What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine Sulphate is a substance that is naturally made in the body from a sugar (glucose) and an amino acid (glutamine). It is needed to produce molecules (glycosaminoglycans) for laying down new tissues in damaged joints. Glucosamine is essential for the production of new cartilage and production of the joints’ oil. Larger quantities are needed when damaged joints are healing and, as natural production of glucosamine is a slow process, it is often in short supply.
Why would I take Glucosamine?
Glucosamine sulphate has been shown to stimulate formation of cartilage and the connective tissues that bind joints together. Researchers now also believe that glucosamine suppresses the activity of immune cells involved in joint inflammatory reactions, to reduce the inflammatory breakdown of cartilage.
You might take Glucosamine to:
- Relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis in your joints
- To aid recovery from a sports injury
- To improve the mobility of a joint
- To relieve pain associated with joint movement.
Are there Glucosamine side effects?
Glucosamine salts are well tolerated by the body, and the incident of glucosamine side effects is similar to that of inactive placebo.
Reported Glucosamine side-effects are:
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
- Allergic reaction to shellfish-based supplements
In the case of the latter, you can take a corn-based Glucosamine Hydrochloride instead. Some studies show the benefits of taking glucosamine can be felt within two weeks, most report the beneficial effects over a month. Although if, after 2 months, there is insufficient pain relief, you may wish to add in, or switch to, a chondroitin sulphate supplement to see if that suits you better. As with all supplements, seek advice if you are taking prescribed drugs for a medical condition.
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