Get free shipping on your order

Express delivery

Choose a gift over €50

Blog
Sport és fitnesz
Termékek igény szerint
Reset filters

What is glucosamine good for?

Kelemen József
Kelemen József
23/04/2024 14:57

Glucosamine is like your grandfather’s brandy: he swears it cured him of all his ills and of courseno one can do it as well as he can.  Brandy and glucosamine have more in common than you might think:

  • Glucosamine and brandy are both traditional and widely used.
  • People often think of both as panaceas.
  • Glucosamine can also be produced on a plant basis by fermentation.
  • And since its invention, glucosamine has become the number one joint protector in Europe. Doctors usually recommend glucosamine sulphate as a first-line treatment as part of conservative therapies. So, according to many, a better joint protector has not been invented since!

Although the effects of brandy and alcohol are outside the scope of this article, nevertheless, remember the Paracelsus’ adage: „the dose makes the poison”! But we will now clarify whether glucosamine really lives up to its reputation?

 

What is glucosamine sulphate?

Glucosamine is both a sugar and not a sugar, an amino acid and not an amino acid. It’s actually an amino sugar: a simple carbohydrate containing nitrogen. It is used by our bodies to make proteins and fatty acids1. Therefore it’s effects may go beyond joint protection; it may also be beneficial for skin health2,3.

Glucosamine is commercially available in several forms, such as glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetylglucosamine. Of these glucosamine sulphate is the more effective version for joint health5. And for skin health, N-acetylglucosamine6. Glucosamine sulphate, in combination of chondroitin sulphate,  can reinforce each other’s effects, as both are basically similar in the way they support joint and skin health.

 

What contains glucosamine?

Apart from food supplements, there is no food contains adequate amounts of glucosamine. The only natural sources of glucosamine are shellfish, carb and lobster shell chitin. As a carnivore (i.e. non-vegan: carnivorous) process, glucosamine is extracted from the chitin of these animals.

There is no plant source of glucosamine, but the endlessly creative researchers have found a way to meet vegan requirements. They use as a plant-based process to make glucosamine by fermenting corn starch. See?! More and more similarities with brandy!

 

Glucosamine effects, benefits: hope or hype?

The literature on the effects of glucosamine is not uniform. Most of it has been studied in the treatment of oestoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are more than 20 scientific studies showing the anti-inflammatory effects of glucosamine and chondroitin7-29. Most of these trials have been in the laboratory, less research has been done with humans, but some clinical studies have been done with some participants28-31.  All of these reported  anti-inflammatory effects (the areas studie: inflammatory problems affecting bones, intestines and joints).

Cancer processes associated with low levels of inflammation throughout the body56. Studies demonstrating the cancer-preventive effects of glucosamine have been published to further prove its anti-inflammatory effects31-39.

Glucosamine can effect inflammation in several ways:

  1. It can downregulate the function of one of the main inflammatory pathways (called the NF-kB pathway). Overactivity of the NF-Kb pathway has also been associated with certain types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis39-41.
  2. It may lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels42. CRPs may be elevated in people with osteoporosis. Metabolic diseases and obesity can also increase CRP levels43,44. Furthermore, elevated CRP levels have been associated with arthritis45,46.
  3. Glucosamine may also be able to reduce levels of other inflammatory hormones or enzymes such as E2 prostaglandin or cyclooxygenase47,48.

Reducing inflammation is the main explanation behind the effect of glucosamine. Furthermore, as glucosamine is a precursor of proteoglycans (joint and bone building compounds), it can be used by our body to ’rebuild’ joints and bones49,50.

Another advantage of glucosamine is that it is treated as a medicine in Europe and is therefore recommended by doctors, but it is not accepted as a medicine in America: it is classified as a dietary supplement. This means that there are doubts about its efficacy. These doubts are due to a lack of clinical research, with a plethora of laboratory results1.

 

Glucosamine effects on the skin

As the skin also expresses proteoglycans, N-acetylglucosamine topically (applied to the skin) can have anti-wrinkle, epithelial cell renewal and moisturizing effects2,3,6. In fact, it can be an effective alternative to alpha hydroxi acids (AHAs, or fruit acids)6. Fruit acids are used as water-based acids to exfoliate the skin and are derived from cane or other sugary fruits. Fruit acids can increase the damaging effects of UV-B radiation. In contrast, N-acetylglucosamine, which is also an exfoliant, is not thought to have such adverse effects6.

