Glucosamine.

 

How can it help you?

 

Glucosamine is a fairly simple sulphur based amino sugar. It occurs naturally in the connective tissue and cartilage where it contributes to the mobility, strength and integrity of joint structures. It is also found in muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs and heart valves.

As glucosamine is an amino sugar, if you are diabetic you should consult with your doctor before starting a course of this supplement.

 

Glucosamine is fundamental in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are responsible for producing the framework on which collagen – necessary for cartilage repair and maintenance - is built and for protecting against the breakdown of cartilage. Glucosamine also helps thicken the lubricating synovial fluids that cushion and support the joints.

 

During your lifetime, your joints undergo many trials and much abuse. Plus age, injury and disease all deplete your body’s level of glucosamine.

 

Over 50 studies have found that by taking glucosamine supplements you can ease pain and inflammation, increase the range of motion and help repair ageing and damaged joints in your knees, hips, spine and hands. Additionally, recent studies show that it may be even more effective for relieving pain and inflammation than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen and without their harmful side effects. Moreover, while NSAIDs mask pain, they do little to combat the underlying joint problem.

Whilst glucosamine can do little to help people with advanced arthritis, where the cartilage has completely worn away, it may benefit the millions of people with mild to moderately severe symptoms.

 

Glucosamine supplements can be obtained in several forms; the most popular are listed below:

 

Glucosamine sulphate – derived from shellfish. When taking 1500mg daily has shown benefits in 2 – 8 weeks.

 

Liquid Glucosamine – generally glucosamine HCL. This has a high purity and requires no added salt. 90% of liquids are absorbed almost immediately. Provides an alternative for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

 

Vegetarian Glucosamine – sourced from a naturally occurring corn base this product allows vegetarians and those with shellfish allergies to benefit from glucosamine.

 

Glucosamine patches – containing Glucosamine N-Acetyl, which has been shown to penetrate the skin. Generally used as a self-adhesive gel patch, which also contains menthol (for cooling) and horse chestnut (eases inflammation). Patches bring relief for up to 12 hours to specific joints – particularly knees, hips, shoulders and elbows.

 

Glucosamine Gel – again containing Glucosamine N-Acetyl ability, this is particularly effective if only particular joints give trouble.

 

 

Possible side effects – Supplements of glucosamine appear to be virtually free of side effects, although long-term studies are still being undertaken. Occasionally, some people suffer from mild nausea or heartburn; this can usually be alleviated by taking the supplement with meals.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should only take glucosamine on the advise of your doctor.

If you suffer from diabetes you should consult your doctor before taking glucosamine.

If you suffer from seafood allergies, only use the vegetarian form of glucosamine.