Benefits of Glucosamine
Over recent years, glucosamine supplementation has obtained significant credibility both within the medical profession and also the general population. Either taken by itself or in combination with chrondroitin, glucosamine is taken by many to reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritic joints. It has also been promoted to athletes recovering from soft tissue injuries that it may result in repair of cartilage tissue. However does the available research advocate the use of glucosamine?
What is Glucosamine and why might it be beneficial to our joints?
Most brands of glucosamine supplements are produced from chitin, a naturally occurring polymer found in the shells of particular shellfish. Chemically, it is an amino monosaccharide, synthesised from L-glutamine and glucose within the body. It is normally purchased in one of three forms namely, glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine and can be in the form of either a tablet or liquid supplement.
One hypothesis for the beneficial impact of glucosamine supplementation is that glucosamine is an amino sugar which is the critical building block of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans are large protein molecules that may behave in a similar way to a sponge to hold water providing connective tissues elasticity and cushioning effects. This permits a buffering action to assist protection against excessive joint wear and tear. With insufficient glucosamine in our bodies then our tendons, ligaments, bones and other body tissues would not be able to form properly.
Under normal circumstances it is believed we produce enough glucosamine from our diet to form the various building block compounds to produce the connective tissue and healthy cartilage. But either through reduced dietary intake or through the rate at which our bodies use glucosamine (because of activity, injury or age/chronic degradation), then a deficit can occur. When this arises then our bodies may not be able to produce sufficient glucosamine that can result in a decrease in the amount of synovial fluids, which help cushion joints.
Another hypothesis is that glucosamine may block the action of certain enzymes that may be indicated with osteoarthritis.
Researchers have been studying the effects of extra dietary glucosamine supplementation. Initial indications were that glucosamine was easily absorbed and did not have the side-effects associated with NSAIDs. However some animal research has indicated that glucosamine may worsen insulin resistance.
Research Results
To date there have been no research studies that definitively answer of how glucosamine actually works within the body. There has been no direct evidence of replacing or repairing cartilage or supplementation to the synovial fluid by any method. Some champions of glucosamine claim that there is a reduction in pain and inflammation but it is unclear how this happens and may just be a placebo effect.
There may well be some logic behind the view that if people with osteoarthritis are deficient in some component of cartilage formation then attempting to replenish the missing components may provide some benefits.
Much of the existing research is flawed and it is hard to draw definitive conclusions from research reviews because of inadequate sample size, lacking research methodology, different dose sizes, and, in some case, direct conflict of interest with the manufacturers.
Conclusion
The conclusions of research reviews are inconclusive. Glucosamine may have some beneficial effect in lessening the pain of osteoarthritis. Whether it offers advantages over NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors has yet to be determined along whether any benefits are the result of physiological changes or merely placebo effect. Some medical professionals advise that clients take glucosamine sulphate (possibly in combination with chrondroitin) for around 12 weeks. If there are no significant reductions in symptoms after this time period then there is probably no point in continuing the supplementation.
There are a wide range of glucosamine products of significantly varying quality on the shelves so please read labels carefully and consult your health care professional before commencing taking any glucosamine supplements.
Richard Lane is a qualified remedial and sports massage therapist, providing mobile massage to the Inner West of Sydney. He provides website resources for Sydney Remedial Massage Therapists and also operates an Australian wide remedial massage directory including a listing for Massage Double Bay.
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