What is Glucosamine?
If you suffer from joint pains or arthritis, you may have heard about Glucosamine as an effective arthritis supplement. Some scientific studies have shown that glucosamine appears to help arthritis sufferers. However, a Cochrane systematic review has determined that no evidence supports the recommendation for glucosamine.
Based on that review, it is not possible to recommend glucosamine as an arthritis cure.
What is Glucosamine?
If you haven’t heard about it, glucosamine is a natural supplement that was thought to reverse arthritic changes plus ease arthritis pain.
Glucosamine Side Effects?
In studies, comparing Glucosamine Sulphate with placebo (people taking an ineffective tablet), there was no side effects difference. Studies have also shown that the long-term use (greater than three years) of Glucosamine Sulphate appears safe.
Who Should NOT take Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar derived from chitin, the main structural element of crustacean (eg crabs, lobster, and prawns) shell.
- Due to the origin of glucosamine being shellfish, those with an allergy to shellfish should not take glucosamine.
- As yet, Glucosamine Sulphate has not been widely tested in pregnant or lactating women. We advise you not to take it until further evidence is available.
- We advise you to consult your doctor prior to taking Glucosamine if you are currently taking Warfarin.
- Tests on diabetic patients have shown it has no effect on blood sugar levels.
How Does Glucosamine Compare To Your Current Medication?
Trials have compared glucosamine with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The good news is that glucosamine has been demonstrated to have equivalent or superior pain control with significantly less toxicity than the NSAID’s. But to be honest, more scientific studies need to be carried out to determine the effectiveness of glucosamine.
What Are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s)
NSAIDs are the most widely prescribed medication for osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, they have numerous side effects including increased likelihood of stroke and blood pressure issues. NSAID’s are estimated in the U.S. alone to cause as many as 16,500 deaths and more than 100,000 hospitalizations annually, due to gastric bleeding. There is also early evidence to suggest that these drugs may also be toxic to articular cartilage, hastening the deterioration of your articular cartilage.
Common Brands of NSAID’s include: Mobic, Celebrex, Vioxx, Voltaren, Naprosyn, Feldene, Prexige, Brufen, Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Indocid, Aspirin
