Description

Glucosamine is a popular dietary supplement.

Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues.

Glucosamine supplements are manufactured in a laboratory from chitin, a substance found in the shells of shrimp, crab, lobster, and other sea creatures. In additional to nutritional supplements, glucosamine is also used in sports drinks and in cosmetics.

Glucosamine supplements are widely used for osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis.

In many trials and studies, Glucosamine has shown to be very effective at:

Easing osteoarthritis pain
Easing articular joint pain
Rehabilitating damaged cartilage
Slowing deterioration of cartilage from osteoarthritis
Improving mobility
Stimulating the production of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and synovial fluid

Other conditions for which glucosamine is used include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), chronic venous insufficiency, and skin conditions.