What is Glucosamine?

What is glucosamine? What Are the glucosamine benefits? Are there any glucosamine side effects?

Glucosamine studies reveal that this supplement is great for your joints and can help with arthritis as it stimulates proteins that build cartilage. It has been shown to reduce pain and improve range of motion and some even claim it can stop the progression of arthritis. It is considered a safe supplement as very few glucosamine side effects have been seen.

What is glucosamine made of?

Glucosamine is found naturally in your joints and cartilage. As you age, depletion of this nutrient can cause thinning of the cartilage. Glucosamine is basically derived from cartilage. It contains the shells of shrimp and crabs and sometimes cow cartilage mixed with sugar. Glucosamine benefits result directly from this extra boost in helping the body build cartilage.

Glucosamine benefits can be seen by anyone who has joint problems - from minor to severe. Glucosamine studies done on postmenopausal women with knee arthritis had favorable results and also indicated that it could work on any weight bearing joint.

What is the right dosage?

No glucosamine studies have been conducted to determine dosage. In most studies, glucosamine benefits have been seen when taking 1500 mg a day spaced out into 3 separate applications.

Glucosamine Side Effects

While there have been no severe reported side effects from glucosamine, somehave reported an increase in gas and softened stools. It should be noted that studies on this supplement are fairly new so there may be long term side effects not yet discovered. Since glucosamine is made from shell fish products, anyone allergic to shell fish should avoid it.

As with any supplement, consult your physician before taking.