Your body naturally produces glucosamine to help build cartilage, which is the connective tissue that cushions your joints. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, various scientific studies have deemed glucosamine supplementation as a possible effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The condition develops when the cartilage in your joints breaks down over time due to the normal wear and tear. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the joints of the hands, knees, hips, neck and lower back. People with osteoarthritis often experience pain in the joints, tenderness, joint stiffness and loss of flexibility. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but supplementation with glucosamine may help reduce the pain associated with the condition and allow you to live normally for a longer period of time.
Dosage
Glucosamine is most commonly found in an oral supplement form as glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is often taken in conjunction with chondroitin, another naturally produced component of cartilage. The most common dosage for adults aged 18 and older is 500 mg of glucosamine three times per day for a period of 30 to 90 days. In some cases, 1,500 mg of glucosamine may be taken once per day.
Glucosamine is also available in topical form, which is meant to be applied directly to skin of the affected joint. MayoClinic.com notes that the effectiveness of this form of glucosamine has not been thoroughly proven.
Side Effects
Most people can tolerate glucosamine for a period of 30 to 90 days without experiencing any side effects. When side effects do occur, they may include insomnia, drowsiness, upset stomach, headache, skin rash and sensitivity to sunlight. In rare circumstances, someone taking glucosamine may experience a variety of gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, heartburn and diarrhea. Temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure may also occur in a small number of cases.
Warnings
Supplemental glucosamine is often made from a substance called chitin, which is obtained from the shells of various shellfish, including crab and shrimp. Because of this, those with an allergy to shellfish may have an adverse reaction to glucosamine. MayoClinic.com notes that the amount of chitin contained in the tablets may not be sufficient to produce allergic symptoms, but caution should still be taken.
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