Glucosamine - Dietary Supplements
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©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Introduction |
Glucosamine is a precursor for substances that provide the foundation for many of the body's tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, collagen, and more. What's more, glucosamine supports the health of tissues that make up many of the body's organs.
Glucosamine does not occur in foods. Supplemental sources of glucosamine are derived from the processed exoskeleton of shrimp, lobster, and crab shells.
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| Dosage Range |
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500-2,000mg daily.
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| Most Common Dosage |
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500mg, 3 times a day.
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| Dosage Forms |
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Capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders often in combination with chondroitin sulfate.
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| Reported Uses |
Glucosamine has another, related benefit in addition to supporting health of joints and tissues. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory. Studies that have looked at glucosamine's anti-inflammatory properties have suggested that it may treat two common types of arthritis, gonarthritis and osteoarthritis( 1),( 2),( 3),( 4),( 5) though not all the research agrees.( 6) Studies noted not only symptomatic improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis but also the arthritis did not progress as rapidly as it did in the placebo group.( 7),( 8) Benefits may, in some cases, even rival those offered by ibuprofen - without the potentially harmful side effects associated with the drug. Another study indicates that the combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate was more effective at slowing the progression of cartilage breakdown than any of these agents alone.( 9)
Glucosamine has also been used to treat kidney stones and the joint noises and pain associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). (10),(11) Finally, glucosamine may promote faster healing and lessen scarring from wounds or surgery.(12)
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| Introduction |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| General |
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
In a sodium or potassium restricted diet, the use of glucosamine hydrochloride is recommended instead of glucosamine sulfate.
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| Allergy |
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Although no allergic reactions have been reported, some glucosamine products are derived from shellfish. If you have a seafood or shellfish allergy, talk to your healthcare professional before taking this dietary supplement.
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| Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
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| Age Limitations |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
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Links
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References
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.