Glucosamine Supplements

Author : Thomas Morva 

Glucosamine, a molecule that contains both sugar and protein, is produced naturally by the human body. It is primarily found in joint cartilages and plays an important role in keeping the joints healthy and supple. The natural production of glucosamine reduces as the person ages and this causes pain in the joints. This leads to a condition known as arthritis. Those suffering from arthritis are administered glucosamine supplements to alleviate their pain.

The principle behind using glucosamine supplements is that the glucosamine is delivered to the joints and integrated into the proteoglycans present in the joint cartilage in order to repair the damage.

Glucosamine supplements are either plant based or animal based. A well-known example of a plant-based supplement is glucosamine hydrochloride. It is prepared from the plant Aspergillus Niger. On the other hand, glucosamine sulfate is animal based. Animal based supplements are generally extracted from bovine cartilage or chitin, the hard outer shell of crab, shrimp and lobsters. Chondroitin, another supplement of glucosamine is prepared from the cartilage of shark and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methanol) is a bitter tasting natural substance.

Studies conducted on glucosamine found that glucosamine supplements when augmented with chondroitin are very helpful in mitigating the pain of people suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis. After taking these supplements people reported to have less pain, less stiffness and better functioning joints. However, taking glucosamine supplements and chondroitin supplements separately was found to be ineffective in addressing the pain.

Taking glucosamine with MSM as a combination showed increased effectiveness in reducing pain. It also exhibited a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in the people suffering from arthritis.

All these supplements may cause mild side effects like constipation, diarrhea and nausea. Moreover these supplements are very expensive. A month's supply may cost well over $100. As a preventive measure, regular intake of calcium that is present in dairy products and green and leafy vegetables, from a young age keeps bones strong and healthy and reduces the risk of arthritis.