Glucosamine Benefits For Joint Health

Most of us have read about or heard reports that glucosamine benefits our joint health, but do we really know what glucosamine actually is?

Amino Acid and Glucose together make glucosamine, which helps to generate cartilage and connective tissue in our bodies. Glucosamine is naturally found in healthy cartilage which ensures that the body's joints are flexible and properly absorbing water to remain lubricated.

As we get older, our bodies may not be able to keep up with the demand for glucosamine so supplementing becomes beneficial.

Possible Glucosamine Side Effects You Should Know About

Some people can experience mild stomach upset as a glucosamine side effect. Other minor complaints may include:

drowsiness insomnia headache skin reactions sun sensitivity and nail toughening

Anyone who is allergic to shellfish should not take glucosamine, which can be made from the shells of shrimp, crab and other shellfish. Glucosamine benefits may not outweigh the risk of an allergic reaction, so consult your health care provider.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid it because there isn't enough data to prove its safety yet.

There is some evidence that insulin resistance may develop from use of the sulfate form of glucosamine, which is a serious issue in this generation of increased diabetes.

Glucosamine sulfate may also decrease the metabolic actions of insulin. However, many factors can affect insulin secretion and blood sugar levels if you are a diabetic, so always check your blood sugar levels frequently if adding glucosamine to your diet. And of course, only take glucosamine under the guidance of a qualified health professional.

N Acetyl Glucosamine May Be The Best Option

N Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is a higher quality form of glucosamine which isn't readily available on a supermarket shelf. Supplementing with NAG may give the most glucosamine benefits.

The two other commonly used forms of glucosamine on the market are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. As stated earlier, there is some evidence that insulin resistance may develop from the use of these, so I prefer to stay away from those.

NAG is entirely different than either glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride and it appears to be handled by the body differently. NAG has a more complex molecule which is larger, attached to it.

Sulfate or hydrochloric glucosamine can pass out of the body if you don't have certain enzymes present to properly utilize them. Several studies suggest that the unique form of glucosamine, N Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG), can be more easily utilized by some people. *

Results of Glucosamine Studies

One of the leading medical journals, The Lancet, was featured in a report on MSNBC in 2001. The Lancet found that results of glucosamine studies showed glucosamine did, in fact, provide benefits for those suffering from Osteoarthritis. It stated, "previous studies had indicated that Glucosamine could dull the pain of arthritis, but experts say the latest study shows for the first time that it could improve the structure of the joints."

One study was with 212 people who have osteoarthritis of the knee. In this 3 year study, half were given placebo and the other half received glucosamine. Participants who received glucosamine showed reduced symptoms when compared to those who took placebo.

Natural Remedies For Arthritis

Glucosamine benefits are good news for those suffering from joint pain and stiffness. It is becoming well known among the list of natural remedies for arthritis and joint pain.

Finding a superior glucosamine supplement on your grocery store aisle is not likely to happen. Look for a product made with the higher quality N Acetyl Glucosamine for best results.