Glucosamine is a supplement that is used to treat problems that are associated with the medical condition, arthritis. Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide and it is characterized by severe joint and muscle pain. This can affect simple activities such as walking and moving around.
Over the years, there have been different methods that have been used to help treat osteoarthritis. These methods often include physiotherapy, weight loss, exercise and the use of different types of medications. In the past couple of years, there has been an explosion in the amount of supplements and medications that are used to treat osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine is one of the most popular dietary supplements that are used for the treatment of this condition. It is sold in a variety of countries and it its popularity is directly related with its effectiveness.
Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body and it is an important substance that is used to help the ligaments and cartilage in the body heal. Glucosamine was considered to be a good candidate when it came to problems associated with osteoarthritis. The reason behind this is that osteoarthritis involves breakdown of the cartilage in the body. Glucosamine was shown to be effective at healing cartilage.
Glucosamine is generally obtained from the shells of crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and shrimps. The product is available in both glucosamine hydrochloride and sulfate. Many of the supplements that are sold are often combined with other products such as manganese and chondroitin.
Glucosamine Studies
There have been many studies that have been done that show the link between osteoarthritis and glucosamine. These studies often focus on the areas of the body such as the hip or knee.
Despite the claim of glucosamine been an effective product for the treatment of osteoarthritis, some of the results from these studies show that it is not the ultimate supplement for the treatment of this condition.
Studies that show the effectiveness of the supplement had people taking glucosamine for a specific period of time, while others took a placebo. The results often show that people who took the supplement had half the deterioration of their joints, compared to those who took the placebo.
The studies also look at the fact that different formulations of glucosamine are available. Glucosamine sulfate is said to be more beneficial than glucosamine hydrochloride. However, there have not been many tests that show if one product has a distinct advantage over another.
Problems Associated With Glucosamine
There are generally very few side effects associated with the use of glucosamine, however general minor side effects are often diarrhea, heartburn and nausea.
Over the past couple of years, there has been concern regarding glucosamine and people who have diabetes. People feel that there is a possibility that glucosamine could impede regular sugar metabolism. The concerns with this possible problem are mainly due to studies that were done on animals. There is evidence to suggest that humans interact with glucosamine differently.
Research studies were done on people who had type II diabetes and normal sugar metabolism. The results from these studies showed that sugar or insulin levels did not change negatively when glucosamine was taken.
Glucosamine can be problematic the people who are allergic to shellfish. Glucosamine is generally made up of shellfish and that there is a possibility that an allergic reaction could occur if the supplement was taken by someone who was allergic to it. This is very rare, but people should be aware of the possibility.
The Final Say on Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis
People who are looking for ways to alleviate pain associated with their osteoarthritis, should pool a combination of supplements and lifestyle adjustment.
This would mean that they could take supplements such as glucosamine as well as control their diet and have a proper exercise regimen.
Despite studies being done to discredit the use of glucosamine, it is still an effective treatment when it comes to alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis.