Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body to build cartilage and cushion joints. Since there are no major food sources of glucosamine, it is available only as a supplement. The sulfate form of glucosamine may be better absorbed by the body than glucosamine hydrochloride and may alleviate joint pain and treat osteoarthritis. As with any supplement, consult with your doctor before taking glucosamine sulfate.
Joint Pain Relief
Although scientific research on the benefits of glucosamine sulfate are not conclusive, glucosamine supplements have decreased the joint pain of arthritic sufferers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This appears to be due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine may normalize and stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid of joints, which relieves the pain and immobility of osteoarthritis caused when hyaluronic acid levels are low. Joint pain from bursitis, tendonitis or muscular aches and strains are not helped by glucosamine sulfate, according to the Harvard Medical School.
Building Cartilage
Glucosamine sulfate is made from the hard outer shells of crabs, lobsters and shrimp. When taken as a supplement, it is easily absorbed into the blood and joints. Borek reports that glucosamine may stimulate the formation of the cartilage matrix and lessen the digestion of cartilage by enzymes. X-rays of people taking glucosamine have shown a slowing of cartilage destruction. Although the ability of glucosamine to aid in joint synthesis and repair is still undergoing study, Dr. Howard LeWine at the Harvard Medical School suggests trying glucosamine sulfate for two or three months if your arthritis is causing moderate to severe pain -- always with the consent of your doctor.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage is damaged by injury or breaks down through normal wear and tear as people age. Although not all studies are positive, glucosamine sulfate has been shown to lessen the symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis. The large-scale, multi-center Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, conducted by the University of Utah School of Medicine in 2002, did not find any significant effect on knee osteoarthritis. The hydrochloride form of glucosamine was studied, however, not glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine cannot cure but may alleviate osteoarthritis, but to maintain any of the benefits that appear after 3 to 8 weeks, it may be necessary to take the supplement for life, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Treatment for Diarrhea in Autistic Children
Glucosamine may help eliminate diarrhea in autistic children suffering from chronic diarrhea, according to the University of Michigan Health System. It may also help with brittle nails by augmenting the rate of growth and the strength of toenails and fingernails, although more research is needed to confirm this. Without a doctor's consent, glucosamine should never be given to children, nor should it be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Glucosamine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glucosamine
- New Hope: Nutrition Science News: Glucosamine Sulfate Treats Osteoarthritis
- Harvard Health Publications: What's Behind Recent News On Glucosamine/Chondroitin?
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study
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