Glucosamine can help ease inflammation and preserve cartilage. As a result, it might be a useful supplement to treat arthritis and other joint problems. In Europe, glucosamine is available as a prescription and used to treat osteoarthritis. As of 2011 in the United States, the FDA has not yet approved the use of glucosamine as a drug but doctors often recommend it as part of the treatment for joint problems.
Average Dosage
According to eMedTV, the standard recommendation for glucosamine is 1,500mg per day. This is usually divided into three times a day, especially for patients who experience side effects such as nausea, heartburn, headaches and drowsiness. If no bothersome side effects appear, it's fine to take the whole dose at once.
Maximum Safe Dosage
Scientists still need to establish what the exact maximum safe dosage for glucosamine is. According to Drugs.com, doses of up to 9,700mg per day have been used safely in healthy young adults. Patients who took very large doses of up to 30,500mg during a trial experienced only headaches as a side effect.
Studies and Trials
Studies regarding the efficacy of glucosamine offer conflicting results. Some studies show little to no help from glucosamine, while others indicate a significant benefit to patients taking the supplement. A 2006 study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" showed that patients taking 500mg of glucosamine three times per day experience relief in cases of painful knee osteoarthritis.
Dosage for Animals
Glucosamine is used extensively to treat the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip dysplasia and cartilage damage in animals. Dosages for dogs are 500mg for dogs under 25 lbs., 1,000mg for dogs between 25 and 50lbs. and 1,500mg for dogs 50 lbs. or more.
References
- Drugs.com: Glucosamine
- eMedTV; Glucosamine and Chondroitin Dosage; Kristi Monson, Pharm.D.; October 2008
- eMedTV; Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin; Kristi Monson, Pharm.D.; October 2008
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and the Two in Combination for Painful Knee Osteoarthritis; Daniel O. Clegg, M.D., et al.; February 2006
- Walker Valley Vet Clinic: Over-the-Counter Medications
- PetEducation.com; Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis in Dogs; Drs. Foster and Smith; 2011
Member Comments