What Is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural compound made of glucose (sugars) and glutamine (amino acids). The body uses glucosamine to repair cartilage and body tissues. The body produces more glucosamine during youth but the production process slows with age, leading to some muscle and joint problems like arthritis.

Because we lose glucosamine as we age, the compound has been made available in supplements. The supplements sometimes contain another element found naturally in cartilage called chondroitin, or methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), which is found naturally in foods and cow's milk and contributes sulfur to the supplement.

Glucosamine supplements are widely given to patients who suffer from osteoarthritis, especially of the knees. The glucosamine is given to replace the natural glucosamine that is not being produced and is thought to repair damaged cartilage that causes the osteoarthritis.

Studies have shown that glucosamine helps to relieve pain in knees with osteoarthritis and it reduces the progression of the osteoarthritis. One study, however, used glucosamine combined with hydrochloride (a less popular form of the supplement) and found the results to be less than effective. The same study also found that the glucosamine chondroitin combination had little effect on reducing the pain in the knees. Patients in the study responded better to non-combined glucosamine when it came to pain.

The standard dose of glucosamine for treatment of osteoarthritis is 1,500 mg per day. Health experts suggest a three month trial period and to discontinue use of the supplement if there is no improvement after this time frame, but if there is improvement then it is okay to continue use beyond three months.

Short term use of glucosamine has been found to be tolerated quite well. With long term use, however, some mild side effects have been noted but only in a small percentage of patients. Some of the most notable side effects are an increase in blood pressure and an increase in blood sugar levels in Type I and Type II diabetics. People with diabetes should be closely monitored if glucosamine supplements are prescribed.

Glucosamine may also increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinner medications. It is not known whether glucosamine is safe for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Glucosamine can be found in many nutritional supplements as well as in some sports drinks. Because you can purchase glucosamine supplements over the counter, you should first consult with your physician before beginning any treatment with the supplements to ensure that it won't be counteractive with any medications you are currently taking or be dangerous for you due to current health problems you may have.

Glucosamine is also used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, and even some skin disorders. Glucosamine can be found in some make up and skin care products.