Glucosamine - An Overview

Osteoarthritis and joint pain are common problems that affect the elderly which occur due to various reasons including regular wear and tear of joints, poor food habits, and low calcium intake. The lack of Glucosamine, a natural compound present in the body, can lead to various bone and joint related problems including arthritis. Regular doses of glucosamine supplements can provide relief from severe arthritic conditions and pain. The following are various aspects related to glucosamine:

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is naturally available in the human body, and is made by the synthesis of glucose and amino acid glutamine. It produces a molecule, glycosaminoglycan, which helps to repair body tissues and cartilages. Glucosamine production in the body slows as one gets older; it is then that supplements are needed.

How is it artificially prepared?

You will be pleasantly surprised to know that Glucosamine, which is naturally found in the human body, is available in most drug stores and online. It is both naturally and artificially prepared from shells, crab, lobster, shrimps, and vegetable derivatives as well. Glucosamine is somtimes combined with MSM methylsulfonylmethane , or Chondroitin Sulfate.

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance in the cartilage and it provides elasticity and protects the cartilages from damage. You can buy glucosamine which is artificially prepared in either capsule, tablet or in powder form.

What are its benefits?

There are plenty of benefits with Glucosamine and it is generally used for recovering patients due to sports injuries, and for the elderly. It is not uncommon for people to take NSAID and anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis and other pain related problems, however these painkillers can cause various side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attacks, liver problems, kidney failure, duodenal ulcer, etc. For example, tablets like ibuprofen can cause various health hazards and few of them are irreversible.

The glucosamine supplement works in a natural way and repairs the cartilage easily as it is naturally available in the human body. Taking it as a supplement can prevent further damages to cartilage and joints; moreover it also augments the regular supply of glucosamine in the body. Regularly taking it helps to prevent arthritis and other bone related problems before they develop.

Does it cause any side effects?

There are no known side effects to glucosamine. Finding a company such as NutraSense.com that only manufacturers vegetarian glucosamine made from corn and is the only vegetarian glucosamine made in the USA which is pharmaceutical grade, is the only way to ensure no side effects.