Glucosamine is a chemical naturally produced by the body to help lubricate and cushion joints. A common use of glucosamine supplements is in treating arthritis, and most evidence suggests it is effective in relieving pain and preventing joint deterioration, according to MedlinePlus. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking glucosamine.
Optimal Dose
For treating osteoarthritis, a common dosing schedule is three daily doses of 500 mg, for a total of 1,500 mg per day. Alternatively, you can take a single dose of 1,500 each day. Another type of arthritis, known as temporomandibular joint arthritis, or TMJ, is usually treated with three daily doses of 500 mg each. Some doctors may recommend a larger total dose of 2,000 mg each day, reports Mayo Clinic.com.
Length of Dosing
The typical length of time you need to take glucosamine in order to see benefits is typically 30 to 90 days. In some cases, you may need to take glucosamine supplement for much longer periods of time in order to decrease the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. You should consult your doctor to determine the right length of time for you.
Types of Glucosamine
Glucosamine may be sold in different compounds, including glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetyl-glucosamine. Most health supplements usually contain glucosamine sulfate, although glucosamine hydrochloride may yield a larger amount of glucosamine when dissolved in your body. However, the dose in most supplements is calculated based on the amount of net glucosamine, so this difference in yield probably does not make much of a difference, according to the Mayo Clinic.com.
Side Effects
You should avoid taking larger doses of glucosamine unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so. Larger doses may increase the risk of side effects, including nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, gas, bloating and diarrhea. In certain individuals, glucosamine may also cause headache, drowsiness, insomnia, increased sun sensitivity and toughening of the nails. In rare cases, glucosamine may temporarily decrease heart rate or blood pressure.
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