Glucosamine has gained a reputation in recent years as a critical compound for joint health. Produced naturally by the body, glucosamine occurs most abundantly in healthy cartilage. However, for those with insufficient cartilage or other joint problems--including osteoarthritis--glucosamine supplements can help to restore some measure of joint health and reduce pain depending on the nature of the ailment.
Natural Production
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are no major foods known to include a natural presence of glucosamine or directly influence its production in the human body. Consequently, dietary adjustments to increase glucosamine cannot be relied upon for results. There are suggestions that food from animal sources--particularly meats that are cooked with bone--has the potential to introduce added glucosamine to the body, but no conclusive evidence of this exists. A small number of processed juices contain glucosamine but not as a naturally occurring ingredient. These juices consequently are on par with other types of glucosamine supplements.
Supplements
The most reliable means of increasing glucosamine involves the use of supplements. These supplements are most frequently made from the shells of shrimp, crab and lobster--a rich source of glucosamine, says MayoClinic.com. Although glucosamine supplements generally take the form of tablets or capsules, there are also crystalline powders to be mixed with liquid. Finally, glucosamine topical solutions have become increasingly common, usually made in conjunction with chondroitin. The primary benefit of the topical solution centers on the ability to localize the concentration to areas most in need.
Dosing and Time Frame
MayoClinic.com reports that 1,500 mg of glucosamine daily is a widely recommended dose. Whether that amount is taken once a day or spread out over three doses makes no discernible difference. Additionally, the University of Maryland Medical Center points out that most studies have shown that glucosamine supplements must typically be taken 2 to 4 months before effects are felt. Any dosage or time frame, however, should be discussed with a physician before beginning a regimen of glucosamine supplements. It's also important to note that these numbers apply to adults only. In fact, glucosamine supplements are not recommended for children at all, according to MayoClinic.com.
Exercising Caution
As much as supplements may produce an increase of much needed glucosamine for certain individuals, exercising caution is important. The fact that glucosamine supplements are culled from shellfish, for example, raises concerns for those allergic to shellfish. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take glucosamine, as its effects on them have not been studied. It has also been noted by the Maryland Medical Center's website that glucosamine may cause insulin to work less effectively, potentially impacting diabetics. Instances of glucosamine's problematic interaction with certain medications--most notably anti-inflammatory drugs--further underscores the importance for everyone to get a physician's advice before taking these supplements.
Benefits
The MayoClinic.com rates knee osteoarthritis as the condition most likely to see benefits from the use of glucosamine supplements. Extreme cases of this knee problem, however, have not enjoyed the same positive results from such a regimen as the mild to moderate instances. The conclusion drawn from this coincides with the theory that glucosamine best serves as a means by which to slow the early onset of osteoarthritis in the knee joints. While general osteoarthritis--in all parts of the body--receives a promising rating from MayoClinic.com for likely benefits, other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease to rheumatoid arthritis have not been shown to reliably improve from the use of glucosamine, despite isolated findings to the contrary.
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