Glucosamine

Learn more about glucosamine food supplements.

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of glucosamine before. Maybe you’ve read about it online, in the newspaper or in a lifestyle magazine. Interest has been growing in glucosamine over the last few years with more and more supplements coming on the market, many of which are available here at Holland & Barrett. 

If you already know what you’re looking for, you’ll be pleased to hear we stock glucosamine supplements in many forms, including glucosamine capsules with cod liver oil, glucosamine tablets and even glucosamine skin gels. If you're new to this increasingly popular supplement, however, keep reading for a full breakdown.

What is glucosamine?

What exactly is glucosamine, and what are its so-called benefits? As with many supplements, including iron and zinc, glucosamine is already found in the body. An amino sugar, glucosamine is a building block for tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Glucosamine is also forms part of  the synovial fluid that surrounds your joints and helps to cushion them.

Over time, and helped on by certain conditions, the body’s cartilage can begin to break and thin out, which causes those same joints and tendons to work harder.

Many people believe taking glucosamine in supplement form may provide additional support to joint and cartilage tissues. . Of course, as with many food supplements, glucosamine is under constant review by medical experts to see if supplements containing glucosamine are useful. 

Different types of glucosamine and where it comes from

It’s important to note there are different types of glucosamine. The most common is glucosamine sulfate, but glucosamine chondroitin (which contains another compound found in the body) and glucosamine hydrochloride are also available. 

While there’s little research to separate the three, some claim glucosamine hydrochloride may be absorbed better by the body, although everyone reacts differently. Choosing between them often depends on what products are most suitable to you -e.g., suitable for vegans. Did you know we stock more than capsules? On our site you’ll find glucosamine supplements in all different forms, including:

• Glucosamine with cod liver oil and multivitamins
• Glucosamine for pets
• Glucosamine gels
• Glucosamine patches with added aromatherapy oils
• Glucosamine juices with collagen

As for where glucosamine comes from, this naturally occurring chemical compound has multiple sources but is commonly extracted from shells and shellfish. Believe it or not, the list even includes crab and lobster shells, where it’s in high supply.

But don’t worry if you’re vegan, vegetarian or allergic to shellfish, glucosamine can also be grown and made into supplement form in a laboratory. You’ll find these in capsule or tablet form on our online store with products clearly marked ‘suitable for vegetarians or ‘suitable for vegans’, including own-brand quality products from us.

Try glucosamine from Holland & Barrett

Now you know more about glucosamine and the reasons behind its increasing popularity, take a look at the products on offer on our website. As with all food supplements, glucosamine should not replace your daily meals. Read the instructions on the back for dosage advice and speak to a physician or your GP if you’re unsure about anything.