Glucosamine
What it does in the body
Glucosamine, which is made in the body, is needed to make glycosaminoglycans, proteins that are key structural components of cartilage. Glucosamine also stimulates the cells that produce these structural proteins and helps to normalize cartilage metabolism by inhibiting breakdown and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.1
Sources
There are no food sources of glucosamine.
Supplements
Glucosamine sulfate seems to be the most beneficial form of glucosamine. It may be given orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, and intra-articularly (injected into joints).
Toxic effects of excess intake
Toxic effects are rare.
Therapeutic uses of supplements
Glucosamine is used to help the body to repair damaged or eroded cartilage and has been used to treat osteoarthritis. Short-term human trials suggest that glucosamine sulfate may produce a gradual and progressive reduction in joint pain and tenderness, as well as improved range of motion and walking speed. Results of the trials have also shown that glucosamine has produced consistent benefits in patients with osteoarthritis and that, in some cases, it may be equal or superior to anti-inflammatory drugs in controlling symptoms.2 It is often combined with chondroitin, a substance which has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the cartilage against breakdown. It has also been used to promote wound-healing3 and to treat psoriasis.4