Glucosamine occurs naturally in healthy cartilage. It's found in the fluid that surrounds the joints, known as synovial fluid. Glucosamine supplements, which are sold over-the-counter at drug stores and pharmacies, are taken to encourage joint health and healthy cartilage tissue. Glucosamine sulfate is often harvested from the shells of shellfish. Consult your doctor before taking glucosamine supplements.
Glucosamine Supplements
Glucosamine sulfate is the substance used in glucosamine supplements, and is commonly used to treat arthritis, according to MedlinePlus. Glucosamine is primarily used for a form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. MedlinePlus explains that over the years, glucosamine sulfate has been tried for a variety of various uses, such as weight loss, but there has not been enough scientific proof that glucosamine sulfate is effective for other uses. Sometimes glucosamine is combined with chondroitin, but there is not enough research to prove that additional ingredients have any benefits when combined with glucosamine.
Glucosamine Skin Cream
Glucosamine is also used in arthritis skin creams to help ease the pain associated with arthritis. These types of arthritis cream often contain other ingredients such as camphor. MedlinePlus says that the benefit of these arthritis creams likely comes from the other ingredients, but not glucosamine. There is no scientific proof that glucosamine can be absorbed by the skin through the use of creams.
Safety
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate supplements of any kind, MedlinePlus gives glucosamine a rating of likely safe, when used appropriately. Glucosamine can carry some gastrointestinal side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, constipation and nausea. It is important to only take glucosamine as instructed by the product label or as directed by your physician.
Warnings
Even though glucosamine is likely safe when taken correctly, there are some risks since it is harvested from shellfish. If you have an allergy to shellfish, you could have a severe allergic reaction to glucosamine supplements. MedlinePlus notes that glucosamine is harvested from the shell; most people who have a shellfish allergy are allergic to the actual meat, such as crab and lobster, rather than the shell itself. If you have diabetes, asthma or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your physician before taking a glucosamine supplement. Glucosamine may interfere with certain conditions. There is not enough evidence to support safe use of glucosamine while pregnant or nursing.
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