Glucosamine -Choose Form

 

Scientific Name: Glucosamine Sulfate

Origin: USA 

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What is Glucosamine? 

Glucosamine is a  natural compound found in healthy cartilage — the connective tissue that cushions joints.

Glucosamine is sold in different forms, including glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. 

Glucosamine is also found in some animal and other nonhuman tissues, including shellfish shells, animal bones, and fungi. Supplemental forms of glucosamine are often made from these natural sources.

Glucosamine is also used for joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis.

In many European countries, these supplements are a prescribed treatment for OA. In the U.S., the recommendations on glucosamine are more moderate, due to the mixed results of studies.  

What the research says

Research on glucosamine use for specific conditions shows:

• Osteoarthritis. Oral use of glucosamine sulfate might provide some pain relief for people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Some research shows that it may also help slow knee joint degeneration associated with osteoarthritis. More studies are needed to determine the benefits of glucosamine sulfate supplements for osteoarthritis of the hip, spine or hand. Taking glucosamine sulfate by mouth for at least 4 weeks can provide some pain relief and improve function for people with knee osteoarthritis. 

• Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research suggests that oral use of glucosamine hydrochloride might reduce pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. However, researchers didn't see an improvement in inflammation or the number of painful or swollen joints. This is where taking MSM comes in as a potent anti-inflammatory, when used together with glucosamine is a match made in heaven to reduce arthritis pain as well as the painful and swollen joints

HEALTHY CARTILAGE

In OA, the gradual degeneration of cartilage leads to pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Glucosamine  has some cartilage-protecting effects through a variety of different mechanisms.  Glucosamine protect cells called chondrocytes, which help maintain cartilage structure. In theory, it has the potential to slow cartilage deterioration in the joints, and to reduce pain in the process. 

The Evidence

There are some studies that show improved joint flexibility and range of motion with glucosamine sulfate,” says Farshad Fani Marvasti, MD, MPH, director of Public Health, Prevention, and Health Promotion at The University of Arizona. “That’s the one I would take if you’re going to take it for joint stiffness 

Mayo Clinic researchers agree, saying that evidence supports trying glucosamine sulfate — not hydrochloride — with or without chondroitin sulfate for knee OA.  

Glucosamine exists naturally in your body.

One of its main roles is to support the healthy development of articular cartilage, a type of smooth white tissue that covers the ends of your bones where they meet to form joints.

Along with the lubricating liquid called synovial fluid, articular cartilage minimizes friction and allows bones to move freely and painlessly across one another.

More specifically, it is thought that glucosamine promotes the creation of certain chemical compounds, including collagen, that are important structural components of articular cartilage and synovial fluid.

Some studies indicate that taking glucosamine with MSM  supplements may protect joint tissue by preventing the breakdown of cartilage, particularly in athletes.

For example, one study demonstrated that taking 1.5–3 grams of glucosamine daily for 3 months significantly decreased cartilage breakdown in collegiate soccer players and professional rugby players.

These results suggest a joint-protective effect of glucosamine and MSM.

Glucosamine supplements are frequently taken to treat various bone and joint conditions. Most scientific research on glucosamine has focused on the use of one specific form called glucosamine sulfate.

This molecule has been well-studied for its potential to treat symptoms and disease progression associated with osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoporosis.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS

Some sources claim that glucosamine is an effective therapy for temporomandibular joint (TMJ)disorders. These are health issues related to your jaw — like jaw pain and locking of the jaw joint.

This study showed a significant reduction in pain and inflammatory markers as well as increased jaw mobility in participants who received a combined supplement of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin.

This study also showed a significant improvement in maximum mouth opening and pain reduction — demonstrated by reduced inflammatory markers — after taking 1.5 grams of glucosamine and 1.2 grams of chondroitin sulfate daily for 8 weeks. 

Although these study results are promising, they don’t offer enough data to support any definitive conclusions. As such, more research is needed on the topic.

 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

 A report published in the December 1 2005 issue of The Journal of Immunology revealed that glucosamine, a natural product shown to be of benefit against arthritis, may also be helpful for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative disease of the nervous system for which there is currently no cure. Multiple sclerosis is considered to be one of a number of autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body. In MS, this results in inflammation and scarring of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves, leading to central nervous system dysfunction and the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

 Safety 

When taken by mouth: Glucosamine sulfate is likely safe in most adults when used for up to 3 years. Glucosamine sulfate appears to be safe and might be a helpful option for people who can't take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While study results are mixed, glucosamine sulfate might be worth a try.

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Taking glucosamine sulfate and acetaminophen together might reduce the effectiveness of both the supplement and medication.
• Warfarin (Jantoven). Taking glucosamine alone or in combination with the supplement chondroitin might increase the effects of the anticoagulant warfarin. This can increase your risk of bleeding

 

Legal Disclaimer

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Please contact your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unwanted side effects. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please be sure to consult your physician before taking this or any other product.

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

 Always consult your health care provider before taking any supplements. Pregnant or lactating women, people with existing medical conditions, or people taking medications should consult their health care provider/s before taking any dietary supplement. If you experience any adverse condition after taking this dietary supplement, discontinue use immediately and consult your health care provider. Keep out of reach of children