Glucosamine Uses & Dosage

Glucosamine is classified as an amino sugar and it is synthesized in the body from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Unlike other sugars, glucosamine is incorporated into the structure of your body tissues rather than being used for energy. Glucosamine is also commonly extracted from shellfish shells and sold as a dietary supplement for a variety of health promoting purposes.

Mechanism of Action and Purported Uses

Glucosamine is the starting point for important molecules that make up many body tissues and it plays a role in the formation of healthy skin, nails and heart valves. It also plays a role in the mucous secretions of the digestive, urinary and respiratory tracts. A deficiency of glucosamine can slow the production of the molecules and therefore cause specific weaknesses in these tissues. According to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," glucosamine supplements can be beneficial to people with asthma, bursitis, candidiasis, osteoporosis, food allergies, respiratory allergies, tendonitis, vaginitis, viral infections and various skin problems. These uses are based primarily on anecdotal and not scientific evidence, however.

Arthritis

Glucosamine has anti-inflammatory properties and it is perhaps most commonly used for the reduction of joint pain and the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is found in high concentrations in joint structures and it plays an important role in the health of tendons, bones and ligaments. Osteoporosis is associated with a progressive degeneration of a substance called glycosaminoglycans. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, over 300 studies and 20 clinical trials have indicated that glucosamine helps to rebuild glycosaminoglycans and thus rebuild build joint cartilage. In addition, glucosamine can slightly reduce the destruction of cartilage that is associated with long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which are commonly prescribed to arthritis sufferers. The hospital warns, however, that glucosamine has not been found effective for the treatment of severe arthritis in elderly patients and/or people who have had arthritis for many years.

Dosage

The commonly recommended dosage of glucosamine is 1.5 g per day, taken as a single dose or in three divided doses. Doses of up to 3,200 mg per day have been used in trials, and found to be safe, however evidence for improved efficacy at this dosage has not been established. The therapeutic benefits of glucosamine are slow to act and you should not expect immediate results.

Precautions

No serious adverse effects have been reported from the use of glucosamine, however the supplement can cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches, leg pain, water retention and allergic reaction in individuals who are allergic to shellfish. Diabetics should not take glucosamine, and glucosamine may interact with certain drugs. As with any supplement, you should consult with your health care practitioner before you take glucosamine.