Understanding Glucosamine & Does It Work

OK short answers before we get into the ultimate guide on Glucosamine! Glucosamine Supplements Do They Work? Yes, no, and it depends.... "To understand that you really need to read below and educate yourself, to see if it is the right fit for you." That seems to be the common question we get so we wanted to clear that up right from the start.

Justin Explains What To Look For!

Now... take 5 - 10 minutes and take in all the information below so you are well educated on this supplement, what it is, how it works, side effects, and things you might have never thought about.

So Just What Is Glucosamine?

• It is a naturally occurring chemical compound in the body, and it is often used in joint supplements that support everyday joint comfort. Your levels fall as you age and this can lead to a slow breakdown of the joint compounds. Glucosamine is important because it contributes to cartilage formation and joint lubrication. When shopping for the right joint supplement, you’ll often come across glucosamine, which generally takes two forms: "sulfate" and "hydrochloride". What are the differences between the two and what do they mean to you? We outline what you need to know as it pertains to choosing the right joint supplement.

Glucosamine Sulfate

• Glucosamine sulfate is the most common type found on the market and is the one most studied in animal and human trials. Sulfate is taken from the shells of shellfish and can also be made in a lab. The body uses this to make a variety of other chemicals that are used in the construction of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and a thick fluid that is found around the joints. Taking a supplement with glucosamine sulfate supports cartilage and joint structure and the fluid that cushions your joints.
• Glucosamine sulfate is stabilized with sodium chloride, also known as table salt. The sulfate part of glucosamine sulfate is the most important component. Sulfur plays a role in supporting cartilage and joint structure. Researchers have studied glucosamine sulfate alongside some non-prescription pain medications and reported comparable findings for movement and comfort, though individual results vary. Some research has also looked at whether this component may help support joint health over the long term.

Many times sulfur and sulfa are confused, but these elements are not the same thing. Allergies to drugs containing sulfa are very common, worrying some people about sulfur in joint supplement products. However, sulfa drugs combine sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and allergies are triggered by the actions of the molecule, not by the sulfur. It is actually impossible to have an allergy to sulfur. Sulfur is a chemical element found in sulfites, sulfates, and sulfa drugs. It is an indispensable element needed for the functions of the human body.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

• Glucosamine hydrochloride has less evidence available showing its effectiveness. It is also found in the shells of shellfish. Unlike glucosamine sulfate, it lacks the sulfate component, which the body uses to produce and maintain cartilage. Glucosamine hydrochloride is more concentrated than the sulfate version and contains significantly less sodium. Glucosamine hydrochloride is often paired with chondroitin in hopes of better results, but this is not currently supported by findings in trials and research.

Differences Between The Two

• Both glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are found in joint supplements that support a healthy inflammatory response, support everyday joint comfort, and support joint health. The major differences between the two are:

1. Glucosamine sulfate contains the sulfur the body uses to support cartilage and joint structure, while glucosamine hydrochloride does not. 2. The research on glucosamine hydrochloride is not substantial, while glucosamine sulfate has been studied for its role in joint health. Glucosamine has been studied for its role in supporting joint health as we age. As you shop for a joint supplement it’s crucial to know what types of ingredients are included. At Flexcin we hand pick our components based on quality and purity. Our ingredient choices are based on years of research and the constant evolution of our unique formula.

Is Taking Glucosamine Sulfate Right for Your Joints?

• Again lets take a quick look at what this supplement is... Glucosamine is a simple sugar produced in the human body. A combined form of glutamine and glucose, it plays a vital role in forming cartilage. It also occurs naturally in shellfish species as glucosamine sulfate, and a hydrochloride compound called glucosamine HCL. Cartilage is vital to joint health, for it cushions joints and adds stability. As joints move, cartilage wears away, and the body must replace it. If the body’s ability to make cartilage stops or slows below replacement levels, the result is a form of osteoarthritis characterized by joint pain.

An Over-The-Counter Supplement "OTC"

• Some European countries have approved medicinal glucosamine as a prescription product for arthritis and joint pain. In the United States, glucosamine is sold only as an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement. Beginning in 1980, researchers have studied glucosamine sulfate for its role in joint comfort and mobility. Some of that work compared it with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Published studies have looked at glucosamine sulfate in the context of osteoarthritis, everyday joint comfort, cartilage and joint structure, a healthy inflammatory response, and antioxidant activity. Researchers also noted that the stomach-related effects often associated with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as irritation of the stomach lining and gastric ulcers, were not commonly reported with glucosamine. Individual results vary.

What Is The Right Amount of Glucosamine Sulfate In Your Diet?

• In studies of glucosamine and joint health, 1,500 milligrams is a standard daily dosage. One can take it all-at-once or in as many as three 500-milligram doses. Based upon body weight, for persons weighing 200 lbs or more, the standard daily glucosamine dosage is 2,000 milligrams per day for joint support. Products classified as natural health supplements are available over the counter. However, they are not subject to the strict standards for purity and strength applied to prescription drugs. For example, a recently conducted independent study showed that contents varied substantially from the labels by up to one-third less than stated. A better practice requires certified analysis, or a third-party analysis or verification.

