Glucosamine (updated 2023)

In humans, glucosamine occurs naturally and plays an important role. It’s also available in pill form, and it’s been shown to reduce discomfort associated with osteoarthritis of the knee in those with mild to moderate symptoms. Both hydrochloride and sulfate forms of glucosamine are common.

History

In the 1960s, researchers identified a role for glucosamine in the development and maintenance of cartilage. Though it was first put to use on horses for joint pain and other equine afflictions, the practice quickly spread to human medicine.

Glucosamine may be obtained from what kinds of foods?

There are no dietary sources of glucosamine. However, it is frequently synthesized from shellfish shells and sold as a dietary supplement.

Glucosamine can only be obtained by supplementation; it is not contained in any foods. Yet, glucosamine may be found in the shells of some shellfish, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

The National Institutes of Health reported that glucosamine is seldom present in diet and almost always in supplement form. Crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, however, have glucosamine in their shells.

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4895908/)

Glucosamine

Benefits

• Joint pain relief
• Improves joint health
• Helpful for osteoarthritis

Drawbacks

• Poss. shellfish allergen
• May cause digestive issues
• Limited research on efficacy

Glucosamine can be helpful for joint pain but has some potential downsides.

Which products break down Glucosamine?

There is no evidence that any particular foods degrade glucosamine supplementation. To avoid stomach discomfort, however, supplements should be taken during meals.

As far as we know, glucosamine supplements are not metabolized by any foods. Yet, they should be taken during meals to lessen the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

A review article in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that glucosamine supplements were not metabolized in response to any specific foods. However glucosamine supplementation with food may improve absorption.

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384477/)

Can vegetarians use Glucosamine?

Unfortunately for vegetarians, most glucosamine supplements come from shellfish. Corn-based alternatives, however, are accessible for vegetarians and vegans.

As most glucosamine supplements come from shellfish, they are not suited for vegans. Corn-based alternatives, however, are accessible for vegetarians and vegans.

Supplemental glucosamine from non-animal sources, such as maize, has been found to be safe and helpful for treating joint discomfort, according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

(source: https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/Fulltext/2015/01000/Nonanimal_Sourced_Glucosamine___A_Safe_and.5.aspx)

Might I experience any negative effects from taking excessive amounts of Glucosamine?

It is widely accepted that glucosamine is a safe supplement, with few to no serious negative effects. Yet there are some potential negative effects of glucosamine, especially at higher dosages, including gastrointestinal distress, heartburn, sleepiness, and headache. Consult your doctor before using glucosamine if you have a shellfish allergy, diabetes, renal illness, heart disease, bleeding problems, or high blood pressure.

While glucosamine is normally well tolerated, it can cause some uncomfortable side effects if taken in excessive quantities. Before using glucosamine supplements, those with shellfish allergies, diabetes, renal illness, heart disease, bleeding problems, or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that high dosages of glucosamine were associated with an increased risk of diabetes and other health issues. Individuals with health problems should talk to their doctor before starting on a glucosamine supplement regimen.

(source: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-for-osteoarthritis)

Use of Glucosamine in sports

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts frequently use glucosamine as a supplement due to its potential to reduce joint discomfort and inflammation. Research suggests that glucosamine might assist athletes with knee osteoarthritis move around more freely and with less discomfort.

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts frequently use glucosamine to reduce inflammation and soreness in their joints. Athletes who suffer from knee osteoarthritis may benefit from this since it has the potential to increase their range of motion and lessen their discomfort.

Some athletes with knee osteoarthritis may benefit from using glucosamine supplements, as shown by a research published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465021/)

Use of Glucosamine in medication

There is little to no concern of taking glucosamine together with most prescription drugs. Certain drugs, such as those used to treat diabetes and blood thinning, may be affected by its use. If you have any preexisting medical conditions or are on any medications, you should talk to your doctor before starting glucosamine supplements.

You can use glucosamine with confidence if you’re already taking any other drugs. Yet, it might have negative interactions with other drugs, including blood-thinning and diabetic drugs. If you are presently taking any medications, you should talk to your doctor before starting glucosamine supplements.

Certain blood-thinning drugs may not work as well if you also take glucosamine supplements, according to research published in the journal Rheumatology. Before using glucosamine supplements, those on these drugs should talk to their doctor.

(source: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/52/12/2225/1789235)

Use of Glucosamine during pregnancy

The safety of glucosamine supplements during pregnancy has not yet been established by scientific research. Hence, unless directed by a physician, pregnant and nursing women should not use glucosamine supplements.

