Glucosamine

What is it? Glucosamine is a component of the cartilage in our joints, which helps to provide a cushion between bones. It is commercially produced as a supplement from shellfish shells (shrimp, lobster, crabs), from eggshell membranes, and sometimes by fermentation of grains like corn or wheat. Because glucosamine is a cartilage component, research has focused on its use for those with joint problems.

CONSIDERED USES:

Genitourinary: Interstitial cystitis

Musculoskeletal: Osteoarthritis support. It may slow cartilage breakdown, which, in turn, slows osteoarthritis progression. Claimed to decrease pain (especially in the hip, knee, and back), rheumatoid arthritis, general arthralgia, TMJ, acute knee surgery, and possibly MS support

Cancer: Mentioned as use as an anti-cancer adjunct (1)

Side Effects: Constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, nausea, rash. It may

increase LDL (bad cholesterol), problems

Caution/Contraindications: Allergy to shellfish, use with acetaminophen (common: Tylenol), some chemotherapy drugs,  some diabetic medications, high cholesterol, Warfarin use, glaucoma (glucosamine sulfate)

FORMS: Capsules, caplets, powders, patches, lotions, creams

DOSAGE: As directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

NOTE: The following are designated as either GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE (possibly better ofthe two) or GLUCOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

• Depression: (glucosamine hydrochloride) 1 gm by mouth for 1 week, then increase to 2 gm daily.

• Interstitial cystitis: 240 mg glucosamine sulfate by mouth 2 times daily (used with chondroitin)

• Joint pain: 500 mg glucosamine sulfate by mouth 3 times daily

• Knee pain: 500 mg glucosamine sulfate by mouth 3 times daily or 2000 glucosamine hydrochloride by mouth once daily.

• MS: 1000 mg glucosamine sulfate by mouth daily

• Osteoarthritis: 480 mg glucosamine hydrochloride 2 times daily or 500 mg by mouth 3 times daily for 3 weeks, then decrease to 500 by mouth 2 times daily.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: 500 mg glucosamide hydrochloride by mouth 3 times daily

• TMJ: 1500 mg by mouth daily or 500 mg 3 times daily

Notes:

• Glucosamine may take 4-8 weeks to work

• If you are vegan or vegetarian, check the product for the source (i.e., fish, pig, cow, corn, and others)

• Glucosamine is often combined with Costrochondroitin in supplements