What is Glucosamine?

Do you know what your joints are made of? Bones, cartilage, collagen, and blood vessels all have to begin somewhere. One of the major precursors to the collagen and cartilage that makes up our joints is glucosamine. For this reason, glucosamine has long been a popular joint health supplement. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of glucosamine supplements, common glucosamine side effects, and where to buy glucosamine supplements. 

What is Glucosamine? 

Glucosamine is a naturally-occuring compound which forms a number of essential structural components in the body. This is because glucosamine, a crucial amino sugar, is a major component in chitin, cartilage, bones, and other body parts. 

Over time, however, glucosamine levels in the body fall and important tissues in our body breakdown. This is one of the reasons that joints degrade as we age. This is why–alongside collagen, boswellia, and fish oil–glucosamine supplements are one of the most popular joint supplements on the market.   

Glucosamine Supplements

Glucosamine supplements have been in high demand for decades. Typically derived from crustacean shells, animal bones, and fungi, glucosamine supplements supply the body with additional resources to build and heal crucial functional parts such as articular cartilage and synovial fluid.

Articular cartilage is the cartilage that pads bones where they meet and form joints. Synovial fluid is a thick, viscous fluid which lubricates joints, working alongside articular cartilage to reduce impact and friction when we move. Glucosamine supplements not only help build these crucial tissues but prevent their breakdown, regardless of age or activity level. 

This is especially true of articular cartilage. In one 2019 study, college-aged athletes who took glucosamine supplements for three months saw a significant reduction in cartilage breakdown. 

Glucosamine Uses and Benefits

The top uses and benefits of glucosamine supplements include: 

Joint Health

One of the primary uses of glucosamine supplements is to support the production of healthy cartilage and prevent joint breakdown due to age or activity. Studies show that glucosamine can support joint recovery following athletic injury, and help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. 

Arthritis

While the current research may be mixed, a number of studies have found that glucosamine helps improve mobility, slow disease progression, and reduce pain in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA). A 2016 study also found that glucosamine supplements effectively reduced the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that is believed to be caused by inflammation.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a digestive disorder caused by chronic inflammation in the intestines. Common symptoms include: bloating, cramps, and loose stools. IBD also impacts the body’s ability to absorb and use glucosamine. Studies show that glucosamine supplements can help make up the difference, and alleviate some of the symptoms of IBD. 

Glucosamine Side Effects

While glucosamine is generally well tolerated, some individuals may experience the following side effects: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Headaches
• Rashes

If you have a shellfish allergy, make sure to avoid glucosamine supplements formulated from marine sources. Glucosamine has also been shown to impact the following conditions: asthma, type 2 diabetes, cancer, blood pressure and clotting. Please make sure to check with your doctor before adding this supplement to your regular supplement stack. 

Where to Buy Glucosamine Supplements?

Our top recommendation for glucosamine supplements is Standard Process Glucosamine Synergy. Combining the pain-relieving powers of Boswellia and top-quality glucosamine, Standard Process Glucosamine Synergy is specially formulated to support aging joints and relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Buy it now in our shop.