What is glucosamine?
Health Benefits of Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body within the cartilage of your joints. Glucosamine supports the healthy development of articular cartilage.
Glucosamine is also found in some animal and nonhuman tissues, including shellfish shells, animal bones and fungi. In supplement form, glucosamine is harvested from shells of shellfish or in a lab.
Glucosamine is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Glucosamine may reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that participants who consumed 1500mg of glucosamine hydrochloride along with 1200mg of chondroitin sulfate daily for 28 days lowered their C-reactive protein (CRP) by 23%. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation.
Glucosamine may also protect your joints from damage. Studies have also shown that professional rugby and collegiate soccer players who consumed 1.5-3 grams of glucosamine daily for 3 months showed a significant decrease in cartilage breakdown.
Glucosamine may also reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine may also improve digestion and bone health.
Glucosamine may also help treat osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that participants that consumed glucosamine reduced their knee pain and improved their function.
Glucosamine may have some side effects, including nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. More serious side effects include drowsiness, skin reactions and headaches.
If you have a shellfish allergy, then do not consume. People who have asthma, diabetes, glaucoma, high cholesterol or high blood pressure should not take glucosamine supplements without consulting your physician.
Glucosamine may interact with certain medications.
As always, consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31988063/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17716251/