Glucosamine

=**//"This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." //**=

**Definition **
Glucosamine is an amino derivative of glucose that is a component of many polysaccharides and is the basic structural unit of chitin ("Glucosamine," n.d.). Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues (Wong, 2007).

**Sources **
Glucosamine is produced in the body but production lessens as individuals age. There are no major food sources of glucosamine so you must get it from supplements. Most available supplements are from chitin, which is the hard outer shell of shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. For those allergic to shellfish or for vegetarians, there are a few available glucosamine supplements that are plant based and safe to consume (Ehrlich, 2011). Some popular brands of the supplement are Nature Made, The Vitamin Shoppe, NOW Foods, and Osteo Bi-Flex.

**Recommendations **
It is believed that glucosamine supplements may help to stop cartilage breakdown, build cartilage, and decrease swelling. Because of this, glucosamine is most often given to individuals with osteoarthritis of the joints (Selvan, 2011). In addition to osteoathritis, it can also be used in treatment for those suffering from bone diseases, circulation problems, high cholesterol, low back pain, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is not recommended for supplementation in children under the age of 18. Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should use caution when taking this supplement due to lack of evidence (Mayo Clinic, 2013). There is currently no evidence to support its use for preventing joint dysfunction. However, for the general population that is suffering from arthritis or other joint ailments, this supplement could be beneficial to them.

**Usage**
Currently, there is no RDA established for glucosamine. Recommended dosage depends on the purpose for supplementation, but most recommend 1,500 mg per day taken either all at once or broken up into 3 doses of 500 mg each (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Currently, there is no toxicity level established, but evidence strongly supports intakes of 2,000 mg per day are considered safe (Hathcock, 2007). The studies with the best results for the effectiveness of glucosamine reported to be using glucosamine sulfate instead of glucosamine hydrochloride. (Canale, 2012). Glucosamine is available in soft gels, tablets, capsules, and liquid form.

**Warnings and Side Effects**
Glucosamine may interfere with prescribed medications when taken at the same time. Possible side effects are an increased risk of bleeding when taken with medications that increase the risk of bleeding. It may affect insulin and blood sugar levels when taken with medications that impact blood sugar. It could possibly interact with acetaminophen and NSAIDs. Individuals that are allergic to shellfish should abstain from taking this supplement (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take glucosamine until further research is completed. This supplement is not recommended for children under the age of 18.

**Rankings**
Effectiveness: 4.5/5 In numerous studies, glucosamine has been shown to decrease pain when used at the recommended levels. Glucosamine in the sulphate form has been shown to be the most effective form. (Herrero-Beaumont, 2007)

Safety: 4.5/5 For most individuals, glucosamine is a completely safe supplement to consume. For pregnant or breastfeeding women or those allergic to shellfish, this supplement would not be safe for consumption. More research needs to be done before this supplement will be safe for children or for use as a preventative measure for joint health.

Cost: 4.5/5 The cost of this supplement ranges widely depending on the form and the recommended serving size. For capsule and tablet form, the cost ranges from $0.21-0.77 per daily serving. In the liquid form, the cost ranges from $0.72-1.60 per daily serving. When glucosamine is stacked with other ingredients, the price is usually more per serving.

Ease of use: 5/5 Glucosamine is a widely available supplement that is easy to find online or in store. It is easy to use because it comes in tablet, capsule, soft gel, or liquid form. There is no separate bottle needed or any mixing required.

Overall Ranking: 18.5/20

**References**
Canale, S.T. (September 2012). To glucosamine or not glucosamine? AAOS Now. Retrieved from http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/sep12/youraaos1.asp.

Ehrlich, S.D. (May 24, 2011). Glucosamine review. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/glucosamine.

Glucosamine. (n.d.). In The Free Dictionary online. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/glucosamine.

Hathcock, J.N., Shao, A. (2007). Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. //Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 47, 78-83.//

Herrero-Beaumont, G., Ivorra, J.A.R., del Carmen Trabado, M., Blanco, F.J., Benito, P., Martin-Mola, E.,... Branco, J. (2007). Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator. //Arthritis and Rheumatism//, //56 (2), 555-567.//

Mayo Clinic. (November 1, 2013). Glucosamine. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/glucosamine/background/HRB-20059572.

Selvan, T., Rajiah, K., Nainar, M.S., & Mathew, E.H.(2011). A clinical study on glucosamine sulfate vs combination of glucosamine sulfate and NSAIDs in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. //Scientific World Journal.// 2012. doi:10.1100/20120902676

Wong, C. (November 1, 2007). Glucosamine. Retrieved from http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsek/a/Glucosamine.htm.