| Basics |
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Glucosamine is a simple, naturally occurring molecule that plays a significant role in the structure of cartilage and other connective tissues. When taken orally it is absorbed at a rate approaching 90% and is generally well tolerated. Its deficiency in humans has not been reported.
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| Remedy For |
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Osteoarthritis.
Kidney stones.
Minor injuries.
Wound healing.
Obesity.
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| Prevention |
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Tendon injuries (not conclusively confirmed).
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| Usage Directions |
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Healthy people do not need to routinely supplement with glucosamine sulfate. Most research with people who have osteoarthritis uses 500 mg three times per day. For obese patients, a typical daily dose is 20 mg/kg body weight. Full benefits take 4 to 6 weeks to develop. Appropriate levels for other conditions remain unclear.
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| Sources |
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Glucosamine sulfate does not appear in significant amounts in most diets. Supplemental sources are derived from seashells.
Glucosamine is often sold in combination with chondroitin sulfate. Preliminary information from one animal study suggests that this combination may be superior to either treatment alone.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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Glucosamine sulfate appears to be essentially nontoxic. At the amount most frequently taken by adults—500 mg three times per day—toxicity has not been reported.
A large open study showed a 12% incidence of side effects, mainly mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress. Double-blind studies show an incidence of side effects comparable to that of placebo.
Evidence from animal studies suggests that glucosamine may increase insulin resistance in diabetics. It also may increase the rate of glycosylation of tissues such as the lens, thereby increasing risk of long-term diabetes side effects.
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| Overdose |
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Acute Overdose: None
Chronic Overdose: None
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| Caution |
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There are no well-known drug interactions with glucosamine sulfate.
Some glucosamine sulfate is processed with sodium chloride (table salt), which is restricted in some diets particularly for people with high blood pressure.
Results of a study suggest that patients on diuretics might need to take higher doses of glucosamine for full effect. No other drug interactions are known. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been performed.
Safety for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or renal disease has not been established.
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