 

 

Possible side effects of glucosamine

Glucosamine has no known serious side effects. Only minor inconveniences  documented, such as51:

  • Upper abdomen, chest pain
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Malaise

No interaction with other medicines has been demonstrated. A thesis had previously been floated that glucosamine may interfere with the action of blood glucose regulating drugs, but this has since been dismissed55. There has also been a report that glucosamine sulphate may affect the effectiveness of blood thinners, but this would require further review.

Contra-indications: asthmatics, people allergic to shellfish and people taking diatbetes medication or blood thinners require special medical attention before and during glucosamine use 51-54.

 

Verdict

Studies have found glucosamine to be basically effective in the treatment of joint and bone disorders. However, the extent of effectiveness is questionable. Therefore, we at Vitamin360 would suggest a complex joint protection formula that does not rely on the action of glucosamine alone, but also includes:

  • Chondroitin sulphate to reinforce each other’s action
  • Hyaluronic acid to further hydrate cartilage (and skin).
  • UC-II collagen to further reduce arthritis.
  • Plant extracts that aid absorption and detoxification (also anti-inflammatory).

Pro tip: we would recommend the extra high active az extra Animal Flex: a joint protection powder containing collagens, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and plant extracts, together with UC-II collagen capsules.  The latter also contains hyaluronic acid in low doses. The combination of the two is one of the most potent joint protectors and anti-inflammatories on the market, effectively helping to combat musculoskeletal injuries.

Looking for a soothing cream? Now Foods Liposome Cream contains added glucosamine sulphate, along with MSM and arnica.  And the liposome technology allows the active ingredients to reach damaged cells more effectively.

 

GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN

 

Used sources:

