Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a simple molecule that can be manufactured in the body. The main function of glucosamine on joints is to stimulate the manufacture of molecules known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) key structural components of cartilage. It appears that as some people age, they lose the ability to manufacture sufficient levels of glucosamine. The result is that cartilage loses its ability to act as a shock absorber. The inability to manufacture glucosamine has been suggested to be the major factor leading to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, characterized by joint degeneration and loss of cartilage. The most thoroughly researched form of glucosamine is glucosamine sulfate. This form has been the subject of over three hundred scientific investigations and over twenty double-blind studies. Glucosamine sulfate has been used by millions of people worldwide and is registered as a drug in the treatment of osteoarthritis in over seventy countries.
The more than twenty published clinical trials with glucosamine sulfate have demonstrated an overall success rate of 72 to 95 percent in various forms of osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis of the knee the success rate is over 80 percent. In addition to being shown to be more effective than a placebo, in head-to-head double-blind studies comparing glucosamine sulfate to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucosamine sulfate was shown to produce better results than NSAIDs in relieving the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis despite the fact that glucosamine sulfate exhibits very little direct anti-inflammatory effect and no direct analgesic {pain-relieving} effects. Glucosamine sulfate appears to address the cause of osteoarthritis. By treating the root of the problem through the promotion of cartilaga synthesis, glucosamine sulfate not only improves the symptoms, including pain, but also helps the body repair damaged joints.
The double-blind studies indicate that with glucosamine sulfate supplementation, most people with osteoarthritis will experience significant improvement within four weeks. However, the longer it is used, the more obvious the results. The effects are cumulative and long-lasting.
Glucosamine available forms
Glucosamine sulfate is the preferred form of glucosamine. Other forms of glucosamine, such as N-acetyl-glucosamine or glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin sulfate; however, most experts feel that the combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate offers little, if any, benefit over glucosamine sulfate alone. Brands available include Dona.
Glucosamine Side Effects
Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels when using glucosamine sulfate. Although glu-cosamine sulfate has demonstrated no effect on blood sugar levels in humans, some animal studies have suggested that glucosamine sulfate may interfere with the utilization of insulin and raise blood sugar levels.
Glucosamine sulfate has an excellent safety record in animal and human studies. Side effects, when they do appear, are generally limited to light to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended that glucosamine sulfate be taken with a meal.
People who are allergic to either sulfa drugs or sulfite-containing food additives may be concerned that they would also be allergic to glucosamine sulfate. This is unlikely to be the case, as the substances are very different chemically; the fact that they all contain sulfur is irrelevant, as it is impossible to be allergic to this essential mineral itself. The bottom line is that despite glucosamine sulfate's widespread use and popularity, there has only been one reported case of an allergic reaction.
Glucosamine sulfate appears to be safe for diabetics as it has demonstrated no effect on blood sugar levels in humans. However, because glucosamine sulfate may theoretically interfere with the utilization of insulin and raise blood sugar levels, diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels when using it
There have been no reports of any adverse drug interactions with glucosamine sulfate. The only caveat is that individuals taking diuretics may need to take higher dosages (e.g., 20 mg per kg [2.2 pounds] body weight daily).
The standard dosage for glucosamine sulfate is 500 mg three times per day. Individuals over 200 pounds may need higher dosages based on body weight (e.g., 20 mg per kg [2.2 pounds] body weight daily).
Considered safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Suitable for children at one-half the adult dosage.
No special precautions are known for seniors.
Glucosamine Manufacturers
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