Glucosamine And Arthritis

In recent years the name glucosamine has become synonymous with arthritic treatment.  Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is naturally present in the human body as well as in other animal bones, shellfish, and even fungi.  It is also marketed as a dietary supplement and treatment for arthritis in both humans and pets.  In fact, doctors are even recommending the product to patients suffering from arthritis as part of their overall treatment strategy.  However, many prospective patients have as much trouble understanding  how glucosamine works as they do pronouncing the name.  The following guide seeks to help clarify the mechanisms, benefits, and potential side effects of glucosamine supplements and how they relate to arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis

In order to elaborate on how glucosamine works, it is first important to understand the disease it is attempting to treat.  Arthritis can come in several forms, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis, the latter of the three being the most common.  

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the joints begins to deteriorate.  As it whittles away, the bones in the joint area will begin to scrape against each other.  Consequently, the joint area begins to swell in addition to inducing stiffness and pain.  In severe cases, it can lead to a deformation of the bones themselves.  Naturally, patients afflicted with arthritis can have difficulty moving about if a joint area is compromised in this regard.  To make matters worse, the joints most often affected are the ones that form the foundation for balance and mobility, such as the back, hips, and knees.  Although its provenance may vary from person to person, the primary cause of arthritis is age. 

About Glucosamine

Produced naturally in the body, Glucosamine is an amino sugar located in the same joint cartilage whose absence leads to arthritis.  The body employs glucosamine in order to replenish and maintain this cartilage as it is subjected to natural wear and tear.  Unfortunately, as your body begins to age it begins to produce diminishing amounts of the amino sugar.  Without a sufficient supply of glucosamine, the cartilage starts to deteriorate and create the conditions for osteoarthritis.

To counteract the loss of glucosamine, scientists have begun developing supplements loaded with the substance.  As glucosamine is also found naturally in crustaceans, it can be farmed and gathered safely and ethically for human use. 

How Glucosamine Works

Many medication plans for arthritis revolve around the treatment of symptoms as they arise.   In contrast, glucosamine works proactively to restore the cartilage by stimulating the production of protein.  These proteins fight to replenish damages caused by injury or age.  As a naturally occurring amino sugar, glucosamine works just as well when ingested via supplements.

By addressing the problem at its source, you can slow the degenerative process that comes with age and stave off arthritis.  Moreover, glucosamine also works as a pain relief supplement for those already suffering from arthritis.  With the proper dosage, patients are granted a reprieve from the inflammation, stiffness and swelling wrought upon their bodies.

Potential Side Effects

Ostensibly there are no side effects when taking glucosamine supplements, as the product should contain only naturally occurring substances.  However, with any kind of supplement there is always the possibility that adverse effects may be experienced by some people.   When taking glucosamine or any health related product, it is important to prepare yourself for any potential side effects so that you can recognize them if they occur.  If you are taking glucosamine as part of a larger treatment regimen, it is advised that you consult and are monitored periodically by your physician.  The following is a list of potential side effects and people who should avoid taking glucosamine supplements:

• Gastrointestinal Problems - Intestinal issues are the most frequently reported side effects for glucosamine.  Users may experience a softening of the stool or an occasional upset stomach.  Others have reported cases of nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, although these side effects occur far less frequently.  In rare cases, glucosamine use has been linked to abdominal pain.  Those who have experienced any of the above listed side effects should consult their physician and weigh the benefits of their treatment against the risk.  
• Allergies to Shellfish - Individuals with an allergy to shellfish should not take glucosamine supplements.  As the substance is extracted from shellfish, ingestion of the supplement can result in a serious allergic reaction.  If you have a shellfish allergy, it would be wise to converse with your doctor about what alternative treatments are available. 
• Diabetics - Diabetic patients must be monitored with a doctor while taking glucosamine.  Given that glucosamine is an amino sugar and a carbohydrate, it can have repercussions for diabetics.  There is also evidence that may suggest patients can develop a resistance to insulin from taking the supplement.  Although these factors do not preclude you from taking glucosamine, diabetic patients should ask their physician if it is safe to do so.  Having a doctor closely monitor your blood sugar levels and check for abnormalities can help you avoid a precarious situation.  
• Pregnant or Nursing Women - Women who are pregnant or nursing are advised not to take glucosamine.   While there is currently no evidence that the supplement can have adverse effects on an infant, there has yet to be conclusive evidence that the treatment is completely safe.  Speak with your doctor to determine if any alternative methods are available for those who are pregnant or nursing.

Shopping for Glucosamine FAQ

Glucosamine supplements help treat arthritis patients by repairing and regenerating damaged cartilage in the joints. This can significantly reduce the pain, swelling, inflammation and stiffness that accompanies arthritis.  However, before you go out and purchase the supplement, you may want to consider the following frequently asked questions:

Q: How Can I Save on Costs?

A: Given the popularity of glucosamine, there are a number of reputable dealers of the supplement both on the internet and in conventional health stores.  However, the dosage may differ from bottle to bottle, and in some cases a seemingly more expensive brand may in fact be cheaper when factored by the milligram.  

In other instances, additional ingredients can bring about better value.  Typically, supplements should contain 1500mg of pure glucosamine, which is the recommended daily dosage for arthritis pain.   On the other hand, products such as Flexicose Plus contain a blend of over 2000mg of glucosamine so uou end up with 1500mg of pure usable glucosamine. Flexicose Plus also contains other active ingredients designed to alleviate arthritis pain and inflammation.  Reading the label and doing a little elementary math can go a long way to easing the pain in your wallet as well as your joints.

Q: Are There Differences in Quality?

A: In addition to different dosages and prices, the quality of the supplement may differ depending on the manufacturer.  This is why it behooves every patient to conduct a little research before purchasing a brand.  Try asking a friend for a recommendation or consulting an internet health forum.  There are many places online where patients describe their experience with a particular treatment and can provide invaluable insight over which product is ideal.  Asking the opinion of your pharmacist or doctor can also help you narrow down your choices.  Generally, it is safer to opt for a brand name product such as Flexicose Plus.  Manufactured in Australia in a TGA approved facility, the product is one of the few supplements in the business that adheres to the strict regulatory standards set forth by the Australian government. 

Q: What Else Is Inside?

A:  Unfortunately, because supplements are not strictly regulated in countries like the USA like prescription drugs, a company has carte blanche to add whatever substances they like. In some cases this might include ingredients that you find beneficial, whereas in other cases they may include items you would rather not take. Thankfully, this is quite different in Australia as all supplements need to adhere to stringent TGA regulations and need to manufacture in a TGA approved Australian manufacturing plant Flexicose Plus is manufactured in Australia and fully complies with all Australian requirements.  However, as many of the items may be unfamiliar to you, it is incumbent on you to conduct the research on each ingredient before you make your purchase.  Find out why each ingredient is used and what side effects are associated with them.  Primarily, it is important to learn whether these substances are designed to alleviate arthritis pain or to help with an unrelated issue.

Q: Does it Come in Liquid or Tablet Form?

A: Glucosamine comes in the choice of capsule, tablet, or liquid form.  Although the choice is based entirely upon your preference, each form does have varying efficacy.  For example, liquid glucosamine like Flexicose Plus generally goes to work imediately as it does not need to be disolved like tablets.  In fact, liquid glucosamine has been reported in the USA to produce results within weeks, as opposed to months for glucosamine tablets.  As the liquid version is more easily absorbed by the body, opting for liquid glucosamine also requires less dosage.