Glucosamine

  What is Glucosamine?
Why Glucosamine? Save you from Osteoarthritis and Sports Injuries!
Should I take Glucosamine Supplements?
What to Know about Taking Glucosamine Supplements
Glucosamine Supplements Reviews
Glucosamine Supplements Buying Tips

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is made in the body from sugar and is a component of substances called proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. These substances are major components or "building blocks" of cartilage. As such, glucosamine is found naturally in the body's joints and connective tissues, where it's used for cartilage repair and maintenance. it's also believed that glucosamine stimulates cartilage cell growth.

 

Why Glucosamine? Save you from Osteoarthritis and Sports Injuries!

Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis

The main reason for people taking glucosamine supplements is that it helps to prevent risks from osteoarthritis and it is the key element used in treating osteoarthritis. Initial research with animals suggested that glucosamine supplements might be useful for people with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, which results in stiff joints, joint pain, and deformity.

In the early 1980s a small number of studies conducted in Europe and Asia found that some osteoarthritis patients received short-term symptomatic pain relief from taking glucosamine supplements. More recently, a 1992 study of 252 people with osteoarthritis of the knee showed that taking 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate three times per day brought significant pain relief compared to a placebo.

Studies comparing the effectiveness of glucosamine to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been performed. In a four-week study of 199 participants with osteoarthritis in at least one knee, improvements were noted in both those who took 400 milligrams of ibuprofen (an NSAID) three times per day and those who took 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate three time per day. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of ibuprofen seemed to level off after the first two weeks of use, while those of glucosamine did not. A similar study was conducted in China, and the results were comparable. What's more, glucosamine was found to be better tolerated by the participants than ibuprofen, since it didn't cause as many side effects.

Recent preliminary research also suggests that the supplement might slow down cartilage loss, helping to keep arthritis from getting worse. How? Apparently glucosamine stimulates collagen production and reduces the breakdown of healthy tissue. Additional research is needed to determine if glucosamine supplements actually can reverse the degenerative processes associated with arthritis. However, taking the supplements will not increase the amount of glucosamine in the joints.

Until recently, no long-term studies on glucosamine safety or benefits had been performed. Now, a detailed long-term study of glucosamine (and osteoarthritis of the knee) has been initiated by the National Institutes of Health, but results won't be available for a couple of years.

Glucosamine and Sports Injuries

Some Glucosamine supplements are produced in a combination with Creatine Serum to help in aiding sports injuries such as bone joints damages or muscle damages. Studies have shown the effectiveness of glucosamine in the relief of joint problems, including encouraging the healing of connective tissue, luricating the joints and stimulating cartilage production.

Click here to check out the best Glucosamine + Creatine supplement for sports injuries


Should I take Glucosamine Supplements?

Although glucosamine seems promising for osteoarthritis, not everyone who takes it will experience benefits, and any results at all take at least six to eight weeks to occur. The usual dosage for osteoarthritis is 1,500 milligrams glucosamine (500 milligrams taken three times a day). If this amount relieves symptoms, the dosage can be gradually decreased.

Glucosamine is available as a "hydrochloride" (HCI) and as a sulfate." Both forms have performed equally well in studies. The glucosamine that's present in supplements is extracted from natural sources such as ground-up crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. Although glucosamine is frequently sold in combination with a substance called chondroitin, some researchers suggest it isn't necessary to take both, especially since much of the research on chondroitin used an injectable form and not pill form. In addition, no studies have shown

that the efficacy of glucosamine is enhanced by taking it with SAMe supplements.

Side effects from glucosamine supplementation include headache, gastrointestinal upset, swelling, and itching, which are reversible when the dosage is decreased or supplements are discontinued. Recently, a preliminary animal study showed that taking glucosamine sulfate caused insulin resistance, or decreased insulin action. Further studies are necessary to determine if the effects also occur in humans. It is not recommended for children.

Twinlabs produces a glucosamine product called Glucosamine Sulfate which is the most recommended glucosamine supplement by the patients and doctors today. Each Capsule provides 750 mg of Crystalline Pure Glucosamine Sulfate which is the perfect amount for osteoarthritis patients. (Anywhere between 500 mg to 1000 mg of glucosamine daily is safe)

Click here to purchase Glucosamine Sulfate from Twinlab and SAVE!

Click here to read our reviews on Twinlabs' Glucosamine Sulfate.

What to Know about Taking Glucosamine Supplements?

• Glucosamine is available in tablet and capsule forms in widely varying dosages. A glucosamine-containing drink is also available.

• Glucosamine has not been shown to provide relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Glucosamine should be taken along with NSAIDs and prescribed osteoarthritis medications to get maximum pain relief. Talk to your doctor before taking glucosamine supplements.

• Many of the combined glucosamine/chondroitin products in a ConsumerLab test did not contain the amount of active ingredient stated on the product labels. Check www.consumerlab.com to see how specific brands fared before purchasing a supplement.

• Since dietary supplements (or claims for them) are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, quality control and potency problems may exist with glucosamine supplements.

Glucosamine Supplement Side Effects

Side effects from glucosamine supplementation include headache, gastrointestinal upset, swelling, and itching, which are reversible when the dosage is decreased or supplements are discontinued. Recently, a preliminary animal study showed that taking glucosamine sulfate caused insulin resistance, or decreased insulin action. Further studies are necessary to determine if the effects also occur in humans. It is not recommended for children.



 
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