Like collagen, glucosamine is naturally produced by the body and is found in bones and articular cartilage. It is the combination of glucose and an amino acid called glutamine.
Several studies have demonstrated that glucosamine plays an essential role in maintaining joint health. In fact, it helps improve the quality of the synovial fluid (also called synovia). This liquid is secreted by the synovial membrane to lubricate and protect joints, among other things.
The body’s natural production of Glucosamine decreases with age. This degeneration also affects the joints. Glucosamine supplements will therefore counteract the loss of this natural amino acid.
When Glucosamine is combined with other joint beneficial ingredients, such as AminoLock® Collagen, we get very effective natural supplements for the relief of joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
For example, it has been clinically proven that AminoLock® Collagen helps reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and regenerate cartilage. The collagen-glucosamine combination, as the one in Genacol Plus for example, provides additional benefits by adding lubricating action to the joints.
Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin and MSM for optimum results in relieving joint pain. Genacol Optimum combines Collagen AminoLock® with the three above-mentioned ingredients for maximum results.
The daily recommended glucosamine dosage is 1,500 mg.
Glucosamine used to manufacture supplements is extracted from the shells of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. Seafood-allergic people should therefore pay particular attention before consumption, or even avoid it according to the intensity of their allergy.
Recent clinical trials(1) also indicate that glucosamine, contrary to what was previously said, would not affect the sugar levels of people with diabetes.
In conclusion, glucosamine may also interact with anticoagulant drugs, such as Coumadin®(2).
In any case, when taking a new supplement, it is always important to consult with your pharmacist or health care provider whether taking glucosamine is right for you depending on your health and the current medications or supplements you are taking.
Sources:
(1) A comprehensive review of oral glucosamine use and effects on glucose metabolism in normal and diabetic individuals. Simon RR, Marks V, et al. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2011 Jan;27(1):14-27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21218504
(2) Potential glucosamine-warfarin interaction resulting in increased international normalized ratio: case report and review of the literature and MedWatch database. Knudsen JF, Sokol GH. Pharmacotherapy. 2008 Apr;28(4):540-8. Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18363538
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