Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that is available in almost any drugstore and commonly is used by people with joint pain conditions such as arthritis. There are several different types of glucosamine, but all are thought to potentially improve the health of arthritic joints. While glucosamine can help joint integrity, it does not always lead to reduced pain.
How Glucosamine Works
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance that stimulates the production of certain proteins thought to be responsible for healthy joints. It might help with the production of synovial fluid, the substance that keeps joints lubricated, and it helps maintain ligament and cartilage health. There are both natural and synthetic forms of glucosamine, and according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, most glucosamine products contain a blend. Many glucosamine products also contain other supplements thought to help arthritis pain.
Glucosamine and Arthritis
Glucosamine is the most commonly used over-the-counter arthritis supplement. It is thought to help arthritis pain in a few ways. First, it might increase the amount of lubrication in large joints, such as the hips and knees. Second, it is thought to help maintain healthy cartilage, which is found on all surfaces in the body's joints. Finally, the AAFP reports that glucosamine has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.
Varying Effects
According to the AAFP, most evidence supports the benefits of glucosamine for people with arthritis, but studies have shown differences in the level of effectiveness for people with different types of arthritis. For instance, some show that glucosamine is helpful for severe arthritis, and others that it can benefit people whose arthritis is in their knees. Other studies, however, indicate that glucosamine is no more effective at pain relief than a placebo.
Stance of the Arthritis Foundation
A study in 2006, the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, prompted a statement by the Arthritis Foundation on the effects of glucosamine. While the results indicated that it was of no added benefit for the majority of arthritis sufferers, the study revealed a significant decrease in pain for people who took glucosamine in combination with chondroitin, and for those who suffered from moderate to severe pain on a regular basis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends glucosamine therapy along with several other interventions for arthritis treatment, including physical therapy, heat and cold treatments and weight loss.
Warnings
While glucosamine is relatively safe, it does come with a few warnings. It might interact negatively with blood thinners. Also, different companies manufacture glucosamine supplements in different ways. According to the AAFP, the guidelines for supplements like glucosamine are not as strict as they are for traditional medications, and while glucosamine is available over the counter, the Arthritis Foundation recommends anyone considering its use first discusses potential risks with a doctor.
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