| | | | Glucosamine | | | "Supplements such as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate
may actually help restore damaged tissue structure in joints, perhaps
because these two substances are natural constituents of healthy
cartilage." Andrew Weil, M.D.
Glucosamine is a
naturally ocurring protein sugar found in the body. It stimulates the
formation and repair of cartilage. Due to the fact that natural levels of
glucosamine decline with age, many people benefit from supplementation of
synthetically formulated glucosamine products often derived from sea
creatures. Clinical studies are numerous and results clearly show that
slow and steady intake of glucosamine (often in combination with other
substances such as chondroitin and MSM), particularly for conditions such
as osteoarthritis, can halt the progression of degenerative joint
disorders, and may, in some cases, even reverse the diseases. | |
| Common Name | | | Glucosamine | | | Other Names | | | 2-Amino-2-Deoxyglucose, Chitosamine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride
(considered more stable, more easily absorbed, and sodium-free as
compared with sulfate versions), Glucosamine Sulfate (form most commonly
studied and has yielded positive results in clinical trials), N-acetyl
Glucosamine.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Description | | | Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound produced by the body. It is commonly found in the liver and kidneys, but is most abundant in our cartilage tissues. Derived from glucose molecules, glucosamine aids in the repair and rebuilding of cartilage, providing soft, flexible joint cushioning, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. The natural production of glucosamine in the body slows down as one ages, so supplemental use may be necessary for some individuals.
Glucosamine is also the name given to the extracted amino sugars of shellfish tissue, while glucosamine sulfate is the name given to the synthetic "salts" derived from natural glucosamine. These salts are sometimes combined with chondroitin sulfates in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint pain formulas. Most of the clinical studies investigating the health benefits of glucosamine have focused on the salts or sulfates.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | *Note: Glucosamine is often used in combination with chondrotin or
MSM (Methylsuphonylmethane). Many positive clinical results
have focused on the combination of glucosamine and
chondroitin, in particular.
Glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate,
glucosamine hydrochloride are the synthetic variations that have been used
almost exclusively for tissue repair and rebuilding. Specifically,
glucosamine has been prescribed for conditions such as osteoarthritis (of
large joints), a condition characterized by cartilage wear and
deterioration leading to pain, swelling, and loss of movement.
It
has been demonstrated through research that glucosamine supplementation
can not only delay further cartilage deterioration, but even repair
existing damaged cartilage. In addition to the treatment of pain
associated with the larger joints such as the knees and hips, glucosamine
has also been shown to be effective with joint-related jaw pain (TMJ) and
discomfort of fingers and toes.
Glucosamine is also neccesary for
healthy skin. Adequate amounts of it in the blood are necessary for the
production of hyaluronic acid, one of the substances essential in healing
skin injuries. As a result, glucosamine plays a significant role in the
healing of surgical incisions and skin wounds.
Another variation of
glucosamine called poly-N-acetyl glucosamine has been studied and results
suggest that it may be effective in the case of wrinkles and restoring
skin elasticity. Further studies have revealed that n-acetyl glucosamine,
yet another synthetic variation, contributes to the protective mucous
membranes of the lower gastrointestinal tract with an enzymatic activity.
This is positive news for those who suffer from Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | In a recent Australian study, a topical cream containg glucosamine and chondroitin relieved patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The topical preparation applied to the knee outperformed the placebo in a randomized trial of 32 patients over the course of eight weeks.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Secondary Indications: Scars, Skin Disorders, Wrinkles
Other Indications: Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Intestinal Disorders
Primary Indications: Joint Pain, Swelling / Inflammation
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Actions | | | Anti-Arthritic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Regenerative, Restorative
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Studies on glucosamine are promising. A review of two studies, each of
which analyzed more than a dozen glucosamine studies, found this
supplement to significantly and consistently improve pain and joint
function, as well as or better than conventional drug therapy
(NSAIDs).
