Glucosamine is clinically proven to protect joints

It is no open secret that during intense sports or hard physical work the joints are highly stressed. Dylant for articular cartilaginous tissue, affected by osteoarthritis. This is a slowly progressive disease. Over time, the joints can no longer perform their functions, they become painful, deformed: the body, to reduce the load on the surfaces of the joints, reacts – new bone tissue is formed – it will grow. Don’t worry, a natural substance that has been discovered and confirmed by clinical studies to help regenerate joint cartilage and renew its surface is glucosamine.

Glucosamine is a natural compound of carbohydrates and proteins (aminopolysaccharide). It is extracted from the shells of marine crustaceans. Glucosamine is included in the composition of joint fluid, tendons, skin, heart valves, eyes and connective tissue. It is especially abundant in articular cartilage. Over the years, the body produces less and less glucosamine, which causes degenerative processes in the joints.

Effects of glucosamine

• Reduces joint pain, inflammation;
• Weakens the cause of pain;
• By stimulating collagen synthesis, it helps renew the cartilaginous structure of damaged joints;
• Gives firmness to the cartilage;
• Slows the progression of joint diseases;
• It reduces the amount of oxalates in the urine and therefore prevents the formation of kidney stones.

There is evidence that glucosamine also has antiviral, anticancer, immunostimulant and cholesterol-lowering properties. It is necessary for the protection of the mucosa of the digestive tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract. Important for maintaining healthy skin. It is necessary for the formation of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which retain moisture in the skin, give firmness and promote wound healing.

Glucosamine compounds

Glucosamine can occur in a variety of compounds, of which the four most commonly used are:

• Glucosamine sulfate
• Glucosamine hydrochloride
• Glucosamine hydroiodide
• N-acetyl glucosamine.

You should pay attention to which glucosamine compound is included in the selected supplement. The performance of glucosamine sulfate is based on clinical studies, proven safety, good tolerance and high performance. It is the only original crystalline oral glucosamine sulfate used in the treatment of osteoarthritis worldwide.

Clinical studies

Since 1990, more than 50 studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Many studies had weaknesses and problems with the analysis and presentation of results.

1. Research data was published in 2005, confirming that glucosamine sulfate works as a medicine. This is the first study to analyze the pharmacokinetics and absorption of glucosamine sulfate in humans. It is quickly absorbed into the blood plasma and reaches the site of the damaged joint, inhibits inflammatory and degenerative processes, which explains its effect in the treatment of arthrosis. From the onset of the first symptoms of osteoarthritis, the prescription of glucosamine sulphate can prevent or slow down the development of degenerative joint diseases and avoid surgery.

2. 80 hospitalized patients with established arthritis participated in a double-blind study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I received two 250 mg capsules of glucosamine sulfate and the other group received a placebo. Each group was administered 3 times a day for 30 days. Four patients (2 from one group and 2 from the other group) and two healthy subjects underwent urine and blood tests. Overall symptoms were reduced twice as much in patients treated with glucosamine sulfate compared to those treated with placebo.

3. A double-blind study with 252 patients with knee arthritis who had symptoms for at least 6 months. They were divided into 2 groups, they were given 250 mg glucosamine sulfate tablets and the other group received a placebo (3 times a day). The study was conducted for 4 weeks. A statistically significant difference between placebo and glucosamine sulfate has been demonstrated, but the studies remain questionable due to the short duration of use.

4. Another study with 212 patients with knee arthritis. One group received glucosamine sulfate and the other group received a placebo. The study was conducted for 3 years. The aim was to demonstrate whether glucosamine slows the deterioration of knee cartilage in osteoarthritis. The results showed that the symptoms of patients who received glucosamine sulfate did not differ from those who received a placebo.

5. A study involving 319 menopausal women. While taking glucosamine sulfate, the narrowing of the knee joint cavity did not change, while in those taking a placebo, the narrowing changed by 0.33 mm.

6. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with randomized participants, 15,000 mg of glucosamine sulfate daily significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis over a 3-year period compared to placebo. The mean progressive joint space narrowing in the placebo group was -0.31 mm, but there was no joint space narrowing in the glucosamine group (+0.07 mm). The osteoarthritis index, a measure of joint pain, stiffness and physical function, was significantly better in the glucosamine sulfate group (-24.3%) than in the placebo group (+9.8%).

7. Study with 142 patients with knee osteoarthritis. One group took glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg per day), the other group – glucosamine hydrochloride (1440 mg per day). Both supplements have been proven to be equally effective and safe.

8. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies have been conducted. The effect of glucosamine was compared with that of ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Ibuprofen had a quicker onset of action, but after 4 weeks the effect was the same. However, ibuprofen caused side reactions (especially in the digestive organs).

There are currently around 30 different glucosamine-based preparations on the Lithuanian market. To choose an effective glucosamine sulfate, you need to pay attention to several essential points:

• What is the active ingredient of the preparation;
• How much glucosamine is in a daily dose;
• Have clinical studies demonstrated the effectiveness of glucosamine in the preparation? and whether the preparation is safe.

Use of glucosamine

It is released in tablets, capsules, powder, cream and liquid forms. It is recommended to take 500 to 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride per day. Glucosamine is well absorbed, so you can optionally take your entire daily dose at once. Use for a long time (about 6 months).

May alter glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. Do not use in case of shellfish allergy, because the active ingredient glucosamine is obtained from shellfish;

It is not known, but theoretically the activity of insulin and oral hypoglycemics could be reduced. Glucosamine is non-toxic and has few side effects. In rare cases, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, drowsiness, headache and skin rashes occur.

Not enough research has been conducted to prove safe use. For this reason, it is best to avoid glucosamine.