Medically CitedIn This Article
Glucosamine Sulfate Overview
Herbs and plants are used by many people to treat sickness and other health problems. Many of these natural herbs are beneficial in treating various health issues and can even assist people to avoid getting sick. Glucosamine sulfate is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body and is not a herb or a plant. It's also manufactured in a lab and can be found in the shells of shellfish. [1]
Glucosamine Sulfate Origin
2 Amino and Amino monosaccharides are other names for this chemical. It's been used in western medicine for a long time to help persons with arthritis. Glucosamine Sulfate has only recently become popular due to the fact that it must sometimes be manufactured in a laboratory or taken from the shells of various shellfish. [2]
Glucosamine Sulfate Benefits
Health Benefits Of Glucosamine Sulfate
1. Inflammation may be reduced
Glucosamine is frequently used as a supplement to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory diseases. Though the mechanisms of glucosamine are still unknown, it appears to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. [3]
2. Supports Joint Health
Glucosamine is a substance that your body produces naturally. One of its most important functions is to promote the healthy growth of the tissues that connect your joints.
According to certain studies, supplemental glucosamine may protect joint tissue by reducing cartilage breakdown. [4]
3. Treat Bone and Joint Disorders
Glucosamine supplements are commonly used to treat a variety of bone and joint problems.
This chemical has been investigated for its potential to treat the symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Glucosamine sulfate supplementation on a daily basis has been shown in multiple studies to be an effective, long-term treatment for osteoarthritis, resulting in a considerable reduction in pain, preservation of joint space, and overall slowing of disease development. [5]
4. Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a disorder caused by a lack of the chemical glycosaminoglycan. Glucosamine is commonly marketed as a treatment for interstitial cystitis. [6]
Unfortunately, there isn't enough scientific evidence to back up this claim.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to a glycosaminoglycan deficit, just as interstitial cystitis. [7]
There is very little evidence that glucosamine can help in IBD. However, according to a study, glucosamine supplementation may lower inflammation in animals with IBD. [8]
In the end, more research is required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
6. Glaucoma
Is Glucosamine Effective? Glucosamine is largely thought to be effective in the treatment of glaucoma.
According to a preliminary study, glucosamine sulfate may improve eye health by reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant effects in the retina. [9]
Excessive glucosamine intake, on the other hand, has been linked to glaucoma in one small research.
The existing data is inconclusive in general.
7. For Skin
Glucosamine has been demonstrated to speed wound healing, increase skin hydration, and reduce wrinkles by stimulating hyaluronic acid synthesis. [10]
Many adults find glucosamine sulfate to be safe. [11]
Many people tolerate it well when taken orally or as a supplement because it naturally occurs in the body. It is also safe when injected by a doctor into the muscle. Nausea and heartburn are two lesser side effects that a person may experience. [12]
Some people have reported digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. Reactions on the skin, particularly at the injection site, and headaches are two of the more uncommon Glucosamine Sulfate side effects. Pregnant women should not take this Glucosamine Sulfate supplement.
Asthmatics should be cautious when using this Glucosamine Sulfate supplement because it has the potential to trigger an asthma attack. Diabetics should not take this Glucosamine Sulfate supplement because it may raise their blood sugar levels. Some studies have found that this sulfate raises cholesterol levels. Only use this under the guidance of a medical expert if you have high cholesterol. Glucosamine Sulfate should not be used by anyone who is allergic to shellfish. Because this product is made from shellfish, it may trigger allergic reactions in persons who cannot consume this type of seafood.
Glucosamine Sulfate Dosage
The recommended Glucosamine sulfate dosage is to take 1500 mg once a day or 500 mg three times a day orally if used as a supplement. When this sulfate is used to treat arthritis, it is recommended that patients take 500mg three times a day to help relieve pain. [13]
Glucosamine Sulfate Use in Supplement
Orally, glucosamine sulfate is given as a supplement. Before using this Glucosamine Sulfate supplement, consult with a physician to ensure that the brand is safe and dependable.
Glucosamine Sulfate Interactions
Warfarin should not be taken with this supplement. The blood clotting will be slowed, and this can result in severe bruising and bleeding. [14]
This can be dangerous, and a person may lose a lot of blood as a result. Certain cancer-treatment medicines may interact negatively with this supplement and should be avoided. It will also impair the medication's effectiveness. This product should not be used by those taking diabetes medication since it may cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Glucosamine sulfate can improve a person's capacity to operate and accomplish daily activities if they have arthritis. Because they will be able to move and be pain-free, they will experience less pain and have a higher quality of life.
Glucosamine Sulfate FAQ's
Q: Is It Possible to Get Glucosamine Sulfate From Food?
A: Foods do not include glucosamine sulfate. It is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It can also be found in shellfish shells.
Q: How Does It Work?
A: The chemical glucosamine is found in the human body. The body uses it to make other molecules involved in forming cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the thick fluid surrounding joints. [15]
Q: What Are the Side Effects of Glucosamine Sulfate?
