Glucosamine is a natural compound that has a hand in building the connective tissue, known as cartilage, that attaches and protects muscles and joints.[1] It is derived primarily in polysaccharides (carbohydrates), and in cell membranes.[2]
Uses
Glucosamine is used for osteoarthritis -- a type of arthritis that breaks down cartilage. It helps promote movement and relieve pain. It also helps foster joint and connective tissue health and wound healing.[1, 3]
Glucosamine can be taken by mouth as glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. N-acetyl glucosamine in available in pill or powder form.
Recommended dosage
The recommended dose for glucosamine sulfate and hydrochloride is 500mg to 1500mg (.5g to 1.5g), three times daily for up to 90 days. You can split your dose throughout the day.[1, 2] Dosing also depends on your health status and type of glucosamine you're taking.
Does it work
Glucosamine and cartilage
Research is mixed regarding the effectiveness of glucosamine for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is known for reducing stiffness and swelling in the joints and reducing pain. It's especially helpful to those with arthritic or painful joints in the knees and hips. Some studies show that the amino sugar can reducesymptoms months after the end of treatment. A small study found that glucosamine may ease inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.[1]
However, studies fail to show that glucosamine aids in the growth or repair of cartilage or that it prevents cartilage loss. Additionally, there's no evidence that it provides comprehensive pain relief, whether glucosamine was used with or without chondroitin (another polysaccharide in cartilage).
Drug interactions
Glucosamine interacts with certain medications. Do not take the following without first consulting with your health care provider:
| Drug | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Warfarin (Coumadin) | Glucosamine and warfarin thin the blood, so taking them at the same time could increase your risk of of severe bleeding. |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Glucosamine may increase inflammation associated with NSAIDs. A lower NSAID dose could be the best solution. |
| Blood sugar medication and insulin | You may need to change your blood sugar medication if you're taking glucosamine. |
| Doxorubicin, etoposide, and teniposide | Do not take these with glucosamine due to adverse effects. |
Safety and side effects
Side effects that may occur with Glucosamine include:
- Upset stomach
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Drowsiness
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the face and mouth
Safety concerns
- Glucosamine is sometimes combined with manganese and chondroitin. Do not ingest more than 11mg of manganese per day.
- Glucosamine sulfate may be rich in sodium and potassium. People who are on a low-potassium or low-sodium diet should avoid it.
- Glucosamine supplements are made using shellfish. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are allergic to seafood.
- Do not take glucosamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Glucosamine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you respond to this supplement.
- Glucosamine may raise blood pressure and cholesterol. Have your levels checked regularly.
- Do not take glucosamine if you have asthma.
- Glucosamine may hinder the effects of insulin. Individuals with diabetes should have blood sugar levels checked often.
Considerations
Glucosamine is known for reducing stiffness and swelling in the joints and reducing pain.
- Follow all directions for supplement use, including glucosamine.
- Supplements can act like drugs if they are used in large amounts. Take as directed.
- Inform your health care provider of all supplements and complementary care you use. Discuss proper dosages particular to your symptoms and medical history.
- Safety and consistency of herbs and other supplements are not guaranteed since they are not regulated by the food and Drug Administration.
- Effects of a supplement may vary according to brand and batch.
- Purchase glucosamine from only trustworthy companies.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Glucosamine;" Reviewed 2011
- Drugs.com; "Glucosamine"
- Drugs.com; "Glucosamine"
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Possible Interactions with: Glucosamine;" Reviewed 2007
Glucosamine News on PricePlow
-
Jun 22, 2020 ![]()
Blog Post
Axe & Sledge ELBOW GREASE: Combat Joint Pain
Nothing halts progress faster than injury or severe joint pain, fortunately Axe & Sledge formulated a premium joint support product called ELBOW GREASE! -
Jun 08, 2020 ![]()
Product News
Natural Factors Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Apr 20, 2020 Instagram Video
JOINTS HURTING? PART 2 of Mike's Joint Supplement stack! -
Apr 10, 2020 ![]()
YouTube Video
BEST Joint Supplement Stack in TWO Products! Revive MD & Alpha Lion -
Jan 19, 2020 ![]()
Product News
Ortho Molecular Glucosamine Sulfate has new variations: Category: Glucosamine -
Jan 16, 2020 ![]()
Product News
Ortho Molecular Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine -
Jan 06, 2020 ![]()
Product News
Thorne Research Glucosamine Sulfate has new variations: Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Oct 30, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post
NutraBio Introduces UpSorb Starter Kits for Retailers
NutraBio UpSorb is taking over countertops, and for great reason - it works with SO many supplements. Now retailers can get an UpSorb Starter Kit! -
Sep 17, 2019 ![]()
YouTube Video
TURN YOUR JOINTS BIONIC | Alpha Lion Cyborg Review/Breakdown -
Sep 11, 2019 ![]()
Product News
Myprotein Glucosamine Sulphate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Aug 26, 2019 ![]()
Blog Post
Alpha Lion CYBORG: Machine-Like Joint Support and Skeletal System Protection!
Alpha Lion Cyborg, is a new, highly-effective joint health formula made to relieve pain and get you moving like a machine! Alpha Lion's going bionic! -
Jun 17, 2019 ![]()
Product News
NOW Vegetarian Glucosamine '1000' was created.
Category: Glucosamine -
Apr 05, 2019 ![]()
Product News
Enzymatic Therapy GS-500 was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News
NOW Glucosamine 1000 was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Apr 03, 2019 ![]()
Product News
Jarrow Formulas Glucosamine HCl Mega 1000 was created.
Category: Glucosamine Hydrochloride -
Sep 17, 2018 ![]()
YouTube Video
5% Nutrition Joint Defender: The "Rich Piana" of Joint Supplements! -
Sep 17, 2018 ![]()
Product News
Thorne Research Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Jun 15, 2018 ![]()
Blog Post
5% Nutrition’s Joint Defender: The “Whatever it Takes” Joint Supplement
Rich Piana's 5% Nutrition Joint Defender supplement is the kitchen sink of joint supplements, a massive 15g anti-inflammatory joint support powder! -
Jan 13, 2017 ![]()
Blog Post
Core Flex Powder – Full Spectrum Joint Support
Core Nutritionals has released a "kitchen sink" type joint health formula in CORE Flex that aims to be a "jack of all trades" type product. -
Dec 20, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post
MSM Supplements: Joint Support for Athletes AND Aging!
MSM Supplements (methylsulfonylmethane) are sulfur compounds with incredible research as an effective remedy for achy joints, aging, and arthritis! -
May 12, 2015 ![]()
Blog Post
Rich Piana ALL DAY YOU MAY – The 5% Workout Enhancer
Rich Piana's ALL DAY YOU MAY is a post workout supplement that provides joint support and has a few different ingredients. But is it different ENOUGH?
Sign up for future Glucosamine news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Glucosamine news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
Glucosamine Reviews & Videos
-
Apr 20, 2020JOINTS HURTING? PART 2 of Mike's Joint Supplement stack!
-
Apr 10, 2020BEST Joint Supplement Stack in TWO Products! Revive MD & Alpha Lion
-
Sep 17, 2019TURN YOUR JOINTS BIONIC | Alpha Lion Cyborg Review/Breakdown
-
Sep 17, 20185% Nutrition Joint Defender: The "Rich Piana" of Joint Supplements!
Subscribe for more Glucosamine news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube, follow PricePlow on Instagram or click the button below to sign up for our latest Glucosamine news and reviews!