One recent long-term study conducted in Belgium over
three years showed patients with mild to moderate knee OA taking 1,500 mg
of glucosamine had 20 percent to 25 percent less pain and disability than
those taking the placebo. Researchers also found glucosamine slowed, if
not stopped, the progression of the disease and reduced cartilage loss.
Glucosamine has been studied only in people with knee or hip OA. More
studies are needed for long-term safety and effectiveness to be
established.
Research studies have clearly demonstrated that
glucosamine does, in fact, build cartilage, improve joint mobility, and
slow the progression of osteoarthritis. In some instances, x-rays have
revealed that glucosamime has even reversed the disease over the course of
a few years.
Glucosamine has also been studied for its
effectiveness in facilitating the healing of skin wounds, and
post-surgical incisions, and in the treatment of crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in treating osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis. A number of studies over the last 20 years have shown this. For example, a 1982 clinical study compared usage of the NSAID ibuprofen with glucosamine sulfate, for osteoarthritis of the knee. During the first two weeks, ibuprofen decreased pain faster, but by the fourth week the glucosamine group was well ahead in pain relief. The overall results showed 44% of the glucosamine group had pain relief compared to 15% for ibuprofen. Because glucosamine is not an anti-inflammatory drug, it takes longer to start working, but it works equally well.
Another 1982 open trial study with 252 doctors and 1,506 patients conducted in Portugal provided good clinical information on appropriate dosage and usage of glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis. For 50 days, patients took 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day. The results showed 95% of the patients benefited from the supplement, as it reduced their pain whether they were resting, standing, or exercising. This study also showed the effects of glucosamine on obese patients, however, they may require higher dosages to offset the joints' reaction to the stress from obesity. Those patients also taking diuretics or suffering from peptic ulcers were also studied regarding the effect of, and their tolerance to, glucosamine. The former might require higher dosages and the latter need to take glucosamine with food.
In a more recent 2000 study at the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, in Ziffrin, 57 patients with osteoarthritis in the knee were treated randomly for four weeks with glucosamine sulfate intravenously combined with an 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate daily, or with a placebo. As in the 1982 study, a record was kept of their knee pain when at rest, standing, or moving. No reduction of symptoms occurred with the placebo group, but the glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate group showed much reduction of symptoms in all activity/nonactivity functions. This latter group also showed no negative reactions or any change in their blood tests. The study concluded that glucosamine sulfate is safe for long-term osteoarthritis treatment.
Another osteoarthritis study of the knee, in 1999 at the University of Liege in Belgium, involved 212 patients worldwide. These patients were randomly given either glucosamine or a placebo for three years. The patients' pain was measured every four months and x-rays were taken of their knees. The placebo group had more pain and narrowed joints, while the glucosamine group had no narrowing of joints and their condition improved. This was one of the first studies to show how glucosamine works by stopping the joints from narrowing. It was also the first long-term study conducted.
Since then, the University of Utah received a $6.6 million grant (September 1999) from the National Institutes of Health for another major ongoing glucosamine study.
Harvard Medical School conducted a somewhat unorthodox study where patients scheduled for hip surgery were given ground chicken bone supplements. After two weeks of taking these supplements, their pain was reduced considerably.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Research | | | "Dispelling Myths About Chondroitin" "New Glucosamine Studies In Europe" "Glucosamine Shown To Have No Effect On Blood Sugar" "Glucosamine Hydrochloride VS. Glucosamine Sulfate" "Topical Glucosamine / Chondroitin Cream Relieves Knee Pain" "Taking Glucosamine Without Chondroitin? You Fool You!" "Which Glucosamine Is Best For Painful Joints?" "Glucosamine Hydrochloride Versus Sulfate" "Supplement May Help Bring Arthritis Relief"
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | Those who have seafood allergies should avoild glucosamine products, since
many are derived from crabs, lobsters, shrimp, or other
shellfish.
For those with diabetes, insulin production may be
supressed with very high doses of glucosamine, and blood sugar levels may
be more difficult to manage.
