Glucosamine

Figure 1. The chemical structure of Glucosamine.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is part of the chemical structure of two polysaccharides, chitosan and chitin. Both chitosan and chitin are commonly found in the cell walls of fungi and exoskeleton of shellfish and crustaceans. They are what makes exoskeletons translucent, pliable, resilient, and relatively tough. As such, Glucosamine supplements are primarily produced or extracted from the exoskeletons of shellfish through a hydrolysis process. 

Within the human body, Glucosamine is a precursor for (i.e. converted to) glycosaminoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans are a major component of cartilage--the rubbery tissue found between joints. However, glycosaminoglycan levels tend to decrease with age, which leads to the gradual breakdown of joints.

Although Glucosamine is a natural compound, there are no natural food sources that provide it, making dietary supplementation one of the only ways to obtain Glucosamine.

Taken as a Dietary Supplement

Glucosamine supplements are often sold in the forms of glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine chondroitin, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetylglucosamine. Glucosamine supplements are commonly taken to reduce inflammation in joints and to support healthy joints as one ages.

Other applications of Glucosamine include treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, allergies, chronic venous insufficiency, sports injuries, temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ), and long-term low back pain. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively support the use of Glucosamine in the treatment of these conditions.

A typical does of Glucosamine is 500mg (of Glucosamine sulfate) taken three times a day. Generally, Glucosamine appears to be a fairly safe supplement. Potential side effects may include:

• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Drowsiness
• Headache
  
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain