Effect of Glucosamine ? Glucosamine is a substance often used by active athletes to prevent arthritis. If you have been exercising recently and you are an adult, if you exercise intensively and are still growing, or if you just want to take care of your joints – get acquainted with this substance! Glucosamine is a substance often used by active athletes to prevent arthritis. If you have been exercising recently and you are an adult, if you exercise intensively and are still growing, or if you just want to take care of your joints – get acquainted with this substance!
Table of Contents
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide found in chitin and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid and heparan sulfate. In the form of an acetylated derivative-N-acetyl-glucosamine, it is included in the composition of more complex carbohydrates such as glycoproteins, which are an integral part of connective tissue. Glucosamine is the building block of keratin and hyaluronic acid. Glucosamine is a natural substance for the human body and its highest concentrations are concentrated in cartilage and joints.
Although more difficult, glucosamine can be obtained from food sources. Most natural sources are animal. Glucosamine is found in some seafood, with the highest concentrations in shellfish shells, but it is also the most common source of allergic reactions to glucosamine. High concentrations of glucosamine are found in animal bones, and the richest non-animal source is some fungi, including Aspergillus Niger.
Types of glucosamine
There are mainly two types of glucosamine on the market – sulfate and hydrochloride. Glucosamine sulfate can be obtained in the laboratory, using saccharides and glutamine, or extracted from natural sources, such as crustacean shells. That is why we recommend those allergic to crustaceans to carefully monitor the labels of products and sources of glucosamine in them.
Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) is an alternative form of glucosamine sulfate and research on it at this stage is too little. The more chemically derived glucosamine hydrochloride has poorer tissue digestibility and concentration than the sulphate form.
In recent years, plant glucosamine has appeared on the market, which is practically glucosamine hydrochloride, but obtained naturally. The main source of plant glucosamine is the fungus Aspergillus niger, which is also popular for its content of anti-inflammatory proteolytic enzymes.
Some studies have shown some benefits of using plant glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis and pain relief, but more in-depth analysis is needed. Plant glucosamine is a great choice for those allergic to seafood who are prevented from using glucosamine sulfate therapy.
How is glucosamine absorbed by the body?
It is absorbed in the small intestine and then transferred to the liver and joints. A 2001 study in Italy showed that after taking 314 mg of crystalline glucosamine sulphate, labeled and monitored by ion exchange chromatography, blood counts and faecal mass analysis, its absorption was not less than 88.7% of the original dose.
The researchers concluded that the high digestibility is due to the presence of bifidobacteria, which accelerate the metabolism of glucosamine in the small intestine.
The forms glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride are considered to have higher digestibility, with the highest values of glucosamine sulphate, which reach not less than 88.7% digestibility. Compared to it, pure glucosamine is absorbed only up to 26%. In addition, glucosamine sulfate has a longer half-life and higher concentrations in tissues and circulating levels.
What is its main physiological effect?
It is used to slow down the damage caused by arthritis, but can help athletes who have joint pain.
What are the optimal doses?
The recommended dose of glucosamine is 300-500 mg, divided into three doses. Taken in this way, glucosamine is safe for health.
Some of the positive properties of glucosamine are dose-dependent, and in some studies up to 2000-3000 mg per day is used, which is not recommended for unattended use. Due to the properties of glucosamine to irritate the stomach, mandatory food intake is recommended.
Possible harmful / side effects when taking glucosamine
Some people may be allergic to glucosamine. The allergic reaction is swelling of the joints and pain in them. If you feel something like this, then you are allergic and should not use glucosamine-based supplements.
The main reason for a possible allergic reaction is the use of glucosamine from marine sources, most often crustaceans. In fact, allergies to crustaceans are widespread. In such cases, the use of glucosamine hydrochloride, which is most often extracted from plant sources, is recommended.
Glucosamine is not recommended for sensitive stomachs or gastritis and ulcers. American and European scientists have reached a consensus on the complete safety and lack of side effects and toxicity of glucosamine at the recommended doses of up to 1500 mg. Studies have not found any side effects when using 2000 mg per day. Intravenous use of glucosamine has been shown to impair insulin sensitivity and such use is not recommended in diabetics or pre-diabetics.
Which supplements are a major source of glucosamine?
It is available in three forms – glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate and H-acetyl-glycosamine, as H-acetyl glucosamine is almost non-existent, and most experts in the field do not consider it a source of glucosamine.
The nutritional supplements it contains accelerate the recovery of the joints and the immune system. They can be both stand-alone (containing only glucosamine) and complex, which may also contain chondroitin – a substance with a similar effect, or methylsulfonylmethane, which is a type of organic sulfur. A similar product is NOW Foods Glucosamine Chondroitin & MSM.
Complex complexes of substances are becoming more and more popular, which, in addition to the traditional ingredients for joints, also include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and herbs with anti-inflammatory effect. One of the most popular high-end joint and cartilage products is Universal Animal Flex. The supplements are most often sold in tablets, with a glucosamine content of 500 to 2000 mg. Powder and liquid formulations are now increasingly being discovered.
The stand-alone products can usually be found under the names Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine HCL, offering products with a concentration of 500 and 1000 mg in one capsule. You can find similar ones in the sports and diet food centers in the country, in some gyms and pharmacies or order them online.
What to combine glucosamine with?
At this stage, there is a sufficiently broad scientific basis that reveals potential benefits in combining glucosamine with similar substances.
One of the most popular combinations is glucosamine with chondroitin. At this stage, in-vitro studies confirm the synergistic effect between the two substances, while direct studies in humans have more moderate results. Chondroitin itself complements the effect of glucosamine by regulating swelling in inflamed areas.
Another popular substance with which glucosamine is combined is methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Although the combination of the two substances has not been shown to regulate pain and suppress inflammation to a greater extent than taken alone, the combination of glucosamine and MSM regulates swelling in problem areas and improves motor activity in patients with osteoarthritis.
In the long run, combining glucosamine with fish oil has a more potent effect than using glucosamine alone. However, to feel a significant difference, long-term therapy lasting at least 6 months and providing at least 600 mg of EPA and DHA daily is needed.
One of the most successful synergistic combinations of glucosamine is with the Ayurvedic herb boswellia sulfate. Intake of 125 mg / kg body weight of both substances has been shown to have the equivalent effect of 100 mg ibuprofen in the treatment of arthritis.
It is a misconception that glucosamine is a natural substitute for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Combination of glucosamine with ibuprofen demonstrates stronger pain suppression compared to ibuprofen alone. In fact, glucosamine potentiates the effects of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
What are the additional physiological effects of glucosamine?
Proven claims:
-
glucosamine helps heal skin wounds;
-
slows down the loss of integumentary cartilage on the joint surfaces – the effect has been observed in a number of studies and for now I trust them. The route of action has not been demonstrated, whether by inhibiting the activity of signaling molecules with an inflammatory effect (IL-1beta), by inhibiting the chemical translation of catabolic genes in the DNA chains of chondrocytes (and thus reducing their catabolic and possibly increasing their anabolic activity) or by biosynthesis of matrix cartilage tissue;
- the use of doses up to 3000 mg of glucosamine daily demonstrates a decrease in biomarkers for collagen degradation; at this stage,
- there is strong evidence that glucosamine helps reduce pain and improve mobility in Kashin-Beck disease, which has a similar pathology to osteoarthritis;
- reduces the pain of strength training in osteoarthritis, but its effect is weaker than ibuprofen. Has little effect on power and power performance;
- reduces joint pain in osteoarthritis. Interestingly, a more significant effect was observed in subjects with more severe pain and symptoms;
- also serves as a building material of cartilage tissue;
- the effect of glucosamine is greater if taken by injection (intravenously or intramuscularly).
Unproven theories and assumptions:
-
slows the development of osteoarthritis if taken in the initial phase of development;
-
stimulates the production of synovial / lubricating / fluid in the joint capsules and ensures the smooth movement of the joints;
- helps build new cartilage – a heavily criticized claim, years of research are needed to confirm it. At this stage, in-vitro tests and glucosamine injection give promising results, but oral administration is not considered effective due to the low amounts of glucosamine that reach the blood;
- potential properties for reducing pain and improving functionality in osteoarthritis of the jaw, but at this stage there is insufficient evidence to confirm a similar effect.
Why take glucosamine? effect of Glucosamine
With age, the concentration in his body decreases, due to which the required dose of it increases. The most popular glucosamine compound is glucosamine sulfate. It is usually included in the composition of supplements. The best way to take glucosamine is to consult and see a doctor with an orthopedist / endocrinologist, conduct research and analysis of risk factors and possibly prescribe maintenance and preventive systemic use of glucosamine.
According to OARSI (International Osteoarthritis Research Society), glucosamine is still the second most effective means of combating advanced osteoarthritis. The European League Against Rheumatism recognizes glucosamine sulfate as the most proven tool in the fight against osteoarthritis of the knee, giving it ratings for evidence “1A” and recommendations “A”.
Criticism of glucosamine
The world of science disagrees on whether glucosamine works as expected and as prescribed by orthopedists. While some studies show that it has no real benefit in fighting osteoarthritis, others confirm its ability to reduce pain and slow the progression of these diseases.
International institutions also disagree. While glucosamine is recommended by the International Osteoarthritis Research Society (OARSI) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), other organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and Clinical Achievement of the United Kingdom and the American College of Rheumatology consider its use ineffective. Whereas years ago glucosamine was seen (and advertised) as a means of helping to restore cartilage, now it is referred to as a means of prevention and early treatment. Its future will be even clearer in the next 10 years.
effect of Glucosamine
Sources used for effect of Glucosamine :
- Herrero-Beaumont G, Rovati LC, Castañeda S, Alvarez-Soria MA, Largo R. The reverse glucosamine sulfate pathway: application in knee osteoarthritis. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2007 Feb;8(2):215-25. Review. PMID: 17257091
- Chu SC, Yang SF, Lue KH, Hsieh YS, Lee CY, Chou MC, Lu KH. Glucosamine sulfate suppresses the expressions of urokinase plasminogen activator and inhibitor and gelatinases during the early stage of osteoarthritis. Clin Chim Acta. 2006 Oct;372(1-2):167-72. Epub 2006 Jun 6. PMID: 16756968
- Towheed TE, Maxwell L, Anastassiades TP, Shea B, Houpt J, Robinson V, Hochberg MC, Wells G. Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD002946. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002946.pub2.
- Setnikar I, Rovati LC. “Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of glucosamine sulfate.” Arzneimittelforschung. 2001 Sep;51(9):699-725. Review. PMID: 11642003 Scientific Department, Rotta Research Laboratorium, Monza, Italy.
- Hathcock JN, Shao A Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate . Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. (2007)
- Lippiello L Collagen Synthesis in tenocytes, ligament cells and chondrocytes exposed to a combination of Glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate . Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2007)
- Hochberg MC, Clegg DO Potential effects of chondroitin sulfate on joint swelling: a GAIT report . Osteoarthritis Cartilage. (2008)
- Usha PR, Naidu MU Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis . Clin Drug Investig. (2004)
- Selvan T, et al A clinical study on glucosamine sulfate versus combination of glucosamine sulfate and NSAIDs in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis . ScientificWorldJournal. (2012)
People who look for effect of Glucosamine also look for :
Fish and its ingredients – do you know what are its advantages ?
The Link between Omega-3 and Children’s Growth
Zinc and Digestibility – How Does zinc Helps you ?
Insulin Resistance – What can deprive us of the irreplaceable Insulin
effect of Glucosamine
