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| Glucosamine Sulfate |
| DESCRIPTION: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance produced in the body. This compound functions as a precursor to the proteoglycan formation which is important in the proper formation of cartilage. Supplying orally administered glucosamine stimulates the cartilage cells to manufacture these proteoglycans by providing the body with the additional raw materials it needs. Sulfate is another important compound which appears to potentiate the therapeutic effects of glucosamine. Glucosamine also seems to promote the incorporation of sulfur in the cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate, because of this, may be the best source of glucosamine, though glucosamine HCL or hydrochloride, is also in available form, and some recent studies have also shown its effectiveness. The effect of stimulating the cartilage cells to produce more components is to aid in the formation and repair of the cartilage, and therefore seems likely to alter the natural history of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine also functions as a mild anti-inflammatory, unrelated to its above discussed metabolic effect. This probably occurs by its free radical scavaging effect. It has also been shown to inhibit the degradation of proteoglycans. This would, in effect, support the longevity of the cartilage.
Glucosamine is commercially produced and is derived from chitin, obtained from the processed exoskeleton of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Absorption studies on glucosamine sulfate, on the other hand, have shown absorption as high as 98% and that once absorbed, travels into the joint tissues and is incorporated into the tissue matrix of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Useful in treatment of: Osteoarthritis: Glucosamine is primarily used in the treatment of osteo-arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This is the most common form of arthritis. There are multiple double-blind studies utilizing glucosamine sulfate, showing that it is safe and effective as an alternative to prescription medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, etc. While the onset of efficacy with glucosamine sulfate does have a delay of 1-3 months, it has been shown to be quite effective in relieving pain and inflammation, is comparatively inexpensive. In addition, its safety profile makes it a desirable alternative to the NSAID’s which are associated with numerous side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, ulcers, kidney and liver side effects, etc. Kidney Stones: Glucosamine Sulfate can help reduce urinary oxalate levels, thus decreasing the likelihood of kidney stones. Preliminary animal studies suggest that Glucosamine Sulfate may also be effective in preventing tumor growth due to viral infection. RECOMMENDED DOSAGE: Most of the double-blind studies using glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride, which have shown efficacy have utilized 1500 mg. per day in divided doses. Obese individuals may need higher doses, based on body weight. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS: Glucosamine has not demonstrated any severe side effects or toxicity. It has an excellent safety record in human studies. Side effects, when they do occur, generally are limited to minor gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach upset, etc. This is usually eliminated by taking glucosamine with a meal and/or with digestive enzymes in the preparation. People allergic to sulfur do not have crossover allergy to glucosamine sulfate. Allergy to sulfur usually refers to sulfa drugs or sulfite food additives. No allergic reactions have been reported. There are no drug interactions, though individuals taking diuretics may need to take a little higher dosage because of the urinary excretion. Glucosamine has not been shown in human studies to affect diabetics regulation, or to produce any abnormal hematological or biochemical changes. CONTRAINDICATIONS: None. REFERENCES: |
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