Glucosamine
Contents
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that's
produced naturally in our bodies; abundantly when we are young and
gradually declining as we age. It plays a vital role in
structuring tissues, stimulating and supporting the production of
water-attracting elements that keep the level of
nourishment-filled water in our cartilage. This continuing source
of moisture and nutrients helps our body re-build injured or
worn-out tissue. Glucosamine also plays a role in constructing
nails, bones, ligaments and tendons, as well as eyes and skin.
As we age, our bodies may loose
their ability to make adequate amounts of glucosamine leading to
the gradual disintegration of weight bearing joints such as our
hips, knees and hands. This leads to the pain and distortion of
arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This
deficiency of glucosamine can't be replaced by normal diet since
it's not available in any of our primary food sources. It is,
instead, available as a supplement; prepared from chitin obtained
from shellfish and from animal connective tissues.
The first use of glucosamine as a
supplement was studied by German physicians in 1969 in several
uncontrolled studies. Subsequent trials proved positive and
glucosamine sulfate was generally approved for public use. In
1997. With the release of the best-selling book, The Arthritis
Cure, by Jason Tehodosakis, MD, the public enthusiatically
embraced its pain-relieving benefits. It is commercially available
now in three forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine
hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG).
Key Uses of Glucosamine
- The repair support of joint
tissue
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Clinical Applications
of Glucosamine
A significant number of both
placebo-controlled and smaller studies have consistently shown that
supplementation with glucosamine helps reduce articular pain, joint
tenderness, swelling, and the restriction of active movements.
Results were especially notable in patients with mild to moderate
pain, although, with adequate time, even older incidences often
began showing improvement.
How
Glucosamine Works
Glucosamine is the raw material used
by our body (chrondrocyte cells) to build glycosaminoglycans and
proteoglycans which along with collagen, are all substances which
make up our cartilage. As the amount of these substances
increases, healing of the tissues begins. These regenerating
tissues allow greater amounts of glucosamine to reach more starved
chrondrocyte cells which, again, generate more of the ingredients
we need to build more cartilage. Glucosamine's affinity with
sulphur helps attract water molecules which, when combined with
collagen fibers take on a gel-consistency. Without adequate
amounts of glucosamine, these building blocks aren't manufactured
by the body and the cartilage begins to break down.
Safety
of Glucosamine
When used as directed,
Glucosamine is generally considered safe. This has been confirmed
through several clinical trials. Side effects have been minimal
and confined to minor gastrointestinal upset. Allergic reactions
to Chitin, a carbohydrate derived from shellfish and the source of
Glucosamine, does not usually pose a limitation. Those reactions
are typically to the proteins in shellfish meat which are normally
destroyed during the processing. The Arthritis Foundation has a
similar conclusion regarding the use of Glucosamine and shellfish.
Precautions
for Glucosamine
Avoid in women who
are or wish to become pregnant. Diabetics, those with renal
impairment and those with active peptic ulcer disease should use
caution and consult with their physicians. Glucosamine should be
avoided by pregnant or nursing women, or women intending to become
pregnant, due to lack of sufficient research.
Because herbs also contain active
chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no herb
or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's
physician.
Osteoarthritis:
In most clinical trials, glucosamine sulfate 500mg three times daily
(tablets or capsules) has been used for up to 90 days.
Glucosamine Research
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