Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucose is the primary sugar that is found in the blood. Glucosamine is an amino sugar or monosaccharide formed by replacing an oxygen atom with a nitrogen atom. It is a simple molecule naturally derived from glucose by the body. It is one of the key ingredients in the production of cartilage. There are no natural food sources for glucosamine. It is usually made from the shells of crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp, and lobsters as a supplement. A substance known as chitin is extracted from the shells for use in dietary supplements. Glucosamine supplements are beneficial in treating osteoarthritis because they help rebuild worn-away joint cartilage. Additionally, athletes often take glucosamine nutritional supplements to prevent injury to tendons and muscles as they feel it strengthens both. Furthermore, some people believe that glucosamine makes an effective treatment for tendinitis.

Several impressive studies have been done that have shown the efficacy of using 500 to 2000 mg daily of glucosamine as a treatment for osteoarthritis and the pain that accompanies it. As cartilage rebuilds, it helps relieve the bone against bone grinding, which is so evident with this malady. Daily supplementation can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and osteochondritis, a term used to refer to degeneration and pain in the knees caused by damage to articular cartilage. Results are so positive that some patients can treat knee pain entirely with dietary supplementation and forego knee surgery.

Glucosamine supplements have generally been found safe. One study indicated that people with diabetes might develop high blood sugar levels when taking them; however, this study was conducted on laboratory animals, not humans. People allergic to shellfish might experience allergic reactions when taking them; however, there has only been one documented case of this.