Generality
Glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide naturally present in the human body, where it represents a constitutional element of biologically valuable molecules, such as glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid and heparan-sulfate.
Extracted from the exoskeleton of small marine crustaceans, glucosamine is now commercially available in the form of supplements intended for the maintenance of joint health, especially during inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Indications
Why is glucosamine used? What is it for?
Although glucosamine has been used for several years in the management of joint pathologies, particularly osteoarthritis, its mechanism of action has not yet been fully characterized.
While glucosamine is part of the formation of Glycosaminoglycans (macromolecules capable of stabilizing the extracellular matrix, both mechanically and functionally), on the other it also seems to perform a contextual, albeit modest, anti-inflammatory activity.
Both of these activities would play a key role in safeguarding the functionality of the joint.
More precisely, they would contribute, as observed in some studies, both to the synthesis of aggrecans and to the maintenance of the appropriate quantity of synovial fluid.
All this would reduce the risk of unpleasant frictions affecting the bony heads involved in the joint, preserving their integrity with positive implications in the prevention and treatment of arthrosic processes.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefit has glucosamine shown during the studies?
Having overcome the initial skepticism of the experts in the field, concerning the real biological and clinical potential of the substance, several clinical trials have highlighted the usefulness of glucosamine for joint health.
In these studies the use of glucosamine, alone or in association with chondroitin, would have determined:
- A reduction in joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis;
- A reduction in joint inflammatory processes in patients with osteoarthritis;
- A general improvement in the mobility of the joint affected by the inflammatory process;
- An appreciable histological improvement;
- A slowdown in the progression of osteoarthritic pathology, reported by radiographic evidence;
- A reduction in anti-inflammatory drugs used for the management of the underlying pathology.
Despite the interesting evidences listed, obtained by re-reading numerous clinical trials with thousands of enrolled patients, other authors would instead keep their distance from these results, emphasizing the importance of drug therapy and the usefulness of supplementation with glucosamine as an adjuvant.
Doses and method of use
How to use glucosamine
The currently recommended glucosamine dosage is 1, 500 mg, divided into at least 3 intakes.
Currently it is possible to find integrators of:
- Glucosamine hydrochloride with a 83% glucosamine yield;
- Glucosamine sulfate with a glucosamine yield of 65%;
- N-Acetyl Glucosamine with a yield of glucosamine of 75%.
Regardless of the form of glucosamine used, the dosage does not undergo any notable changes.
Side effects
Adverse reactions observed following glucosamine use generally turned out to be of modest clinical importance.
Gastric pyrosis, abdominal disconfort and diarrhea were the most frequently observed side effects.
The incidence of allergic reactions has been decidedly rare.
Contraindications
When should glucosamine not be used?
The use of glucosamine is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to the products from which it is extracted (allergy to crustaceans).
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can change the effect of glucosamine?
Given the ability of glucosamine to induce insulin resistance, it would be appropriate for patients undergoing hypoglycemic drug therapy to evaluate the adequacy of therapy and the possible need to correct dosages with their doctor.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking glucosamine?
Given the lack of studies on the safety profile of glucosamine taken during pregnancy and lactation, it is not recommended to take it at these stages of life.
In light of some noteworthy experimental evidence, the use of glucosamine is contraindicated in case of type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
