Glucosamine Does a Body Good

Glucosamine, which is made of glucose and amino acids, is a compound found in the body, more specifically in healthy cartilage. Your body needs a normal supply of glucosamine because it produces glycosaminoglycan, a molecule that helps form and repair cartilage as well as some tissues. As you grow older, your body’s ability to produce glucosamine slows and this can lead to ailments.

Alternative ways for the body to get the glucosamine it needs is through natural supplements, sports drinks and even cosmetics. Glucosamine supplements are used for various disorders like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and inflammatory bowel diseases. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are thought to behave similarly since they are structurally related. Those who suffer from osteoarthritis experience the effects of their cartilage losing elasticity and becoming stiff. But some believe that glucosamine helps because the compound’s job is to make cartilage. Glucosamine is added to the body and in turn helps diminish the affects of the osteoarthritis.   

Glucosamine supplements can be helpful but sometimes users can have some side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, heartburn and insomnia. Also, because glucosamine is usually made from shellfish, those who have shellfish allergies are warned to either stay away from the supplements or call the product manufacturer to make certain it is a non-shellfish supplement. Anyone who has a bleeding disorder is also discouraged from taking glucosamine supplements.