Glucosamine plays an important role in maintaining
cartilage
Glucosamine, a sugar produced
in the body and found in small amounts in foods, plays an important role
in maintaining cartilage, the gel-like material that cushions joints. When
taken as a dietary supplement, glucosamine may help to relieve the pain,
stiffness, and swelling of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder
that affects 12% of the population, in which cartilage has worn down. Rheumatoid
arthritis sufferers report improvements with glucosamine supplements as
well, as do individuals with other types of joint injuries. Some 70 countries
around the world authorize glucosamine as a treatment for individuals with
mild to moderately severe osteoarthritis.
While there is no readily available source of glucosamine in foods--the
shells of crabs, shrimp and oysters contain it but aren't typically consumed--several
supplement forms have become widely available. These include glucosamine
sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG). Glucosamine
sulfate is the form best absorbed by the body and the one most commonly
used to treat osteoarthritis. Interestingly, for years veterinarians have
treated arthritis in certain animals with glucosamine hydrochloride.
The body draws on glucosamine, which contains the sugar glucose, to produce
two molecules necessary for proper cartilage function. Whether glucosamine
taken orally has the same cartilage-benefiting actions as the glucosamine
naturally present in joints and connective tissue actually remains a subject
of debate. Much of the glucosamine sulfate taken in pill form is apparently
absorbed through the intestines and is available for the body to use, although
precisely how much remains a subject of contention. Ultimately, many arthritis
sufferers do report improvements, with about half of study participants
experiencing significant relief from pain and inflammation. Research indicates
possible benefits for other conditions as well.
Specifically, glucosamine may help to:
Relieve osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness and swelling. The millions
of people who suffer from osteoarthritis have cartilage that has dried
out and gradually broken down over time, cracking and flaking off. When
joints are deprived of this cushioning, painful stiffness and inflammation
can develop. Glucosamine helps to prevent these symptoms by protecting
and reinforcing cartilage. Studies indicate that some arthritis sufferers
experience improved range of motion after taking glucosamine. Others
report increased overall mobility. And several studies suggest that
glucosamine may be as effective in easing arthritic pain and inflammation--and
not nearly as irritating to the stomach--as the NSAIDs (nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) typically recommended for osteoarthritis.
A recent Chinese study of individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee found
that while participants taking l,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate daily experienced
a similar reduction in symptoms as those given l,200 mg daily of ibuprofen,
the glucosamine group tolerated their medication much better.
Slow and possibly halt osteoarthritis-related damage to joints. Glucosamine
appears to protect and strengthen the cartilage around joints, particularly
in the knees, hips, spine, and hands. In so doing, it may help to prevent
further joint damage. And while it can do little to actually restore
cartilage that has completely worn away--or reverse joint damage that
has already occurred--glucosamine appears to slow the development of
mild to moderately severe osteoarthritis. Traditional NSAIDs prescribed
for arthritis, in contrast, actually impair the body's cartilage-building
capacity.
In a 2001 study published in the esteemed medical journal The Lancet,
Belgian investigators reported that glucosamine actually slowed the
progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. Over the course of three
years, scientists measured spaces between joints and tracked patients'
symptoms. Those on glucosamine showed no further joint narrowing in
the knees. Put another way, the glucosamine appeared to protect the
shock-absorbing cartilage that cushions the bones. In contrast, the
condition of the patients taking the placebo steadily worsened.
Speed healing of strains and sprains. Because it helps to reinforce the
cartilage around joints, glucosamine may hasten the healing of acute joint
injuries, such as sprained ankles or fingers. The same is true of muscle
injuries such as strains. In strengthening joints, glucosamine may also
help to prevent future injury.
Control back pain. By helping to reinforce cartilage, glucosamine is believed
to strengthen the tissue supporting the spinal disks that line the back.
Back pain resulting from either muscle strain or arthritis may therefore
improve with glucosamine. The supplement may also speed healing of strained
back muscles in this way. Pain in the upper spine and neck may similarly
respond to glucosamine.
Promote healthy ageing. As the body ages, the cartilage supporting and
cushioning all the joints tends to wear down. Glucosamine may help to postpone
this process by giving cartilage a boost, protecting and strengthening it
overall. The complications of osteoarthritis, a largely age-related disorder,
are therefore also less likely to occur.
Special tip: The dosage for glucosamine is calculated on body weight: about
900 mg per 100 pounds (45.45 kgs) of body weight. If you weigh more than
200 pounds or take diuretics, consult your doctor about an appropriate dosage,
as you may have to take a higher daily dose of the drug than is commonly
recommended.
Glucosamine is often sold in combination formulas for arthritis with the
dietary supplement chondroitin sulfate.
For all types of arthritis and joint-related conditions: Take 500
mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day.
For sprains, strains, and back pain: Take 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate
three times a day.
To protect against ageing-related ailments: Take 500 mg of glucosamine
sulfate twice a day.
Guidelines for Use:
Take glucosamine with food to minimize the risk of digestive upset.
Allow two to eight weeks for results.
When treating arthritis, consider boosting glucosamine's effectiveness
by taking it along with one of the following oral supplements: chondroitin
sulfate (another compound that may affect cartilage), niacinamide
(a form of the B vitamin niacin), or S-adenosylmethionine
(SAMe), a form of the amino acid methionine. Glucosamine is also commonly
combined with other anti-arthritis supplements such as boswellia (a
tree extract), sea cucumber, and cayenne (or capsaicin) ointment.
Glucosamine supplements can safely be combined with conventional pain
relievers such as acetaminophen and aspirin.
General Interaction:
Glucosamine may interact with certain diuretics, necessitating higher
doses of the diuretic. Ask your doctor for guidance.
There are no other known drug or nutrient interactions associated
with glucosamine.
Possible Side Effects:
No significant side effects have been reported, although long-term
studies on glucosamine's safety remain to be done.
In rare cases, heartburn, nausea or other minor gastrointestinal problems
can develop.
Cautions:
If you're pregnant or breast-feeding, check with your doctor before taking
glucosamine.
Ailments
Dosage
Ageing
750-1,000 mg glucosamine sulfate
twice a day
Arthritis
500 mg glucosamine sulfate 3 times
a day
Back Pain
500-1000 mg glucosamine sulfate 2
or 3 times a day; some nutritionally oriented physicians recommend
starting at higher doses for 2-3 weeks, then reducing to 500 mg three
times a day (or 750 mg twice a day).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
500 mg 3 times a day
Muscle Aches and Pains
500 mg glucosamine sulfate 3 times
a day
Rheumatoid Arthritis
500 mg glucosamine sulfate 3 times
a day
Sports Injuries
500 mg glucosamine sulfate 3 times
a day (for convenience you can take two capsules in the morning and
one in the evening).
