Facts about Glucosamine
Uses and Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses
Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings
Common Drug Interactions
Dosage & How to Take It

GS is either made synthetically or from marine exoskeletons (shrimp, lobster and crabs). The form GS is made synthetically. GS is needed by your body to make products (mucopolysaccharides) for forming and regenerating tendons, cartilage, ligaments and synovial fluid (fluids found in the joints). As we age, we loose some of it in our body, causing the cartilage to thin.

A quick review of literatures shows that more studies are done with GS than the hydrochloride form. Studies done with GS give better results than with the hydrochloride form. Thus we recommend that it is best to use GS rather than the hydrochloride form.

Most studies measure pain relief when doing research on GS. The perception of pain is very subjective and varies a lot from individual to individual. There are very little studies that looked at the actual joint by x-ray or arthroscopy. One study showed that GS made a modest improvement in the quality of the cartilage of the knee joint.

More research studies are available for GS than with the hydrochloride form. As sulfate is also required for making and repairing cartilage, researchers believe that using GS rather than hydrochloride form would be a better choice.

Absolutely. GS and combination supplements have been used safely in dogs by vets to treat arthritis. It is definitely worthwhile to give it a try for your beloved pet. The good news is that there are no "placebo" problems when you give it to your canine or feline! They have no clue as to what you are giving to them. If it works, you'll absolutely know that it is not because it's in their head!

There are positive results in studies of using supplements containing GS in animals such as dogs and cats.

You can buy the formulation sold in pharmacies or health food stores designed for human use (perhaps in the liquid formulation). This will save you money as the pet specific formulation do cost more money.

Many people is under the false impression that glucosamine sulfate (GS) is designed to help with arthritis pain. It is not a pain relief medication in itself; it is designed to provide more of the substance needed to allow the cartilage to regenerate and repair itself.

It could take many months, and possibly upwards of a year before you get pain relief from taking GS. However, some people can get relief from pain in as short as a week. It all depends on the severity of the arthritis problem.

It all depends on the health status of your joints. GS may not be able to repair severely damaged arthritic joints. However, it is shown that GS can prevent further joint damage and at the least, slow down the progression of this debilitating disease.

Yes. Chondroitin is also needed and studies show that you get better pain relief than just taking glucosamine by itself.  This combination is the what we suggest you take. You may also want to consider taking MSM as well. These three combinations are often found in products marketed to treat arthritis pain.

GS might cause stomach related side effects such as bloating and cramps. Other side effects reported include constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, headaches and skin rash.

Some studies suggest that GS might affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes but additional studies done showed no such effects. This is not a significant risk if your diabetes condition is under control. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely when you start glucosamine.

A review of current research shows that GS does not affect the cholesterol levels or blood pressure.

Topically applied GS cream are safe. Some combination of glucosamine creams might contain other ingredients (such as capsaicin) that might cause skin irritation and a burning sensation.

GS can increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin or ASA (Aspirin). Monitor closely when you start or stop taking GS while on warfarin. Consult a healthcare profession and report any usual bleeding.

Monitor blood sugar levels if you are starting on GS.

The typical dosage of GS is 500 mg taken three times daily.

GS can also be taken as 750mg twice daily.

Often, GS is combined with other products such as chondroitin, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), bromelain, boswellia and/or devil's claw.

Various GS cream formulations also contain menthol, camphor, capsaicin, chondroitin, MSM and/or Celadrin. They are all applied by rubbing onto the affected joints two to four times daily.

GS can be found in powder, liquid, tablet and capsule formulation either alone or with other supplements.

Selected References
Updated: March 4, 2010