According to the University of Michigan Health System, glucosamine is required by your body to help it manufacture specialized molecules referred to as glycosaminoglycans, which are located inside cartilage. Glucosamine as a supplement is used to enhance health and relieve different ailments within the body. Consult with your physician before you decide to take a glucosamine supplement.
Features
Glucosamine is not found in any substantial dietary sources, so you must take a supplement if you wish to add it to your daily routine. Glucosamine comes in tablet, powder or capsule form, and is usually available in health stores and in some pharmacies.
Forms
Glucosamine can take a few different forms, including glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl glucosamine. Glucosamine sulfate is stabilized with mineral salts and is the only form that has been shown to be effective against osteoarthritis, says the University of Michigan Health System. Most people who suffer from osteoarthritis will take 500 mg of glucosamine three times per day.
Swelling
The condition of osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of cartilage between joints, causing friction, pain and swelling. Glucosamine has been shown to be effective treatment for swelling caused by osteoarthritis of the knee and may also offer help for hip and spine osteoarthritis, says Medline Plus. Glucosamine is often paired with another supplement called chondroitin to treat problems with inflammation. It can take between two and four months for the glucosamine to take effect, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Side Effects
In your quest to relieve swelling, you may experience a few mild side effects. Glucosamine may cause nausea, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea. Some rare, uncommon side effects include drowsiness, headache or skin reactions. Glucosamine sulfate is made from the shells of shellfish, so anyone with an allergy should check with a doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are safe.
Considerations
Some people like to apply glucosamine creams to help with pain and swelling. Medline Plus says that any relief experienced will be from ingredients other than glucosamine because it can't be absorbed through the skin. Glucosamine supplements are unregulated, and inaccurate batches can sometimes be found. Testing has revealed glucosamine levels as low as zero percent and as high as over 100 percent.
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