What Is Glucosamine Used For?

Glucosamine is a nutritional supplement which is available for purchase in the health food store or at the local drug store. It can be found naturally in the body which uses it in the production of cartilage.

As you get older, the body’s capacity to produce glucosamine is reduced. Scientists say that it plays an important role in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

How to take it

Sick people are eager for the treatment to work faster and improve their condition. However, it is not a good idea to take glucosamine more than the recommended daily dosage.

This nutritional supplement does not act fast. Moreover, it can damage the pancreatic cells and increase the risk of diabetes.

Precautions

Although it is sold as a nutritional supplement, there are some side effects or precautions that you should be aware of.

 Because glucosamine is made from shellfish, it is recommended that those who are allergic to shellfish should use the products made from vegetable sources.
  • Pregnant women and children should avoid the products because there have been no clinical trials or studies that included this; so the side effects are unknown.
  • Glucosamine can also cause nausea, indigestion or heartburn. It is recommended to be taken with meals in order to avoid these side effects.
  • People who use blood-thinners should be very careful when taking glucosamine. We advise them to talk to the doctor beforehand.
  • Glucosamine can reduce the effects of insulin. This is why people who have diabetes should see a doctor before starting a treatment with glucosamine.
  • Another side effect of glucosamine is that in some cases it can raise blood pressure and the cholesterol level.
  • Glucosamine is generally safe and tolerated by patients as many studies have shown. However, before starting a treatment, you should do a complete examination in order to see what the possible side effects are.