Glucosamine is a substance produced naturally in your body and found in the specialized joint tissue called cartilage. It is also available in supplement products designed to relieve a form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. Use of glucosamine products can't kill you; however, use of these products does come with the potential for certain side effects. For this reason, you need to consult with your doctor before you take supplemental glucosamine.
Background
Your internal glucosamine is also known as glucosamine sulfate. Your body uses this chemical to produce a variety of other substances that ultimately form part of your cartilage, as well as your ligaments, tendons and the fluid that helps lubricate and protect your joints. Supplemental forms of glucosamine usually come from a substance called chitin, which forms the hardened shells of species such as lobsters, crabs and shrimp. In addition to glucosamine sulfate, available supplement formulations include N-acetyl-glucosamine and glucosamine hydrochloride.
Potential Side Effects
Typically, the potential side effects of glucosamine use are minor, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC lists these as including bloating, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn and stomach upset. Other potential symptoms include toughening of your nails, headaches, drowsiness, skin changes, insomnia, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Some people who take glucosamine supplements that contain another ingredient called chondroitin also experience short-term heart palpitations and elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. In theory, glucosamine use can increase your risk for the development of cataracts in your eyes.
Allergies
Since most glucosamine supplements come from the shells of shellfish, use of these supplements can theoretically trigger reactions in people with shellfish allergies, MayoClinic.com and the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus note. However, as MedlinePlus explains, shellfish allergies are typically triggered by consumption of meat, not contact with or consumption of shells. As of 2011, there are no reported real-world cases of shellfish allergies resulting from glucosamine consumption.
Considerations
People who develop symptoms from glucosamine use can potentially ease them by taking their supplements with food, UMMC reports. Anyone with a peptic ulcer also needs to take glucosamine with food. Because of a lack of research on glucosamine in relation to pregnancy and lactation, pregnant and lactating women need to avoid glucosamine use. People taking the blood thinner warfarin also cannot safely take glucosamine, while a patient receiving certain forms of chemotherapy needs his doctor's explicit permission before taking a glucosamine product. Glucosamine use also poses minor risks in combination with diabetes medications and the painkiller acetaminophen. Consult your doctor for more information on the benefits and potential dangers of glucosamine use.
Member Comments