Arthritis has become a common health condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, which is the primary reason for over 800,000 hip and knee replacement surgeries performed yearly. More than half of arthritis sufferers have osteoarthritis, the "wear and tear" variety affecting cartilage within joints. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that slows the progress of osteoarthritis, reduces pain and increases joint mobility.
Function of Glucosamine
Glucosamine is found within the joints of mammals and the exoskeletons of shellfish. In people, glucosamine is made by chondrocyte cells within joint capsules, and then is used in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These substances derived from glucosamine combine with collagen to produce and maintain healthy cartilage, which acts as shock absorbers within joints. Glucosamine and its by-products also contribute to the viscosity of the synovial joint fluid, which produces lubrication between the bones and cartilage, reducing wear and tear. According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," a contributing cause of osteoarthritis is thought to be the decline of glucosamine production, which is often pronounced by the age of 50.
Types of Glucosamine
Glucosamine sulfate stabilized with sodium is the most common type of glucosamine supplement on the market and is the type most used for human research studies. According to MayoClinic.com, glucosamine sulfate has shown the best results in reducing the progression and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Glucosamine sulfate is made from the exoskeletons of shellfish, such as shrimp, and can cause allergic reactions. Glucosamine hydrochloride has a greater concentration of glucosamine and is more stable, but it has not produced consistent results in human trials. Some brands of glucosamine hydrochloride are made from vegetable sources instead of shellfish. N-acetyl glucosamine is another form on the market, but because it is rapidly digested by intestinal bacteria, not enough of it can reach the joints to be effective for treating arthritis.
Dosages of Glucosamine
Glucosamine usually comes in 500 mg capsules or tablets, although it is sometimes dissolved in liquid with other compounds, such as MSM and chondroitin. The typical dosage of glucosamine used in most human trials is 1,500 mg daily, either divided into three equal doses or taken all at once. For example, a study that used 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate daily was published in a 2007 edition of "Arthritis and Rheumatism" and reported that it is more effective than acetaminophen in treating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Positive effects often include reduced pain and inflammation, improved mobility and slowing down of cartilage degeneration. An important point is that you may need two months or more of glucosamine supplementation before significant clinical changes are noticed.
Cautions
Glucosamine sulfate has not caused any serious side effects within any documented human trials. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that glucosamine occasionally causes minor side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, bloating and diarrhea. Further, because glucosamine sulfate is derived from shellfish, people with shellfish allergies should use other forms. Glucosamine might also affect insulin, so diabetics should be careful. As with any supplement, consult you physician before embarking on any regimen with it.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis Statistics
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Glucosamine Sulfate
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator; G. Herrero-Beaumont et al.; February 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glucosamine
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