Glucosamine is readily available on drugstore shelves without a doctor's prescription. With claims of benefits for arthritic joints, it is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements by people with joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Before taking glucosamine, however, it is important to understand its potential benefits and side effects.
Identification of Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally, though it can also be reproduced in a lab. There are a few different types of glucosamine; however, the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, reports that the two most common types are glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine is available as a blend of different types, or even as a combination supplement with other ingredients, such as chondroitin.
Function of Glucosamine
Naturally occurring glucosamine is a building block of the soft tissues that make up ligaments, and of the fluid that lubricates the body's joints. Because of this, it is thought to help promote healthy joint surfaces, and to maintain the integrity of joints. Synthetic glucosamine also has some anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce some of the swelling and irritation arthritis sufferers often have in their joints.
Effects of Glucosamine
There have been many studies about the effectiveness of glucosamine on arthritic joints, and most have been either inconclusive or have had variable results. However, the Arthritis Foundation cites a recent study, completed in 2006, which had significant clinical findings. This study is known as the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT. It found that glucosamine was effective for some people who suffer from arthritis: particularly those with moderate to severe pain. However, this only applies to around a quarter of arthritis sufferers. In addition, they found the most effective doses were those that combined glucosamine with chondroitin, another commonly used joint pain supplement.
Can Glucosamine Help You?
Even if your pain is less than moderate to severe, glucosamine may still be of some help. While for many, it is no more effective at pain control than a placebo, for others glucosamine is highly effective. According to the AAFP, glucosamine is the most commonly used dietary supplement by people with arthritis. The AAFP reports its effectiveness is similar to that of more traditional over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen.
Warning
While a prescription is not necessary in order to purchase glucosamine, you should still discuss its use with your doctor prior to incorporating it into your medication regime. Glucosamine may interact with blood thinners, and may potentially trigger shellfish allergies or insulin resistance. While the evidence for the latter two concerns are limited, people with allergies or diabetes should be cautious when taking glucosamine regularly as a dietary supplement.
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