Glucosamine – what is it and how does it work? Indications, contraindications and dosage of glucosamine

Proven content

Joint pain is a problem that affects more and more people. Glucosamine is one of the most popular agents supporting the regeneration of their structure and the reduction of pain and inhibition of the destruction of cartilage. It is an organic compound from the group of amino sugars, which is a derivative of glucose. What is glucosamine? How does it work and what are the indications for its use? What side effects can it cause and who shouldn’t use it? What is it in what form and how to use it?

It has a simple molecular structure and is produced in the body from glucose and glutamine molecules with the participation of the enzyme glucosamine synthetase.

This substance is well absorbed by cartilage tissue and, thanks to its solubility in water, it is absorbed in the small intestine.

Glucosamine is an organic chemical compound that is an amine derivative of glucose. Although it is an important building block of human tissues, it is synthesized in small amounts and the ability to produce it declines with age. Therefore, over the years, there may be a need to supplement glucosamine, which is then obtained synthetically or is obtained from chitin.

Glucosamine in dietary supplements exists as glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride. In nature, glucosamine is found in the chitinous shells of crustaceans such as crayfish, crabs, clams and shrimps, and in fungal mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides.

YANGO glucosamine sulphate is available on Medonet Market alone or as part of the whole – Natural strengthening of bones and joints – YANGO supplement set.

What are the most difficult bone and joint diseases to treat? Read on: The seven worst diseases of bones and joints

This substance is physiologically synthesized from glucose and is a substrate for the biosynthesis of proteoglycans, which are part of the basic substance of cartilage. Thanks to its properties, it regenerates damaged tissue, making it stronger and more elastic.

Glucosamine acts as an adhesive that is used by chondrocytes, i.e. cartilage cells, and as a lotion, slowing down the degeneration of cartilage and supporting the regeneration of already existing degenerations.

Due to the fact that glucosamine is synthesized in small amounts by the body and these abilities decrease with age, a deficiency of this substance may occur, and, consequently, degenerative joint problems may occur.

Glucosamine, which is not available in food, often needs to be supplied to the body in the form of preparations and dietary supplements. One of its forms is glucosamine sulphate, which is very bioavailable to the body.

Try Propolia BeeYes glucosamine capsules for joints, which are available at an attractive price on Medonet Market.

Glucosamine dissolves very well in water due to its low molecular weight and is 89% absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when administered from the outside. This substance does not bind to protein and does not interact with other drugs, which is important in the case of people suffering from other diseases that require taking other preparations.

The action of glucosamine is supported in medicinal preparations available on the market by additional substances, including chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) or collagen.

Action of glucosamine with systematic admission:

1. regenerates articular cartilage;
2. reduces stiffness and joint pain;
3. supports collagen synthesis in the body;
4. prevents bone decalcification;
5. supports the treatment of joint injuries;
6. protects and strengthens ligaments and joints;
7. has anti-inflammatory properties;
8. stimulates the work of cells involved in the formation of connective tissue;
9. supports the treatment of diseases of the osteoarticular system and improves its functioning.

Medonet Market offers you and you can now order a cream with glucosamine for muscles and joints.

What should you know about osteoporosis? Check: Osteoporosis

Indications for the use of glucosamine

Glucosamine is known primarily for its positive effects on the joints. It is mainly used in the prevention and treatment of degenerative joint diseases. Among people for whom the use of glucosamine is indicated are:

1. people at risk of osteoporosis;
2. overweight and obese people;
3. people exposed to overload and joint injuries;
4. people suffering from rheumatic diseases;
5. people with degenerative diseases, especially knee degeneration;
6. the elderly to strengthen the joints;
7. people with a diet low in calcium;
8. people practicing intensively sports and experiencing pain in the area of ​​the joints;
9. prophylactically in people at risk of degeneration and diseases related to the joints;
10. people with weak hair, nails and problem skin.

What is the most common reason for severe joint pains? Check: Arthralgia

Contraindications to the use of glucosamine

Glucosamine, which occurs naturally in the body, is generally safe when taken as a supplement. This substance, despite its beneficial properties for joints, is not always indicated for use by all people as a dietary supplement.

Among contraindications to the use of glucosamine in the form of a supplement stands out:

1. allergy to seafood – people allergic to shellfish should check the source of the glucosamine they take before taking;
2. diabetes – glucosamine should not be used by people with diagnosed diabetes, because this substance is a derivative of glucose and may affect insulin levels, fluctuations in blood sugar;
3. insulin resistance – sugar metabolism disorders;
4. digestive system diseases related to digestive disorders;
5. untreated or unresponsive heart failure and disorders of the heart’s conduction system;
6. pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and breastfeeding by the mother (unless the doctor decides that the substance is needed);
7. combining glucosamine with the anticoagulant medications you are taking, which may excessively reduce blood clotting;
8. taking certain oncological drugs;
9. patient’s age – giving the preparation to children requires consultation with a doctor.

