Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful inflammatory disease that affects an estimated 1.3 million people in the United States alone, reports the Arthritis Foundation. This disease affects three times as many women as men. In women, RA most commonly begins between the ages of 30 and 60, whereas it often occurs later in life for men. There is no cure for RA, therefore, the focus is on treating symptoms and preventing joint deterioration. One supplement that has been marketed as being able to relieve symptoms of RA is glucosamine. As the treatment of RA is complex, consult your doctor before taking glucosamine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease involving inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. The reason you develops RA is not fully understood. In RA, the immune system attacks your body's own tissues, specifically the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints. This results in fluid buildup in your joints, pain and inflammation. The inflammation in RA is systemic, this means inflammation may occur throughout your body.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced in your body that is thought to promote the formation and repair of cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are available over the counter and are made from the shells of shellfish such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Research done on humans shows glucosamine helps reduce self-reported swelling and pain among rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, however, more research is needed.
Research
Taking glucosamine at a daily dose of 1,500 mg for at least three months produces a noticeable improvement in joint pain, reports a study published in the January 2007 issue of "Rheumatology International." Although this study did not find a difference between the glucosamine and placebo group for conventional measures of changes within the joint, study participants' self-evaluations and the physicians' global evaluations indicated that the glucosamine treatment produced noticeable improvements in symptoms.
Side Effects
In most human studies, glucosamine is well-tolerated for 30 to 90 days. However, there are a number of side effects to look out for. Side effects may include upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions and sun sensitivity. MayoClinic.com reports that abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, flatulence, constipation, heartburn and diarrhea may occur in rare instances. Glucosamine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of evidence.
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