Glucosamine is naturally present in the body. It consists of glucose as well as the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is necessary in the formation of a molecule that aids in the development and restoration of cartilage as well as various other tissues in the body. The speed at which we produce Glucosamine decreases with age. It is an amino sugar and a well known precursor in the biochemical combination of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine makes up a very significant part of the exoskeletons of crustaceans as well as other arthropods. It is present in fungi and various higher organisms, and it is one of the most bountiful monosaccharides.

Glucosamine is made commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons. It is often used to treat osteoarthritis, even though expert opinions as to its effectiveness in medical therapy vary. It can be purchased as a nutritional supplement in fitness food stores as well as in various drug stores. Supplements are created in a lab from chitin, which is a substance that comes from the shells of shrimp, lobster, crab, and other sea creatures. In addition to this, glucosamine is added to sports drinks and can also be found in certain cosmetics. Glucosamine is often combined with Chondroitin Sulfate, a molecule naturally present in cartilage. Chondroitin grants cartilage elasticity and is believed to halt the erosion of cartilage by enzymes. Glucosamine is sometimes mixed with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in dietary supplements.

 

 Glucosamine supplements are commonly used for osteoarthritis – specifically, osteoarthritis affecting the knees. This condition causes cartilage to become stiff and unbendable, which can lead to joint damage and swelling. Because glucosamine is naturally used by our bodies to create and mend joint cartilage, using glucosamine as a nutritional supplement is thought to aid in this. There is cautious optimism that glucosamine might lessen the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, and could even slow the onset of the conditon. Presently, physicians typically recommend a three month dose of glucosamine. If no progress is made after this time, its use is discontinued. A normal prescription for osteoarthritis consists of 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate to be taken once a day.