Glucosamine is a natural, non toxic compound found in the body. It is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids and is produced commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons (shellfish shells) and can be bought in both tablet and powder form.

As a key building block for proteoglycans, one of the major components of connective tissue, glucosamine plays an important role in repairing and maintaining healthy joint cartilage, it is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritisas and as we age proteoglycan formation decreases and cartilage becomes thinner and more easily damaged.

People that ensure they take a steady supply of glucosamine will help maintain healthy joints and has well known anti-inflammatory qualities as well.

Clinical studies have consistently reported that glucosamine is safe for humans to use and does not cause glucose intolerance and has no documented effects on glucose metabolism in other words, it will not contribute to diabetes, and in Europe, it is approved as a medical drug and is sold in the form of glucosamine sulphate.

Also known as chitosamine, and currently the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) is recommending using it as the second most effective treatment for moderate cases of osteoarthritis.

Always as a precaution before taking it (for your sore joints) or before taking any other over the counter medicine, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional to make sure that this is the right thing for you. And do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The first step in seeking care for arthritic symptoms should be to obtain a competent diagnosis of your condition and treat it accordingly.

For many years, veterinarians have routinely given glucosamine to racehorses to help preserve their joints over years of racing. how it works on the body is that people with arthritis may not produce enough glucosamine, and that taking these supplements might help restore the cartilage that has eroded away between arthritic joints. Hundreds of thousands of people have used Glucosamine, and a huge amount of sufferers have found it extremely effective to ease their arthritis-related joint pain, but to also to provide them with far more than just long lasting relief from pain.

Glucosamine was first identified in 1876 by G. Ledderhose.

Copyright Roger Cantrell 2007.