10 Little-known Benefits of Glucosamine That Will Amaze You

The most common form of glucosamine used in supplements is glucosamine sulfate, which is generally safe, though there are possible side effects. Glucosamine supplements are recommended for people with arthritis who require an over-the-counter pain reliever. But doctors often caution patients to be careful when choosing glucosamine products, as dietary supplements are not regulated, and the labels are often inaccurate.

Glucosamine occurs naturally in shellfish. This form is often used in supplements, and it may cause an allergic reaction in people with an allergy to these meats. Other side effects of glucosamine may include nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, headache, skin reactions, and drowsiness. It may also worsen asthma and could affect blood sugar levels.

People who take glucosamine have to be careful as it can interfere with certain medications. Taking glucosamine with acetaminophen can reduce the effectiveness of both. Glucosamine can also increase the effects of warfarin, an anticoagulant; in some cases, this could lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

Most research shows that glucosamine sulfate can provide relief for osteoarthritis, especially in the knees, but it can take between four and eight weeks to be effective. In addition to providing pain relief, glucosamine may also prevent joint breakdown and the progression of osteoarthritis. Some research also shows glucosamine sulfate may decrease the chances of needing a total knee replacement.

The natural glucosamine sulfate in the body is in cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the fluid surrounding the joints. When a persond develops osteoarthritis, the cartilage around the joints breaks down and thins, leading to pain, stiffness, and friction. Researchers believe that glucosamine sulfate supplements work by either increasing the amount or preventing the breakdown of cartilage and fluid surrounding the joints.

Most of the research on glucosamine has been done on glucosamine sulfate. There are other forms, too, including glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl glucosamine. Some researchers believe that these other forms are less effective than glucosamine sulfate as the body needs the sulfate to repair or heal cartilage.

Research shows that, when taken with supplementary chondroitin, another component of cartilage, glucosamine may significantly change gut microbes, not only in structure but also in abundance. More research is warranted, but these microbial changes may reduce gut inflammation, which supports previous studies that glucosamine and chondroitin reduce inflammation in other parts of the body.

One large-scale study demonstrated that 19.1 percent of the UK population reported using glucosamine regularly. This study also observed lower mortality associated with regular use of glucosamine for all causes of death, including cardiovascular , respiratory, and digestive diseases, and cancer. Further studies are needed to determine the full effects and benefits of glucosamine.

The same large study that showed lower mortality with regular use of glucosamine supplements also had interesting results related to smokers. Glucosamine seemed to have a stronger effect on current smokers. Researchers believe this is because smokers have a higher level of inflammation at baseline. Further research is needed to clarify how glucosamine could reduce mortality related to smoking.

Choose glucosamine supplements carefully. Some contain additional ingredients that can change the effectiveness of the supplement, including shark cartilage or other forms of glucosamine. Labels are not always accurate; for example, they may list glucosamine sulfate and contain only glucosamine hydrochloride. The amount of glucosamine in the supplement can also vary significantly.