A: Glucosamine appears to be safe, even when taken for a few years. Side Effects from Glucosamine may include:de effects may include:
Q: Where Can You Buy Glucosamine Sulfate?
A: The best glucosamine sulfate product can be bought in online stores or the manufacturer's official page.
Q: What Does Glucosamine Sulfate Do?
A: Glucosamine sulfate is a popular supplement that may help patients with osteoarthritis feel better.
Q: What is the Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Chondroitin?
A: Glucosamine chondroitin can be derived from natural sources, such as shark cartilage or tracheas, or made in a lab. [18]
Glucosamine sulfate is a natural chemical present in the shells of shellfish, crabs, or lobsters. It can also be made in a lab. [19]
Q: How Can You Take Glucosamine Sulfate?
A: You can take 500 mg of Glucosamine sulfate a day or 1500 mg once a day. [20]
Q: Can I Give My Dog Glucosamine Sulfate?
A: Yes. However, it would help to speak with your veterinarian to evaluate your dog's ailment and decide the proper dosage before giving him glucosamine sulfate. [21]
Final Verdict
Glucosamine is a substance found naturally in the body that aids in forming and maintaining healthy joints.
Although glucosamine sulfate is used to treat a variety of bone, joint, and inflammatory illnesses like inflammatory Bowel Disease, interstitial cystitis, and Temporomandibular joint, most studies only support its use for long-term osteoarthritis symptom management.
A glucosamine sulfate supplement can be worth considering if you're suffering from osteoarthritis but consult your doctor first.
21 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[1] Glucosamine: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/807.html#Description[2] Glucosamine Sulfate: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558930/
[3] Kim MM, Mendis E, Rajapakse N, Kim SK. Glucosamine sulfate promotes osteoblastic differentiation of MG-63 cells via anti-inflammatory effect. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007 Apr 1;17(7):1938-42. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.01.030. Epub 2007 Jan 19. PMID: 17270442.
[4] Momomura R, Naito K, Igarashi M, Watari T, Terakado A, Oike S, Sakamoto K, Nagaoka I, Kaneko K. Evaluation of the effect of glucosamine administration on biomarkers of cartilage and bone metabolism in bicycle racers. Mol Med Rep. 2013 Mar;7(3):742-6. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1289. Epub 2013 Jan 25. PMID: 23358550.
[5] Jean Yves Reginster, Rita Deroisy, Lucio C Rovati, Richard L Lee, Eric Lejeune, Olivier Bruyere, Giampaolo Giacovelli, Yves Henrotin, Jane E Dacre, Christiane Gossett, Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial, The Lancet, Volume 357, Issue 9252, 2001, Pages 251-256, ISSN 0140-6736, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03610-2.
[6] Russell AL. Glycoaminoglycan (GAG) deficiency in protective barrier as an underlying, primary cause of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease interstitial cystitis and possibly Reiter's syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 1999 Apr;52(4):297-301. doi: 10.1054/mehy.1997.0652. PMID: 10465666.
[7] Azuma K, Osaki T, Kurozumi S, Kiyose M, Tsuka T, Murahata Y, Imagawa T, Itoh N, Minami S, Sato K, Okamoto Y. Anti-inflammatory effects of orally administered glucosamine oligomer in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease. Carbohydr Polym. 2015 Jan 22;115:448-56. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.09.012. Epub 2014 Sep 21. PMID: 25439918.
[8] Moon JM, Finnegan P, Stecker RA, et al. Impact of Glucosamine Supplementation on Gut Health. Nutrients. 2021;13(7):2180. Published 2021 Jun 24. doi:10.3390/nu13072180
[9] Chen YJ, Huang YS, Chen JT, Chen YH, Tai MC, Chen CL, Liang CM. Protective effects of glucosamine on oxidative-stress and ischemia/reperfusion-induced retinal injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015 Feb 5;56(3):1506-16. doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-15726. PMID: 25655796.
[10] Bissett DL. Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefits. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006 Dec;5(4):309-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2006.00277.x. PMID: 17716251.
[11] Glucosamine: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/807.html#Safety
[12] Versus Arthritis: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/glucosamine/
[13] How is it typically used?: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/807.html#Dosage
[14] Are there interactions with medications?: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/807.html#DrugInteractions
[15] Glucosamine: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/807.html#Action
[16] Do glucosamine and chondroitin supplements actually work for arthritis?: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-on-glucosaminechondroitin-supplements-2016101710391
[17] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 439213, D-Glucosamine. Retrieved March 21, 2023 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/D-Glucosamine.
[18] Glucosamine and Chondroitin: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa59277spec
[19] https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-glucosamine-sulfate-and-glucosamine-chondroitin/
[20] Dahmer S, Schiller RM. Glucosamine. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Aug 15;78(4):471-6. PMID: 18756654.
[21] Can Glucosamine for Dogs Help Treat Arthritis and Joint Pain?: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/glucosamine-dogs-arthritis-joint-pain/
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