Glucosamine: What It Is For, Benefits and How to Take It

Although it is a compound that our body produces naturally, there are many supplements with glucosamine because, just like collagen, the body’s own production decreases over time. In this post, we are going to look at its benefits and the cases in which supplementation can be helpful.

Glucosamine: what it is and what it is for

It is an amino sugar that forms part of the structure of cartilage, tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid. Its main function is to help maintain cartilage and support its regeneration. It is a very interesting ingredient, and that is in fact where its popularity comes from, because:

• In people with osteoarthritis, especially in the knee, it can help improve pain.
• It improves joint mobility.
• It helps reduce joint inflammation in cases of mild inflammation.
• And it helps prevent joint wear, for example in people who are very sporty or physically active.

Benefits of glucosamine: what are they?

The benefits of glucosamine are supported by various studies when it is used long term and especially when it is combined with other ingredients such as chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane, also known as MSM. Among them, we can highlight benefits such as:

• Improved joint pain.
• It improves joint function and, above all, quality of life in people with mild osteoarthritis.
• It helps protect joint cartilage by preventing advanced progressive wear.
• It reduces inflammatory mediators, which means it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
• It is especially interesting in people who do continuous physical effort, such as athletes.

How can we take it?

It is advisable to take it in a dose of between 1,200 and 1,500 mg/day, either in a single dose or divided into two, together with meals. And although it can be taken on its own, it is advisable to combine it with other active ingredients to enhance its beneficial effects, such as:

• MSM to improve the anti-inflammatory action.
• Chondroitin to act in synergy.
• Hyaluronic acid and collagen to enhance connective tissue regeneration.

As for how long treatment should last before its benefits begin to be noticed, at least 8 to 12 weeks are recommended. Even so, in certain chronic cases it can be taken over a prolonged period of several months.

Who can take it?

Supplementation is indicated for people whose production is reduced or whose needs are increased. Among them, we can find:

• People who suffer from joint wear or have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
• Older adults, because natural production decreases with age, but who still want to benefit from support for joint health.
• Athletes, because of the greater effort and wear placed on the joints, especially in high-impact sports such as football, crossfit or running.
• Or people who have a genetic predisposition to joint problems.

The best supplements with glucosamine

In our online pharmacy, we have a wide range of food supplements, but we recommend these 3 supplements with glucosamine to include in your daily routine:

• Solgar glucosamine MSM complex: as we have mentioned throughout the article, combining it with MSM enhances the anti-inflammatory action, but this specific formula also contains vitamin C to support collagen formation. It is recommended for people with joint stiffness who want to improve mobility.
• Solgar glucosamine chondroitin MSM: this is similar to the previous option but more complete. That is why it may be more suitable for people with more advanced wear who need synergy between all the ingredients.
• Pure Encapsulations glucosamine + chondroitin + MSM: another formula with the 3 main ingredients so that they can work in synergy and help improve joint and cartilage health, also supporting chronic inflammation.

Contraindications of glucosamine

Although it is a component that the body synthesises naturally and it is generally well tolerated when supplemented, special care is still needed in certain types of patients, such as:

• People who are allergic to shellfish, because glucosamine may be of marine origin. In those cases, plant-based glucosamine should be chosen, which will be stated on the label.
• If someone is taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, it is advisable to consult a doctor first.
• The same applies during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
• And in people with diabetes, caution is advised and blood glucose levels should be monitored while supplementing with this ingredient.

In conclusion, we can say that glucosamine offers multiple benefits for joints and cartilage, as well as helping to prevent joint wear. Even more so if it is combined with other ingredients such as chondroitin and MSM, so that they can work in synergy and provide better results.