Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a supplement derived from shellfish. Glucosamine is primarily sold as a joint health supplement. Studies show that supplementing glucosamine sulfate will reduce the rate of collagen (joint tissue) degradation and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Though glucosamine is comparable to acetaminophen, the reference drug for osteoarthritis, in potency, it is not as reliable.
Studies on athletes supplementing glucosamine are limited, but preliminary evidence suggests doses as high as 3,000mg of glucosamine sulfate may be able to slow joint degradation. This effect is most relevant for athletes participating in high impact sports, like running. Though preliminary evidence suggested glucosamine supplementation could cause insulin resistance, follow up studies conclude that glucosamine supplementation does not affect glucose metabolism. Glucosamine is very safe to supplement and its most common side-effect is flatulence. Glucosamine supplementation cannot cure osteoarthritis, but it can slow the progression of the disease.
How to take
To supplement glucosamine, take 300 – 500 mg, three times a day, for a total daily dose of 900 – 1,500 mg. The benefits of glucosamine are dose-dependent, and studies use up to 2,000 – 3,000 mg a day, taken in several doses. Glucosamine sulfate salts are the best way to supplement glucosamine, with glucosamine sulfate as a close second. Glucosamine hydrochloride is ineffective. N-Acetylglucosamine is not glucosamine and should be considered a different supplement. Glucosamine should be supplemented alongside food.
Side effects and warnings
Glucosamine is likely safe when taken by mouth in studied doses (500 milligrams three times daily up to 90 days or 1,500 milligrams once daily up to six months) for a short time by healthy adults. Glucosamine sulfate is likely safe when injected into the joint at recommended doses for up to six weeks (not available in the United States).
Glucosamine is possibly safe when taken by mouth in recommended doses for up to three years. Doses of up to 3 grams daily and higher have been used in people with osteoarthritis.
Use cautiously in women who are, or plan to become, pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Use cautiously in children under 18 years old.
Drowsiness or sedation may occur. Glucosamine may also cause insomnia. Use caution if driving or operating heavy machinery.
Use cautiously when taking recommended doses over a long time period or if injected into the muscle. Use cautiously if using doses higher than those recommended. Use cautiously in people with low blood platelet counts, as glucosamine may interact with antibodies.
Glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as vitamin K antagonists (warfarin). Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Glucosamine may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, or those taking drugs or herbs and supplements that affect blood pressure. Glucosamine may cause abnormal heart rate and palpitations.
Glucosamine has been recommended for a range of conditions and illnesses, but studies have tended to be inconclusive, or have found it ineffective, or possibly harmful, for example, in people with an allergy. There is no evidence, for example, that it either helps or does not help people with sports injuriesor with chronic lower back pain. There are no scientific studies to suggest that glucosamine is either beneficial or detrimental for people with venous insufficiency
Location: New York, NY, USA

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