  1. Williams C, Ampat G. Glucosamine Sulfate. [Updated 2023 Jul 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558930/
  2. Smith MM, Melrose J. Proteoglycans in Normal and Healing Skin. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015 Mar 1;4(3):152-173. doi: 10.1089/wound.2013.0464. PMID: 25785238; PMCID: PMC4352701.
  3. Bissett DL. Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefits. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006 Dec;5(4):309-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2006.00277.x. PMID: 17716251.
  4. Glucosamine sulfate. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine,
  5. Meulyzer M, Vachon P, Beaudry F, Vinardell T, Richard H, Beauchamp G, Laverty S. Comparison of pharmacokinetics of glucosamine and synovial fluid levels following administration of glucosamine sulphate or glucosamine hydrochloride. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008 Sep;16(9):973-9.
  6. Mammone T, Gan D, Fthenakis C, Marenus K. The effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skin. J Cosmet Sci. 2009 Jul-Aug;60(4):423-8. PMID: 19691938.
  7. Largo R, Alvarez-Soria MA, Diez-Ortego I, et al.. Glucosamine inhibits IL-1beta-induced NFkappaB activation in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Osteoarthr Cartil 2003;11:290–298 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Xu CX, Jin H, Chung YS, et al.. Chondroitin sulfate extracted from the Styela clava tunic suppresses TNF-alpha-induced expression of inflammatory factors, VCAM-1 and iNOS by blocking Akt/NF-kappaB signal in JB6 cells. Cancer Lett 2008;264:93–100 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Sakai S, Sugawara T, Kishi T, et al.. Effect of glucosamine and related compounds on the degranulation of mast cells and ear swelling induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in mice. Life Sci 2010;86:337–343 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Iovu M, Dumais G, du Souich P. Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulfate. Osteoarthr Cartil 2008;16 Suppl 3:S14–S18 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Wu YL, Kou YR, Ou HL, et al.. Glucosamine regulation of LPS-mediated inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2010;635:219–226 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Yomogida S, Hua J, Sakamoto K, Nagaoka I. Glucosamine suppresses interleukin-8 production and ICAM-1 expression by TNF-alpha-stimulated human colonic epithelial HT-29 cells. Int J Mol Med 2008;22:205–211 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Neil KM, Orth MW, Coussens PM, et al.. Effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on mediators of osteoarthritis in cultured equine chondrocytes stimulated by use of recombinant equine interleukin-1beta. Am J Vet Res 2005;66:1861–1869 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Hong H, Park YK, Choi MS, et al.. Differential down-regulation of COX-2 and MMP-13 in human skin fibroblasts by glucosamine-hydrochloride. J Dermatol Sci 2009;56:43–50 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Nakamura H, Shibakawa A, Tanaka M, et al.. Effects of glucosamine hydrochloride on the production of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide and metalloproteases by chondrocytes and synoviocytes in osteoarthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2004;22:293–299 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Rajapakse N, Kim MM, Mendis E, Kim SK. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by carboxybutyrylated glucosamine takes place via down-regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB signaling. Immunology 2008;123:348–357 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Gouze JN, Bordji K, Gulberti S, et al.. Interleukin-1beta down-regulates the expression of glucuronosyltransferase I, a key enzyme priming glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis: Influence of glucosamine on interleukin-1beta-mediated effects in rat chondrocytes. Arthritis Rheum 2001;44:351–360 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Largo R, Martinez-Calatrava MJ, Sanchez-Pernaute O, et al.. Effect of a high dose of glucosamine on systemic and tissue inflammation in an experimental model of atherosclerosis aggravated by chronic arthritis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2009;297:H268–276 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Azuma K, Osaki T, Wakuda T, et al.. Suppressive effects of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine on rheumatoid arthritis mouse models. Inflammation 2012;35:1462–1465 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Campo GM, Avenoso A, Campo S, et al.. Efficacy of treatment with glycosaminoglycans on experimental collagen-induced arthritis in rats. Arthritis Res Ther 2003;5:R122–131 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Hua J, Suguro S, Hirano S, et al.. Preventive actions of a high dose of glucosamine on adjuvant arthritis in rats. Inflamm Res 2005;54:127–132 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Arafa NM, Hamuda HM, Melek ST, Darwish SK. The effectiveness of Echinacea extract or composite glucosamine, chondroitin and methyl sulfonyl methane supplements on acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis rat model. Toxicol Indus Health 2013;29:187–201 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Chou MM, Vergnolle N, McDougall JJ, et al.. Effects of chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate in a dietary bar formulation on inflammation, interleukin-1beta, matrix metalloprotease-9, and cartilage damage in arthritis. Exp Biol Med 2005;230:255–262 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Hori Y, Hoshino J, Yamazaki C, et al.. Effects of chondroitin sulfate on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium in rats. Jap J Pharmacol 2001;85:155–160 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Yomogida S, Kojima Y, Tsutsumi-Ishii Y, et al.. Glucosamine, a naturally occurring amino monosaccharide, suppresses dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats. Int J Mol Med 2008;22:317–323 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. Kantor ED, Lampe JW, Navarro SL, et al.. Associations between glucosamine and chondroitin supplement use and biomarkers of systemic inflammation. J Altern Complement Med 2014;20:479–485 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Kantor ED, Lampe JW, Vaughan TL, et al.. Association between use of specialty dietary supplements and C-reactive protein concentrations. Am J Epidemiol 2012;176:1002–1013 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Navarro SL, White E, Kantor ED, et al.. Randomized trial of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma proteomics profiles in healthy humans. PLoS One 2015;10:e0117534. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Bak YK, Lampe JW, Sung MK. Effects of dietary supplementation of glucosamine sulfate on intestinal inflammation in a mouse model of experimental colitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014;29:957–963 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Nakamura H NK Effects of glucosamine/chondroitin supplement on osteoarthritis: Involvement of PGE2 and YKL-40. J Rheumatism Joint Surg 2002;21:175–184 [Google Scholar]
