Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used supplements marketed for arthritis pain relief. Glucosamine has the potential to reduce joint pain and to repair joint damage, making it particularly appealing for people who suffer from arthritis. Though there are several different types, most research has been completed with one type of glucosamine in particular: glucosamine sulfate.
Identification of Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine comes in many different forms, but the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, reports that glucosamine sulfate is the most researched variety. It comes from shellfish exoskeletons, though it can also be artificially produced in the lab. Glucosamine sulfate is revered for its healing properties. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, and can increase the production of the type of cells that form cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is often combined in supplements with other types of glucosamine or other natural pain relievers such as chondroitin.
Arthritis and Pain
Arthritis is a chronic pain condition that affects the large and small joints in your body, often causing damage to joint structures as well as inflammation and pain. Many people with arthritis take medications regularly to control their pain; however, some supplement their usual medication regimen with complementary treatments. These include dietary supplements that are available over the counter. The AAFP reports that of the dietary supplements marketed for arthritis relief, glucosamine is the most commonly used.
Glucosamine and Joint Pain
Glucosamine has the potential to repair damaged joint structures caused by arthritis. Cartilage lines the joint surfaces throughout your body. As arthritis progresses, it takes its toll, wearing down this protective layer and causing pain during movement. Glucosamine sulfate can help repair damaged cartilage as well as maintain joint lubrication. According to "Arthritis Today" magazine, its effects on joint pain can be compared with those of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. However, it may take up to twice as long to achieve the same effect.
Glucosamine Research
In 2006, the National Institutes of Health completed a large research study called the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. Also called GAIT, the NIH studied the effects of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin over a period of six months. These effects were compared to both a placebo and a commonly used arthritis medication called celecoxib. As reported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, glucosamine supplements were found to be the most effective when combined with chondroitin and when taken by people with moderate-to-severe arthritis pain. The results of other groups tested differed little from the placebo.
Glucosamine Safety
According to the AAFP, glucosamine sulfate has been found to be effective for many types of arthritis pain, including large joint pain and pain resulting from moderate-to-severe arthritis. However, like other arthritis medications, it may not work for everyone. The good news is that the AAFP finds glucosamine to be a safe supplement. However, if you take blood thinners or are allergic to shellfish, you may need to take extra caution when using glucosamine. If you plan to start taking glucosamine sulfate, discuss it first with your doctor.
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