Can Glucosamine Really Treat Arthritis?
In recent years, glucosamine has gained a lot of notoriety in the medical world. According to the National Society of Health Statistics, glucosamine is one of the top 10 natural products used by adults today in the United States.
The main reason for this is because it is believed that glucosamine can improve joint repair and alleviate or even eliminate the symptoms of arthritis.
Read on to learn more about what glucosamine really is, where you can get it, if it works and whether or not you should try it.
What Is Glucosamine?
Essentially, glucosamine is an amino sugar that is used as dietary supplement around the world. Glucosamine is present in human and animal bone marrow, as well as in shellfish, making it a natural product.
This natural product allegedly reduces the symptoms of arthritis, lessens join pain and even eliminates back pain in older adults. Keep in mind that glucosamine is not a pharmaceutical drug and is therefore not monitored or certified by the FDA.
Does It Really Work?
There have been numerous studies trying to determine whether glucosamine is truly effective. Arthritis sufferers will be happy to know that it does indeed make a difference in the lives of many patients.
The popular medical journal American Family Physician gave the supplement a “B” rating, saying, “Overall, the evidence supports the use of glucosamine sulfate for modestly reducing osteoarthritis symptoms and possibly slowing disease progression in arthritis patients.”
However, there are no conclusive reports stating that glucosamine is 100 percent effective.
Are There Risks Involved?
When taken properly, there are no adverse risks involved with taking glucosamine. However, some patients who take larger doses than recommended may suffer from constipation, diarrhea or a headache.
In addition, some people with shellfish allergies have noticed adverse symptoms when taking glucosamine derived from shellfish.
How Much Does It Cost?
One of the major benefits of glucosamine is that it is quite affordable.
It is available in most pharmacies and grocery stores as an over-the-counter product, and it can be taken as an oral supplement, a gummy chew or even a liquid flavored like fruit juice. Glucosamine can be ingested for as little as 50 cents per day in these ways.
Who Should Take Glucosamine?
Since there are no major adverse risks involved, and because glucosamine is available over the counter, those suffering from arthritis or joint pain may be interested in trying the product. However, those with low levels of pain are likely to see little or no improvement overall.
Those who suffer from arthritis know what it is like to have their health and mobility suffer. If a relatively affordable and convenient product like glucosamine might be able to make a difference, then it is worth a try.