Is it possible to avoid joint diseases? Check: 200 different diseases and one question – can joint problems be avoided?

Preparations that include glucosamine are made on the basis of its sulphates and hydrochlorides, as sulphates have a high bioavailability, amounting to nearly 90%.

Efficacy of glucosamine in the form of a supplement may vary and the method of its use and dosage should be consulted with a physician.

Most commonly, glucosamine comes in the form of oral tablets or powders, intra-articular injections, or in the form of a gel and ointment.

In the case of glucosamine in tablet or powder form the dosage should be consistent with the information contained in the package. It is very important not to exceed the daily dose, i.e. not more than 500 mg 3 times a day at one time. Glucosamine tablets should be taken with a meal to prevent stomach irritation and washed down with plenty of water.

Intravenously administered glucosamine is best absorbed by the body.

In addition, there is glucosamine on the market in the form of a gel or ointment. Glucosamine gel is intended for external use and should be used 6 times a day on painful and stiff places. HAKOROŚL + GINGER + GLUCOSAMINE gel can be found in ON JOINTS – herbal set available on Medonet Market. In addition to the gel, the set includes: Fix tea FOR JOINTS and capsules HEALTHY JOINTS WITH COLLAGEN.

The dosage of glucosamine depends on many factors such as age, the type of medical condition, and the reason for its use. You can follow the information contained in the package leaflet, and in the case of reducing degenerative diseases, it is worth consulting a doctor.

The most common dosage of glucosamine is 1,5 g once a day or 3 g 0,5 times a day (i.e. 50 mg) for a minimum of 6 weeks, and preferably for a period of 2-3 months. This cycle can be repeated every 2 months. To achieve a better effect, it is worth taking a preparation containing omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin C, which increases the absorption of glucosamine by the body, together with glucosamine.

People who use glucosamine are also advised to use other agents that alleviate the symptoms of arthritis concurrently. Among them, there are: an extract from the Indian tree called boswellia, a scattered hook from Namibia (also known as the devil’s claw), celery seed extract, black cumin and cream with cayenne pepper.

What herbs can help with joint diseases? Check: Herbs for rheumatism – how do they work? Are they effective?

Side effects of using glucosamine

Naturally occurring glucosamine is well tolerated by people who additionally take it in the form of a preparation. There are no detailed studies that could confirm the occurrence of side effects after taking glucosamine.

In extreme cases, it may lead to unpleasant, temporary digestive ailments, such as flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, and epigastric pain.

Due to the fact that preparations containing glucosamine are produced from the armor of marine organisms, allergic reactions such as erythema, itching, shortness of breath may appear in people allergic to these allergens.

Glucosamine can trigger cardiac arrhythmia, a drop in blood pressure, and even heart failure in people with heart problems.

Diabetics should not reach for glucosamine without consulting a doctor, because a side effect of its use may be an increase in blood insulin levels.

Most of the side effects that may occur after ingesting glucosamine are the result of wrong dosage and the wrong way of using the drug.

What preparations are most helpful in diseases of the joints? Read: Ranking of supplements for joints – the best pills for joint problems

Glucosamine in preparations

Glucosamine occurs naturally in the human body, but in some cases it should be additionally supplied with the diet. Seafood is the most rich in this substance, especially shrimp, crabs and crayfish.

However, not everyone wants and can eat seafood on a daily basis. Therefore, the most effective way to deliver the right amount of glucosamine to the body is to use dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations.

There are many preparations on the pharmaceutical market that support the work of joints, in which glucosamine is most often in the form of glucosamine hydrochloride or sulphate. Both forms found in medicinal preparations have a similar effect and take part in the synthesis of proteoglycans, i.e. substances that build joint cartilage. The difference between them is that glucosamine sulfate has a much higher bioavailability than hydrochloride.

Most supplements that contain glucosamine are multi-ingredient products. They are enriched with additional substances such as hyaluronic acid, MSM, collagen, which, together with glucosamine, are to comprehensively take care of the health of joints and bones. There are many preparations containing glucosamine on the market. Among them, there are such dietary supplements as:

1. Glucosamine plus – containing glucosamine hydrochloride and boswellia serrate, i.e. the two most important ingredients strengthening the cartilage and joint system, the price of this supplement is about PLN 15 per package containing 90 capsules;
2. My Kościuszko dietary supplement – containing collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin C, the price of the supplement is about PLN 40 per package containing 30 capsules;
3. Olimp Gold Glucosamine 1000 – a supplement containing glucosamine sulphate and vitamin C, a package with 60 capsules costs about PLN 30;
4. OstroVit Glucosamine 1000 mg – in addition to glucosamine sulphate, it contains fillers, the cost of the preparation for 90 tablets is about PLN 24.

How to compose a diet supporting the joints? Read on: Diet for joints