Glucosamine is a natural compound that has a hand in building the connective tissue, known as cartilage, that attaches and protects muscles and joints.[1] It is derived primarily in polysaccharides (carbohydrates), and in cell membranes.[2]
Uses
Glucosamine is used for osteoarthritis -- a type of arthritis that breaks down cartilage. It helps promote movement and relieve pain. It also helps foster joint and connective tissue health and wound healing.[1, 3]
Glucosamine can be taken by mouth as glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. N-acetyl glucosamine in available in pill or powder form.
Recommended dosage
The recommended dose for glucosamine sulfate and hydrochloride is 500mg to 1500mg (.5g to 1.5g), three times daily for up to 90 days. You can split your dose throughout the day.[1, 2] Dosing also depends on your health status and type of glucosamine you're taking.
Does it work
Glucosamine and cartilage
Research is mixed regarding the effectiveness of glucosamine for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is known for reducing stiffness and swelling in the joints and reducing pain. It's especially helpful to those with arthritic or painful joints in the knees and hips. Some studies show that the amino sugar can reducesymptoms months after the end of treatment. A small study found that glucosamine may ease inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.[1]
However, studies fail to show that glucosamine aids in the growth or repair of cartilage or that it prevents cartilage loss. Additionally, there's no evidence that it provides comprehensive pain relief, whether glucosamine was used with or without chondroitin (another polysaccharide in cartilage).
Drug interactions
Glucosamine interacts with certain medications. Do not take the following without first consulting with your health care provider:
| Drug | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Warfarin (Coumadin) | Glucosamine and warfarin thin the blood, so taking them at the same time could increase your risk of of severe bleeding. |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Glucosamine may increase inflammation associated with NSAIDs. A lower NSAID dose could be the best solution. |
| Blood sugar medication and insulin | You may need to change your blood sugar medication if you're taking glucosamine. |
| Doxorubicin, etoposide, and teniposide | Do not take these with glucosamine due to adverse effects. |
Safety and side effects
Side effects that may occur with Glucosamine include:
- Upset stomach
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Drowsiness
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the face and mouth
Safety concerns
- Glucosamine is sometimes combined with manganese and chondroitin. Do not ingest more than 11mg of manganese per day.
- Glucosamine sulfate may be rich in sodium and potassium. People who are on a low-potassium or low-sodium diet should avoid it.
- Glucosamine supplements are made using shellfish. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are allergic to seafood.
- Do not take glucosamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Glucosamine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you respond to this supplement.
- Glucosamine may raise blood pressure and cholesterol. Have your levels checked regularly.
- Do not take glucosamine if you have asthma.
- Glucosamine may hinder the effects of insulin. Individuals with diabetes should have blood sugar levels checked often.
Considerations
Glucosamine is known for reducing stiffness and swelling in the joints and reducing pain.
- Follow all directions for supplement use, including glucosamine.
- Supplements can act like drugs if they are used in large amounts. Take as directed.
- Inform your health care provider of all supplements and complementary care you use. Discuss proper dosages particular to your symptoms and medical history.
- Safety and consistency of herbs and other supplements are not guaranteed since they are not regulated by the food and Drug Administration.
- Effects of a supplement may vary according to brand and batch.
- Purchase glucosamine from only trustworthy companies.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Glucosamine;" Reviewed 2011
- Drugs.com; "Glucosamine"
- Drugs.com; "Glucosamine"
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Possible Interactions with: Glucosamine;" Reviewed 2007
Glucosamine News on PricePlow
-
Nov 11, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Mason Naturals Glucosamine & Fish Oil was created.
Categories: Fish Oil, Glucosamine -
Aug 04, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Joint Movement Glucosamine has new variations: Categories: Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
Jul 17, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM has new variations: Categories: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM -
Jul 06, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Vitacost Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Jul 03, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM has new variations: Categories: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM -
Jun 15, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way Joint Movement Glucosamine was created.
Categories: Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
May 17, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Life Extension Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Mar 01, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Sulfate has new variations: Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Feb 25, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine was created.
Category: Glucosamine -
Feb 23, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Feb 21, 2024 ![]()
Product News
EVLution Nutrition Glucosamine was created.
Categories: Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
Jan 30, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM has new variations: Categories: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM -
Jan 29, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM has new variations: Categories: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM -
Jan 27, 2024 ![]()
Product News
The Vitamin Shoppe Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM was created.
Categories: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM -
Jan 24, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Swanson MicroLactin Glucosamine Joint Complex has new variations: Categories: Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Joint Supplements -
Jan 11, 2024 ![]()
Product News
Nutricost Glucosamine Sulfate was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Aug 15, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Nature's Way GS-500 (Glucosamine Sulfate) was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
Jul 03, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson MicroLactin Glucosamine Joint Complex was created.
Categories: Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Joint Supplements -
Jun 15, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine was created.
Categories: Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
Jun 12, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Glucosamine Sulfate 2KCI was created.
Category: Glucosamine Sulfate -
May 02, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Vegetarian Glucosamine Shellfish Free was created.
Categories: Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
Apr 20, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Glucosamine Complex & Chondroitin Sulfate was created.
Categories: Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
Mar 05, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Glucosamine HCl was created.
Category: Glucosamine -
Mar 05, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Mega Glucosamine was created.
Categories: Glucosamine, Joint Supplements -
Mar 03, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Glucosamine & Collagen Type II was created.
Categories: Collagen, Glucosamine -
Apr 10, 2020 ![]()
YouTube Video
BEST Joint Supplement Stack in TWO Products! Revive MD & Alpha Lion -
Dec 20, 2016 ![]()
Blog Post
MSM Supplements: Joint Support for Athletes AND Aging!
MSM Supplements (methylsulfonylmethane) are sulfur compounds with incredible research as an effective remedy for achy joints, aging, and arthritis!
Sign up for future Glucosamine news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Glucosamine news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
Glucosamine Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- Nov 20, 2024NOW Glucosamine Sulfate 120 Capsules dropped by 11.1% to $7.99 at Netrition
- Nov 19, 2024EVLution Nutrition Glucosamine 90 Vcaps dropped by 30.1% to $4.99 at iHerb.com
- Nov 17, 2024Nature's Way Glucosamine Sulfate 240 Capsules dropped by 22.2% to $24.21 at iHerb.com
- Nov 12, 2024Life Extension Glucosamine Sulfate 60 Capsules dropped by 8.4% to $12.00 at DPS Nutrition
- Nov 10, 2024Swanson Vegetarian Glucosamine Shellfish Free 90 Vcaps dropped by 40.4% to $7.97 at iHerb.com
- May 29, 2024NOW Glucosamine 1000 60 Vcaps dropped by 19.5% to $6.99 at AllStarHealth
- Oct 23, 2023Doctor's Best Vegan Glucosamine Sulfate 180 Vcaps dropped by 21.1% to $12.39 at AllStarHealth
Sign up for future Glucosamine deals and coupons!
Click the button below to sign up for future Glucosamine deals, news, and coupons!
Glucosamine Reviews & Videos
Subscribe for more Glucosamine news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube, follow PricePlow on Instagram or click the button below to sign up for our latest Glucosamine news and reviews!