Nevertheless, the safety of glucosamine supplementation during pregnancy has not been adequately studied. This means that unless otherwise directed by a physician, pregnant and nursing women shouldn’t use glucosamine supplements.

Researchers found that the safety of glucosamine supplements was not demonstrated during pregnancy or nursing in a research published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology. Glucosamine supplements are safe for most healthy adults, however they should be avoided during pregnancy and during nursing.

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/)

Use of Glucosamine for weight loss

Glucosamine pills are not designed to help you slim down. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of glucosamine as a weight reduction supplement, while some studies have shown that it may help decrease inflammation and improve joint health.

No one should expect to lose weight by taking glucosamine pills. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of glucosamine as a weight reduction supplement, however some studies have shown that it may help decrease inflammation and improve joint health.

Supplemental glucosamine had no significant effect on weight or body composition in people who were overweight or obese, according a research published in the journal Obesity.

(source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2007.519)

Use of Glucosamine for children

Supplemental glucosamine has not been well studied for its safety or effectiveness in youngsters. In light of this, glucosamine supplements should not be given to children under the age of 18.

To yet, studies on the effects and safety of glucosamine supplementation in children are scant. Glucosamine supplements are not safe for use by anybody under the age of 18, thus young people should not use them without first talking to their doctor.

There is not enough information to assess the safety and efficacy of glucosamine supplements in children, according to a research published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Glucosamine supplements are not recommended for use by anybody under the age of 18.

(source: https://journals.lww.com/pedorthopaedics/Abstract/2013/01000/Glucosamine_and_Chondroitin_Sulfate_Supplement_Use.15.aspx)

Use of Glucosamine for the elderly

Glucosamine supplements may benefit elderly people by enhancing joint health and decreasing joint discomfort. Nevertheless, seniors using any kind of medicine should talk to their doctor before starting on glucosamine supplements.

Supplemental glucosamine has shown promise for enhancing joint health and decreasing discomfort in the elderly. Supplemental glucosamine may be beneficial for the elderly, but they should check with their doctor first.

The elderly may benefit from using glucosamine supplements to enhance joint health and lessen discomfort, suggests a research published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging. Nonetheless, seniors should talk to their doctor before starting on a glucosamine supplement, especially if they are already on medicine.

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928213/)

Use of Glucosamine for food allergies

Those with food sensitivities can use glucosamine supplements with confidence. The glucosamine in certain supplements is produced from shellfish, therefore those who are allergic to shellfish should look for a vegetarian or vegan glucosamine supplement instead.

Those who have food sensitivities can use glucosamine supplements without worrying. Those with shellfish sensitivities should avoid glucosamine supplements made from shellfish and instead take a vegetarian or vegan glucosamine supplement.

Shellfish-derived glucosamine supplements are safe for those with shellfish allergies, according research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. If you have a food allergy, however, it is essential to check with your doctor before taking any supplement.

(source: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(08)02458-3/fulltext)

Cooking with Glucosamine

Glucosamine supplements are meant to be used orally, therefore you probably won’t find it in any recipes. However, glucosamine powder is a necessary component in a few dishes. Before using glucosamine powder in cooking, it’s crucial to check with a doctor and follow the recipe’s exact directions.

Recipe 1: Glucosamine Smoothie Bowl

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen berries
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon glucosamine powder

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Top with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit.

Recipe 2: Glucosamine Soup

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onion, etc.)
• 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu
• 1 teaspoon glucosamine powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine broth, vegetables, and chicken/tofu in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Stir in glucosamine powder, salt, and pepper.

Recipe 3: Glucosamine Energy Balls

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon glucosamine powder

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Roll into balls and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Pros and Cons of Glucosamine

3 Benefits of Glucosamine

1. May help reduce joint pain and stiffness in individuals with osteoarthritis.
2. May help improve joint flexibility and mobility.
3. Generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most individuals.

3 Drawbacks of Glucosamine

1. Limited scientific evidence to support its use for other conditions besides osteoarthritis.
2. Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as upset stomach or headache.
3. Glucosamine supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so the quality and purity of supplements may vary.

Conclusion

Those who suffer from osteoarthritis or other joint disorders may find relief from taking glucosamine pills. Nevertheless, if you have any preexisting medical issues or are already taking any medications, it is essential to speak with your doctor before beginning any supplement regimen. Additionally, it is important to choose high-quality supplements from reputable sources to ensure safety and effectiveness.