*Note: It is important to know
that results from recent small studies showed no negative effects from
glucosamine supplementation in individuals with
diabetes.
*Note: Dr. Jason Theodosakis, M.D., author of the
renowned Arthritis Cure in 1996, has looked into the matter of
glucosamine and its effect on blood sugar levels. His view is that any
claims about glucosamine raising blood glucose levels is unsubstantiated
and there is no reason for concern. As he states, 'glucosamine' is not the
same as 'glucose'.
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. deferred to Dr.
Theodosakis' explanation of the matter of glucosamine and diabetes and
agrees that there is a public misconception and any real concerns are
unfounded.
Read the whole article in our 'Articles' link.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Interaction with Medications | | | Glucosamine supplements should not be taken simultaneously
with antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulant drugs and "blood
thinners" such as:- Heparin and Warfarin
(anticoagulants)
- Plavix and Ticlid
(Antiplatelets)
Glucosamine may interfere with insulin and
diabetes medication such
as:- Actos
- Amaryl
- Avandia
- Glipizide
(Glucotrol XL)
- Glyburide
(Glynase)
- Glyset
- Metformin
(Glucophage)
- Prandin
- Precose
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Possible Side Effects | | | Side effects are extremely rare and no serious side effects have been
documented throughout clinical trials. Very mild cases of constipation,
diarrhea, cramping, gas, heartburn, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea have
been documented, but whether these conditions can be attributable to
glucosamine supplementation is uncertain.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | Dosage | | | The effectiveness of glucosamine can be boosted with the addition of a
chondrotin product. Often, blends of the two are avialable in various
strengths.
A daily oral dose of 1200 mg to 1800 mg is the dosage
commonly used in clinical trials. Glucosamine sulfate 500 mg taken three
times daily has been the most common dosage administered in these research
studies. Optimal health benefits are usually seen after four to eight
weeks of supplementation. Too often, people will take one 400 mg or 500 mg
capsule for just a few days and complain that they're not experiencing any
change in their health conditions or pain levels. Glucosamine is not a
chemical narcotic pain killer - it is a naturally found compound that
slowly builds to levels in the body to a point where real repair of
damaged tissues can occur. Pain relief arises at the ouset of this
rebuilding phase.
*Note: While it is the sulfate variation
of glucosamine that has been the focus of the majority of human studies,
many researchers believe that hydrochloride is a preferable carrier due to
its greater stability and lack of sodium content. It may also be
preferable for those with sodium allergies. Either way, both sulfate and
hydrochloride show little difference in bioavailablity, although some
researchers believe that glucosamine hydrochloride yields more of the
active form of glucosamine after oral administration.
In short,
glucosamine sulfate bears the distinction of being the subject of most
clinical trials, while glucosamine hydrochloride, with success limited to
animal and in vitro studies, seems marginally but theoretically superior.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | | | References | | | Our thanks to the following information resources: Drugdigest.org,
Arthritis.org, Arthritis-pain-treatments.com, Drtheo.com, and Drweil.com.
Browse Sections | View Glucosamine products | |
| | 21 total products | | | | |  |
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Glucosamine - Health - Glucosamine Sulfate Powder 4 oz / 114 g
29.89 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Glucosamine Sulfate Powder 1 oz / 28 g
12.83 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Cat's Claw & Glucosamine Powder 4 oz / 114 g
19.63 US More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Cat's Claw & Glucosamine Powder 1 oz / 28 g
10.05 US More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate Powder 4 oz / 114 g
40.39 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate Powder 1 oz / 28 g
15.69 US More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Joint Support Powder - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM 4 oz / 114 g
32.10 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Joint Support Powder - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM 1 oz / 28 g
13.44 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Joint Support Tea - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM 25 tea bags
16.99 US More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Joint Support Tea - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM 50 tea bags
27.81 US More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Glucosamine Cream 2 oz / 57 g
14.40 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Glucosamine - Health - Glucosamine Salve / Ointment 2 oz / 57 g
16.15 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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