Glucosamine

Edited by Paolo Navone

Glucosamine is an amino sugar, an important precursor in cartilage biosynthesis.

Cartilage acts as a shock absorber for joints. Think of a water sphere and a large sponge inside it: when you press your hand towards the center of the sphere, the pressure moves from side to side, and the water is redistributed in response to pressure. In this way the cartilage responds to leaps, twists and acts as a protector of bones and joints. With age and use, the cartilage loses this resilience, just as if the sponge in the sphere dried. The resulting pain and inflammation are signs of a disease known as osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis.

People with these conditions are often suggested that "the disease can only get worse". This is actually not true. Many doctors today agree that the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis can slowly improve with exercise, physical therapy, and oral administration of injected anti-inflammatory or corticosteroids. This approach is intended to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, resulting in short-term relief. Unfortunately, however, there are often side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems or local irritation associated with the use of steroid and non-steroid anti-inflammatories.

These types of surgery can also treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but they do not treat the root of the problem.

But what does all this have to do with a healthy young athlete? With the stress and the passing of the years, with our intense workouts, we become more and more susceptible to the onset of osteoarthritis, even if we don't realize it. We are not machines, and even if we were in the long run some pieces would wear out; so why wait for the problem to arise and then treat it instead of preventing it and treating it?

Until a few years ago vitamin and mineral supplementation for joint health has often been neglected. It is scientifically proven that about 75-80% of people treated with glucosamine have reported drastic improvements in pain and mobility. However, due to the limited clinical references and the "fight" against food supplements, most doctors remain skeptical about it.

To understand the theoretical functioning of glucosamine sulfate we need to have a picture of how the cartilage is made and how it works. The main components of cartilage are glycosaminoglycans, water, hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, chondroitin sulfate molecules, collagen and elastin. All these components are held together in a collagen matrix (like a sponge holds water); together, they form the cushioning and smooth sliding of the joints. In order to maintain these cartilage properties, a person needs a diet rich in nutrients and a large supply of glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate and proteoglycans, otherwise the cartilage degenerates more easily.

The research, focusing on the prevention of osteoarthritis, seems to indicate the use of glucosamine sulfate to protect and repair proteoglycans in cartilage. Glucosamine, in fact, is important for regulating the formation of cartilage and supporting its metabolism, favoring greater production of collagen and proteoglycans; it also stimulates the production of synovial hyaluronic acid, which acts as a cushion and lubricant in the synovial fluid.

How much glucosamine do we need? The optimal dose depends on weight; however it is between 1000mg and 2000mg daily. Most people will not notice a dramatic improvement before 4 weeks of continuous integration at the appropriate doses.

As a personal experience, I can say that two of my clients in particular had very beneficial effects and were very satisfied, even though at first they were very skeptical, also telling me that I was not a doctor! I take this opportunity to greet them and wish you all good (fine) holidays!