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Oral glucosamine is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Since glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, and
glycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage, supplemental
glucosamine may help to rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis. Its use as a
therapy for osteoarthritis appears safe, but there is conflicting evidence
as to its effectiveness. Oral glucosamine is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Since glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, and
glycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage, supplemental
glucosamine may help to rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis. Its use as a
therapy for osteoarthritis appears safe, but there is conflicting evidence
as to its effectiveness.
Use
A typical dosage of glucosamine salt is 1,500 mg per day. Glucosamine
contains an amino group that is positively charged at physiological pH. The
anion included in the salt may vary. Commonly sold forms of glucosamine are
glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. The amount of
glucosamine present in 1500 mg of glucosamine salt will depend on which
anion is present and whether additional salts are included in the
manufacturer's calculation. Glucosamine is often sold in combination with
other supplements such as chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane.
In the United States, glucosamine is not approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for medical use in humans. Since glucosamine is classified as
a dietary supplement, evidence of safety and efficacy is not required as
long as it is not advertised as a treatment for a medical condition.
Nevertheless, glucosamine is a popular alternative medicine used by
consumers for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is also
extensively used in veterinary medicine as an unregulated but widely
accepted supplement.
In Europe, glucosamine is approved as a medical drug and is sold in the form
of glucosamine sulphate.
Safety
Clinical studies of glucosamine have consistently reported that glucosamine
appears safe. Since glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish, those
allergic to shellfish or who have kosher concerns may wish to avoid it.
However, since glucosamine is derived from the shells of these animals while
the allergen is within the flesh of the animals, it is probably safe even
for those with shellfish allergy. Alternative sources using fungal
fermentation of corn are available. Another concern has been that the extra
glucosamine could contribute to diabetes by interfering with the normal
regulation of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, but several
investigations have found no evidence that this occurs. The U.S. National
Institutes of Health is currently conducting a study of supplemental
glucosamine in obese patients, since this population may be particularly
sensitive to any effects of glucosamine on insulin resistance. Finally, in
the United States, glucosamine is sold as a dietary supplement, so safety
and formulation is solely the responsibility of the manufacturer.
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