Glucosamine is an amino sugar and is found naturally in
the cartilage throughout the body. As we age, we
lose some of this glucosamine. This and other
environmental factors lead to the development of
arthritis. Glucosamine is sold by itself or with
combination with other supplements to slow the
progression of osteoarthritis. It is believed to
promote the repair of cartilage. Glucosamine is
derived from shrimp, oyster and crab shells where it is
extracted and sold as glucosamine sulfate and/or
glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine
hydrochloride is cheaper than sulfate although some
people are allergic to the sulfate. The scientific
evidence doesn't support one form being more effective
than the other.
There has been much research testing the effectiveness
of glucosamine. The current research tends to
suggest that glucosamine may stimulate production of
cartilage building proteins. Many studies have been
completed in Europe using the glucosamine sulfate
form. The studies have shown that either form of
glucosamine may relieve arthritis pain and stiffness with
fewer side effects than conventional arthritis drugs. Two
recent meta-analyses by McAlindon and colleagues and
Towheed et al reviewed clinical trials of glucosamine and
chondroitin in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In
seven of the randomized controlled trials, in which they
compared glucosamine with placebo, glucosamine was always
superior.
In 2001, the prestigious medical journal Lancet published the
results of a three-year double-blind clinical trial
involving 212 people with osteoarthritis who took either
glucosamine or a placebo. The researchers found that
symptoms improved 20% to 25% in the glucosamine group but
worsened slightly in the placebo group. The x-ray
examinations showed that serious narrowing of the
knee-joint space , a sign of progression of the disease,
occurred in only half as many patients taking glucosamine
as in those receiving the placebo. The results were
published in January, 2001. A summary of the report
is here.
Glucosamine : Side effects and Products
There have not been any major side effects reported
with glucosamine. The most common side effects are
intestinal gas and softened stools. Glucosamine is
manufactured from shellfish shells so people who are
allergic to fish should be careful before using products
with glucosamine. There are many products on the
market today. Many are sold as a dietary supplement
only as glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine
hydrochloride. Glucosamine is also packaged
frequently with chondroitin and other supplements.
One such product which has proved to be of worthy value
is called Free and Easy for People. Ensure that you
are taking a quality product and you will not be
disappointed.
