Glucosamine is a substance found in cartilage and gums. Our body uses it to make proteoglycans (such as hyaluronic acid), another major building block of joints. These proteoglycans bind water to provide moisture to the joint fluid. Another proteoglycan constituent is chondroitin sulphate, which is often combined with glucosamine in supplements.
Several studies report on the combined cartilage-strengthening effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, but they do not have as strong an effect when used individually as when combined.
The use of glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate is considered safe, but may cause mild side effects, including stomach upset and headaches. They are not recommended for use in people with blood coagulation disorders, asthma and prostate cancer, shellfish allergy, grey catarrh or during pregnancy.
Studies have used average doses of 1500 mg glucosamine sulphate and 800-2000 mg chondroitin sulphate.
In many cases, in the pursuit of general mobility fitness, people focus only on the muscles and neglect the joints and ligaments.
However, in the long term, joint and ligament health is as important as muscle health. Serious injuries can occur, such as fractures, strains, tears, chronic inflammation (tendonitis, bursitis), etc.
