Real Meds

What is glucosamine and what does it do, really?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that was identified in 1876. It is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine is made naturally in the body.

But like many other things, as we grow older, our bodies lose its ability to make it naturally. This can cause problems in our joints, more seriously in some than in others. Supplemental glucosamine may help rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis.

If you buy glucosamine, you will generally buy it in the form of glucosamine sulphate or glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine is considered a dietary supplement, not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical treatment in humans, although it is used as veterinary treatments as a supplement. In Europe it is used as a medical drug in the form of glucosamine sulphate.

D-Glucosamine is made naturally in the form of glucosamine-6-phosphate. Although the studies conducted on this supplement usually show it to be safe, because it generally comes from shellfish people who have allergies to shellfish take the supplement with caution. The glucosamine comes from the shells of fish, not the fish. Even though the allergy comes from the flesh of the fish and not the shell, some people still have concerns.

There have been many clinical trials in Europe and in the United States to find out if glucosamine helps patients with osteoarthritis. The results vary widely so it is difficult to state for a fact whether there is a real benefit to taking the supplement.

On a personal note, I have started drinking a fruit juice supplement that is completely natural and contains glucosamine. Within a few days of drinking it I noticed a significant difference in the pain in my back and the aches, pains and stiffness that I have in the morning. I believe that the juice I drink has the natural ingredients needed to help my body repair itself and reduce inflammation which can benefit different areas of my body.

Now, back to the facts. Glucosamine is made and used in the body, loses it as we grow older, and can be bought as a supplement. Does it help? I guess you need to decide that one for yourself, because it depends on what clinical trial you read as to whether or not that is a fact.

For more information see http://www.thehealthjuice.net

Products related to this post

Doctor’s Best Glucosamine/Chon/MSM