General description
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage, the tough tissue that cushions the joints.
In the form of a supplement, glucosamine is obtained from the shell of shellfish or manufactured in a laboratory. There are several forms of glucosamine, for example, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetylglucosamine. These supplements are not considered interchangeable.
Oral glucosamine sulfate is used to treat a painful condition caused by inflammation, breakdown and, ultimately, loss of cartilage (osteoarthritis).
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Evidence
Research on the use of glucosamine for specific conditions demonstrates the following:
- Osteoarthritis. The use of oral glucosamine sulfate could produce pain relief in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, or with osteoarthritis of the hip or spine.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research suggests that the use of oral glucosamine hydrochloride could reduce pain related to rheumatoid arthritis when compared to placebo, an inactive substance. However, the researchers did not see improvements in inflammation or in the number of painful or swollen joints.
When choosing glucosamine, read the product labels carefully to make sure you choose the correct form. Although the use of glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of arthritis has been studied, there is no clinical evidence to support the use of N-acetylglucosamine to treat this disease.
Our recommendation
Green light: Generally safe
Generally safe
Glucosamine sulfate may produce pain relief in people with osteoarthritis. The supplement appears to be safe and could be a useful option for people who can not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While the results of the studies are contradictory, it may be worthwhile to try glucosamine sulfate.
Safety and side effects
When taken in adequate amounts, glucosamine sulfate appears to be safe. The use of glucosamine sulfate by mouth can cause the following:
- Sickness
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Skin reactions
- Headache
Because glucosamine products could derive from the shell of shellfish, there is concern that the supplement may cause an allergic reaction to people allergic to shellfish.
Glucosamine may make asthma worse.
Glucosamine sulfate may affect blood sugar levels, which could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking glucosamine sulfate two weeks before undergoing elective surgery.
Interactions
Some of the possible interactions are the following:
- Acetaminophen / acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Taking glucosamine sulfate in combination with paracetamol (acetaminophen) may reduce the effectiveness of the supplement and the medication.
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Taking glucosamine alone or in combination with the chondroitin supplement may increase the effects of warfarin anticoagulant. This can increase the risk of bleeding.