What To Look For When Choosing Your Glucosamine Sulfate

• Buyers may get an inferior product if the label does not clearly state that the contents are pure glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine HCL. Some supplements have paired the ingredients. Studies have shown that the body absorbs glucosamine. However, many researchers believe that, in supplement form, the body cannot absorb chondroitin sulfate. For this reason, they suggest glucosamine supplements without chondroitin. One should avoid glucosamine supplements that add sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride, (KCl), or that include potassium as an ingredient. Without information to support effectiveness, one should be cautious about a joint supplement ingredient called NAG (N-Acetylglucosamine or N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine). It is a less common and more expensive form of glucosamine with limited supporting research.

Are There Allergies and Side Effects from Taking Glucosamine Sulfate?

• In a three-year study of people taking 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate daily, the most commonly reported side effect was mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Temporary effects included drowsiness, skin reactions, and headache. Individual results vary. Some users may have questions about use of the supplement by people with diabetes, because the glucosamine sulfate compound is a simple sugar (monosaccharide). Studies have not noted a change in blood sugar, but they have shown an increase in short-term insulin resistance. As a precaution, diabetics or pre-diabetics should have blood sugar levels monitored by a health care provider during the early weeks of using a glucosamine supplement.
• Researchers have only performed toxicity studies for the general public, so data on the effects of glucosamine sulfate supplementation for children and pregnant or lactating women is insufficient. Because that record is limited, people in these groups should talk with their healthcare provider before taking it.

Because sulfur is a naturally occurring essential nutrient in the human body, sulfur itself is not what triggers reactions to sulfa drugs or to food additives containing sulfites. If you have a known allergy or sensitivity, talk with your healthcare provider first. Manufacturers make glucosamine sulfate from the chitin exoskeleton of shellfish including lobster, crab, and shrimp. While pharmaceutical grade does not generally contain shellfish contaminants, manufacturers advise persons with severe shellfish allergies to exercise caution when taking this shellfish-based supplement.

5 Glucosamine Side Effects In More Detail

• Glucosamine is a naturally occurring chemical found in the body, most notably in the fluid that surrounds the joints. Glucosamine is also found in nature, like in the shells of shellfish, and is widely used in joint and dietary supplements. We know there are a million types of joint supplements out there and many of them are filled with ingredients you’ve never heard of. It’s important to know which ingredients are in your supplement, and why, plus any side effects they may have. To help you learn more about glucosamine’s side effects, we’ve compiled a short list of what you may experience with this compound.

1. High Blood Pressure

• Some studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate can increase insulin levels, resulting in increased blood pressure. If you are going to take glucosamine, or a supplement that contains it, we recommend monitoring your blood pressure.

2. Shellfish allergy

• Because some glucosamine products are made with the shells of shellfish there is a slight concern that the compound can cause an allergic reaction in people with a shellfish allergy. However, allergic reactions from shellfish are generally caused by the meat of the animal, not the shell. If you have a shellfish allergy, check with your healthcare provider before taking glucosamine products.

3. High Cholesterol

• Previous research in animals suggests that glucosamine may increase cholesterol levels, however it is not established that this same occurrence is true in humans. As mentioned earlier, glucosamine can increase insulin levels, which may lead to high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol and take glucosamine, we highly suggest closely monitoring your cholesterol.

4. Sleeping Issues

• Glucosamine may cause drowsiness or sedation. In some cases it may cause insomnia.

5. Stomach Issues Glucosamine may cause the following stomach related issues:

• stomach pain
• a feeling of heaviness in the stomach
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• indigestion
• nausea
• upper abdominal tenderness
• vomiting

As with most supplements or medications, side effects may happen, but are not guaranteed, and reactions are different in each person. Now that you are aware of glucosamine’s side effects we hope you are more prepared to choose the correct joint supplement or medication for you. If you’re looking to support everyday joint comfort and are still unsure about joint supplements, we can help.

Is Glucosamine Only Good For Joint Health?

• Glucosamine has long been used in natural joint health formulas, where it is included to support a healthy inflammatory response, everyday joint comfort, and flexibility. Researchers have also looked at glucosamine in a completely different context: its possible relationship to colorectal cancer risk.
• Changes in bowel movements, including persistent constipation or diarrhea, a feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely, an urgency to move the bowels, rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding • Dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, “pencil stools” • Abdominal discomfort or bloating • Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss • Pelvic pain, which occurs at later stages of the disease

Glucosamine study on colorectal cancer

• A study published in Cancer Causes & Control surveyed 75,137 Americans between the ages of 50 and 76 about their use of glucosamine supplements.

The researchers reported that the group with the highest use had a lower observed rate of colorectal cancer — roughly 45% lower — than the group with the lowest use. A study like this shows an association, not cause and effect, and individual results vary.

• The study is notable because colorectal cancer has a high potential for death and severe health complications. Early detection and regular screening remain the best tools for dealing with it, and researchers continue to explore what role diet and supplementation may play.

Again... A Healthy Inflammatory Response & Joint Comfort

• Glucosamine is a widely used supplement among people looking to support a healthy inflammatory response in the body. The most common reason for its use is to support everyday joint comfort. Glucosamine is also one of five key ingredients in Flexcin’s comprehensive joint formula. Thousands of customers have made our all-natural joint supplement part of their daily routine, and researchers continue to study glucosamine in other areas of health as well.

As with anything health-related, acting early and staying consistent matters. Support your joint health with a supplement that contains glucosamine, and talk with your healthcare provider about screening and prevention.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.