  31. Nakamura H, Masuko K, Yudoh K, et al.. Effects of glucosamine administration on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2007;27:213–218 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Kantor ED, Lampe JW, Peters U, et al.. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2013;24:1137–1146 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Kantor ED, Zhang X, Wu K, et al.. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in relation to risk of colorectal cancer: Results from the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals follow-up study. Int J Cancer 2016;139:1949–1957 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Satia JA, Littman A, Slatore CG, et al.. Associations of herbal and specialty supplements with lung and colorectal cancer risk in the VITamins and Lifestyle study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18:1419–1428 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. Brasky TM, Lampe JW, Slatore CG, White E. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin and lung cancer risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort. Cancer Causes Control 2011;22:1333–1342 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Kantor ED, Newton CC, Giovannucci EL, et al.. Glucosamine use and risk of colorectal cancer: Results from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Cancer Causes Control 2018;29:389–397 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Erlinger TP, Platz EA, Rifai N, Helzlsouer KJ. C-reactive protein and the risk of incident colorectal cancer. JAMA 2004;291:585–590 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Cai Q, Gao YT, Chow WH, et al.. Prospective study of urinary prostaglandin E2 metabolite and colorectal cancer risk. J Clin Oncol 2006;24:5010–5016 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. Wang S, Liu Z, Wang L, Zhang X. NF-kappaB signaling pathway, inflammation and colorectal cancer. Cell Mol Immunol 2009;6:327–334 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Wang S, Liu Z, Wang L, Zhang X. NF-kappaB signaling pathway, inflammation and colorectal cancer. Cell Mol Immunol. 2009 Oct;6(5):327-34. doi: 10.1038/cmi.2009.43. PMID: 19887045; PMCID: PMC4003215.
  41. Rigoglou S, Papavassiliou AG. The NF-κB signalling pathway in osteoarthritis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2013 Nov;45(11):2580-4. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.08.018. Epub 2013 Sep 1. PMID: 24004831.
  42. Kantor ED, O'Connell K, Du M, Cao C, Zhang X, Lee DH, Cao Y, Giovannucci EL. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Use in Relation to C-Reactive Protein Concentration: Results by Supplement Form, Formulation, and Dose. J Altern Complement Med. 2021 Feb;27(2):150-159. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0283. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33290138; PMCID: PMC7891193.
  43. Jin X, Beguerie JR, Zhang W, Blizzard L, Otahal P, Jones G, Ding C. Circulating C reactive protein in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015 Apr;74(4):703-10. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204494. Epub 2013 Dec 20. PMID: 24363360.
  44. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458418314730
  45. Pearle AD, Scanzello CR, George SS, Mandl L, DiCarlo EF, Crow MK, Sculco TP. Elevated C-reactive protein levels in osteoarthritis are associated with local joint inflammation. Arthritis Res Ther. 2004;6(Suppl 3):56. doi: 10.1186/ar1391. Epub 2004 Sep 13. PMCID: PMC2833521.
  46. Pope JE, Choy EH. C-reactive protein and implications in rheumatoid arthritis and associated comorbidities. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2021 Feb;51(1):219-229. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.11.005. Epub 2020 Dec 17. PMID: 33385862.
  47. Kapoor M, Mineau F, Fahmi H, Pelletier JP, Martel-Pelletier J. Glucosamine sulfate reduces prostaglandin E(2) production in osteoarthritic chondrocytes through inhibition of microsomal PGE synthase-1. J Rheumatol. 2012 Mar;39(3):635-44. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.110621. Epub 2011 Nov 15. PMID: 22089456.
  48. Jang BC, Sung SH, Park JG, Park JW, Bae JH, Shin DH, Park GY, Han SB, Suh SI. Glucosamine hydrochloride specifically inhibits COX-2 by preventing COX-2 N-glycosylation and by increasing COX-2 protein turnover in a proteasome-dependent manner. J Biol Chem. 2007 Sep 21;282(38):27622-32. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M610778200. Epub 2007 Jul 16. PMID: 17635918.
  49. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780120986521501165
  50. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/glucosamine
  51. Dahmer S, Schiller RM. Glucosamine. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Aug 15;78(4):471-6. 
  52. Knudsen JF, Sokol GH. Potential glucosamine-warfarin interaction resulting in increased international normalized ratio: case report and review of the literature and MedWatch database. 2008 Apr;28(4):540-8. 
  53. Gray HC, Hutcheson PS, Slavin RG. Is glucosamine safe in patients with seafood allergy? J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004 Aug;114(2):459-60. 
  54. Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A. Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Aug 28;19(32):5381-4. 
  55. Henrotin Y, Mobasheri A, Marty M. Is there any scientific evidence for the use of glucosamine in the management of human osteoarthritis? Arthritis Res Ther. 2012 Jan 30;14(1):201. 
  56. Greten FR, Grivennikov SI. Inflammation and Cancer: Triggers, Mechanisms, and Consequences. Immunity. 2019 Jul 16;51(1):27-41.
Back
Login
Register
 

Customer Service: Mon-Thu: 8-16 | Fri: 8-12

Login
Cart is empty. Click here to buy