Glucosamine Supplement

Glucosamine is a compound and is naturally found in the body itself as well. It exists of glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Yeah I know, those are pretty 'expensive' words and don't really make anything clearer.

Let's put it this way: Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan. This is a molecule, used for the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. The production of glucosamine slows down, while we grow older. Therefore, it may be good to take this supplement at an older age.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine sulfate, gluco­sa­mine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine

Origin:
Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and crab.

Dosage:
Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into a drink); 1,500 mg per day for all forms. Often combined with chondroitin. May take one month to notice effect.

Claims:
Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves OA pain and improves joint mobility.

What we know:
Glucosamine produced in the body provides natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage. Like chondroitin, it helps cartilage absorb water and keeps joints lubricated. Similar to NSAIDs for effectiveness of easing OA symptoms but may take twice as long as conventional drugs to work.

Studies:
This year, results of the NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Inter­ven­tion Trail (GAIT) were published. The study of 1,583 people with knee OA showed that the supplements were more effective when combined, but that they did not work significantly better than placebo or the NSAID celecoxib in people with mild pain.

However, a subgroup of people in the study who had moderate-to-severe pain did show significant benefit, even more than with the NSAID. Half of the study participants will continue to be evaluated for 18 months to see if glucosamine and chondroitin can slow or stop the progression of knee OA.

A 2005 Cochrane Review of gluco­sa­mine analyzed the outcomes of 20 studies comprising 2,570 patients. Glucosamine was found to be safe, but not superior to placebo in reducing pain and stiffness and improving function.

Glucosamine may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation, as well as increased blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure.

Don't use glucosamine if you are allergic to shellfish.
~Arthritis Foundation.

I found a few more side effects, that could occur due to taking Glucosamine supplement. It can also cause drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, sun sensitivity, and nail toughening. Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, temporary increases in blood pressure, heart rate, as well as palpitations, vomiting and flatulence (gas), have been reported as well, although those were rare.

Patients with bleeding disorders, or who are taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding should take extreme caution. Glucosamine may increase the bleeding even more. I also read, that Glucosamine decreases the effectiveness of insulin or other drugs, used to control blood sugar levels. It would probably be best for these high risk groups, to stay away from it all together.

The FDA has not approved this supplement in the States, because there is no real evidence of its effectiveness. It appears to be relatively harmless. Again, here is the advice of 'Yours Truly': consult your general practitioner, before taking any supplements! Better safe, than sorry.

It is the same way, concerning all other things in this life. Don't go ahead and just do it, even though it may seem to be the right thing. Pray about it and let God show the way. :-)

Isaiah 28:29
This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.