Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body's joints. It can also be taken as a supplement. Many people swear by glucosamine as a natural pain-relieving treatment for arthritis in the knees. While it does show promise, glucosamine may not improve symptoms for everyone. In addition, its long-term effects have not been studied as thoroughly as the short-term effects have been.
What is Glucosamine?
We all have glucosamine in our joints, whether we have arthritis or not. Glucosamine affects the cartilage: it helps to rebuild cartilage, and is also present in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. Supplemental glucosamine is an option for some people looking to improve the health of their joints, and can be purchased over the counter. Glucosamine supplements are made from the exoskeletons of shellfish, such as lobsters and crabs.
Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis
We all have cartilage covering the surfaces of the bones that glide over each other when we bend and straighten our knees. In an arthritic joint, this cartilage may break down, causing pain and abnormal bone growths. Many turn to glucosamine as an arthritis supplement in an effort to potentially rebuild this damaged cartilage, or slow the rate at which this cartilage deteriorates. Glucosamine has been used in Europe for many years for this very purpose, despite a lack of clinical evidence on its effectiveness. Glucosamine, along with chondroitin, with which it is frequently combined, is also though to act as an anti-inflammatory.
Studies Regarding the Knee
While sound in theory, the research on glucosamine's effect on arthritic knee pain is far from complete. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that there is currently no evidence that it works this way. However, there is some scientific proof that it may help those with more severe arthritis pain, particularly in the knees. MayoClinic.com points out, however, that some of the conflicting research may be based on different preparations of glucosamine. Also, the University of Maryland Medical Center cites research in which glucosamine and chondroitin were used together, showing improvements in pain of those with moderate to severe knee arthritis pain. It is not clear which supplement was primarily responsible, however, as both were combined. The bottom line on glucosamine is it may help some people with knee arthritis, but there are no guarantees.
Using Glucosamine Safely
Before you take any new supplement, you should always talk to your doctor. Even natural products that are available over the counter can cause side effects and drug interactions. Glucosamine may affect your blood sugar management if you are diabetic. In addition, long-term glucosamine use has not been thoroughly studied, so most trials report safety only for a period of a few months. The average dose for glucosamine is around 1500 mg per day. This may be taken all at once, or in three 500 mg increments. Check with your doctor for more specific guidelines.
