Glucosamine (C6H13NO5) is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is commonly used as a treatment for osteoarthritis, although its acceptance as a medical therapy varies.

Oral glucosamine is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Since glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, andglycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage,supplemental glucosamine may help to rebuild cartilage and treatarthritis. Its use as a therapy for osteoarthritis appears safe, butthere is conflicting evidence as to its effectiveness.

A typical dosage of glucosamine salt is 1,500 mg per day. Glucosamine contains an amino group that is positively charged at physiological pH. The anionincluded in the salt may vary. Commonly sold forms of glucosamine areglucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. The amount ofglucosamine present in 1500 mg of glucosamine salt will depend on whichanion is present and whether additional salts are included in themanufacturer's calculation. Glucosamine is often sold in combination with other supplements such as chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane.

In the United States, glucosamine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administrationfor medical use in humans. Since glucosamine is classified as a dietarysupplement, evidence of safety and efficacy is not required as long asit is not advertised as a treatment for a medical condition. Nevertheless, glucosamine is a popular alternative medicineused by consumers for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine isalso extensively used in veterinary medicine as an unregulated butwidely accepted supplement.

In Europe, glucosamine is approved as a medical drug and is sold in the form of glucosamine sulphate.

Safety

Clinical studies of glucosamine have consistently reported thatglucosamine appears safe. Since glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish,those allergic to shellfish or who have kosher concerns may wish toavoid it. However, since glucosamine is derived from the shells ofthese animals while the allergen is within the flesh of the animals, it is probably safe even for those with shellfish allergy.Alternative sources using fungal fermentation of corn are available.Another concern has been that the extra glucosamine could contribute todiabetes by interfering with the normal regulation of the hexosaminebiosynthesis pathway, but several investigations have found no evidence that this occurs. The U.S. National Institutes of Healthis currently conducting a study of supplemental glucosamine in obesepatients, since this population may be particularly sensitive to anyeffects of glucosamine on insulin resistance.Finally, in the United States, glucosamine is sold as a dietarysupplement, so safety and formulation is solely the responsibility ofthe manufacturer.

Glucosamine should not be used if you are experiencing a cold or ear/throat infection1.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine

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