What can Glucosamine do for you?
Monday, April 28th, 2008
Glucosamine is naturally present in the body. It consists of glucose as well as the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is necessary in the formation of a molecule that aids in the development and restoration of cartilage as well as various other tissues in the body. The speed at which we produce Glucosamine decreases with age.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar and a famous precursor in the biochemical mixture of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is found as a major component of the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other arthropods, in fungi and numerous higher organisms and is one of the most plentiful monosaccharides. It is formed commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons.
Glucosamine is usually used for treating osteoarthritis, although its acceptance as a medical therapy differs. Glucosamine is available as a nutritional supplement in fitness food stores and many drug stores. Glucosamine supplements are manufactured in a laboratory from chitin, a matter originating in the shells of shrimp, crab, lobster, and other sea creatures. In addition to nutritional supplements, glucosamine is used in sports drinks and in cosmetics also.
Glucosamine supplements also often contain another naturally occurring substance in cartilage, chondroitin sulfate. This compound helps cartilage remain soft and flexible. Another common compound give with glucosamine is Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM. Glucosamine is commonly used as part of the treatment for osteoarthritis. In this condition, often affecting the knees, cartilage loses elasticity and becomes stiff and wears down. This leads to irritation, swelling, loss of range of motion and pain.
Because glucosamine is naturally used by our bodies to create and mend joint cartilage, using glucosamine as a nutritional supplement is thought to aid in this. There is cautious optimism that glucosamine might lessen the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, and could even slow the onset of the conditon. Presently, physicians typically recommend a three month dose of glucosamine. If no progress is made after this time, its use is discontinued. A normal prescription for osteoarthritis consists of 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate to be taken once a day.
