Glucosamine

Naturally present in our bodies the chemical glucosamine sulfate, often shortened to glucosamine, makes up the fluid and tissue that surrounds our joints.

As we get older, our natural levels of glucosamine tend to drop, resulting in several potential age-related health conditions.

Glucosamine is also found in non-human tissue and has been observed in shellfish shells, fungi and animal bones. However, there are very few food sources of glucosamine.

While many glucosamine supplements contain lab-produced glucosamine, some are made using natural sources, with some even containing shark cartilage.

This amino sugar is used by the body to create a variety of chemicals that are needed for the building of joints, tendons and ligaments as well as synovial fluid, the fluid that surrounds and protects joints.

There are a number of different versions of glucosamine, not just glucosamine sulfate. 

These others, including glucosamine hydrochloride (or glucosamine HCL), and N-acetyl glucosamine, have the same uses as glucosamine sulfate but they tend to be less effective when used in a supplement.

Many supplements contain additional ingredients which some think make glucosamine more effective. 

These include chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This combination, as found in Solgar glucosamine chondroitin MSM, is particularly popular.

A dose of 1500mg of glucosamine sulphate is usual, taken at once or in two or three doses throughout the day.

Most people take glucosamine without feeling any ill effects.

However, some people report experiencing heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea or constipation after taking glucosamine supplements.

There are some people for whom glucosamine is not suitable. For example, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those taking the blood-thinning drug Coumadin or topoisomerase II inhibitors for cancer.

There is some evidence that glucosamine may not be suitable for asthmatics or people with diabetes. However, research is ongoing. 

Those with glaucoma should consult their GP before taking glucosamine supplements and it is recommended to stop taking supplements two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Glucosamine may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies because the shells used in some supplements have been in contact with shellfish meat.