance and possibly cause high blood-sugar levels, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Therefore, you should take glucosamine only under the close supervision of a doctor if you have diabetes. You might experience side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort, fluid retention, itching, leg pain or headaches while taking glucosaminer. These side effects have been most common in people with peptic ulcers and individuals taking diuretic medications. Finally, glucosamine could inhibit your blood from clotting and could increase your bleeding risks if you're taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or Coumadin.
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