Glucosamine and Chondroitin Side Effects

By Amy Clark · Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
by Amy Clark

Your body manufactures a natural substance called Glucosamine which is made from glucose and glutamine (an amino acid). Glucosamine might also be described as an amino sugar synthesized from glucose and L-glutamine.

Glucosamine is also known by a number of other names, such as: N-acetyl glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate, and glucosamine hydrochloride.

Glycosaminoglycan, on the other hand, is a molecule that is relevant in the development and/or reconditioning of the cartilage and other tissues in your body. At some point when you grow older, your Glycosaminoglycan production retards, hence causing joint bloating and swelling.

Glucosamine and chondroitin function as building blocks of the connective tissues and the cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are natural substances that occur naturally in shellfish harvests.

Glucosamine is often mixed with chondroitin to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). Medical research has proven that this combination is successful in osteoporosis treatment and gradually restoring or improving bone function.

Glucosamine Chondroitin: Potential Side Effects

In general, the majority of supplements come with their own potential for adverse effects. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have revealed positive results in clinical trials, with most users reporting no side effects.

But in isolated cases, some individuals may report a small elevation in blood pressure, breathing difficulties, uneasiness, rashes, nausea, mild headaches, and stomach aches or gastrointestinal pains.

One common side effect of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements is soft stools and higher intestinal gas, but this is very rare. Clinical trials using animals reveal that glucosamine may decrease insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes. Even though this has not been documented in human tests, diabetic patients are strongly advised to exercise caution and closely monitor their blood sugar levels when using glucosamine supplements.

Additionally, individuals who are using blood thinners or aspirins must consult their doctor before deciding to use these supplements. Likewise, pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant must also seek a physician’s advice, because the impact of glucosamine on a developing fetus is yet unknown. Children and women who are breast feeding should also stay away from glucosamine entirely.

Currently, different medical studies continue to evaluate and assess the long-term results of glucosamine chondroitin supplements. All things considered, while their long-term repercussions are still not known, most specialists agree that the combined benefits of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in OA treatment are more important than any potential risks for side effects.

Glucosamine with chondroitin is probably the single most potent supplement for lubricating, maintaining, and protecting the joints. Additionally, glucosamine restrains the movement of your joints and consequently prevent the weakening of the joint cartilage. Various studies have proven the potency of glucosamine in pain management and treating osteoarthritis symptoms, although such outcomes were not immediately available. Moreover, Glucosamine is also believed to lessen inflammation of the joints and block harmful enzymes that may damage the cartilage, though further studies on this aspect are needed.

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