What are the roles and benefits of glucosamine? Let's explore them together in this article.
There modern food supplements has made available to the general public a series of "chondroprotective" substances that have the characteristic of effectively counteracting arthritic processes: in particular, they promote the normalization of joint cartilage and the stimulation of synoviocytes.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances with recognized clinical and regulatory activity. They have been approved in Europe for the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Going into the chemical composition of the substance, glucosamine is an amino-monosaccharide present in chitin and glucosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as hyaluronic acid.
GAGs are the fundamental components of articular cartilage and the synovial fluids that lubricate the joints; they are also the compositional basis of tendons and the bone structure of which they constitute the matrix.
Although glucosamine can be formed independently in the body from glutamine, this process has been largely compromised by modern food preservation and processing requirements.
For these reasons, daily use of these substances is recommended for older adults and athletes, as a sort of cartilage "insurance." This supplementation ensures the necessary amounts of glucosamine, the basis of bone structure.
Regarding dosages, traditional medicine recommends up to 1.5 grams of oral glucosaminoglycans per day for successful treatment and management of osteoarthritis. Positive effects have also been observed in increasing synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates the joints).
THE'The use of glucosamine is practically free of contraindicationsNo allergies or intolerances have been detected. In the form of glucosamine sulfate, obtained from marine exoskeletons, the glucosamine is obtained from the exoskeleton, while the substance responsible for the allergies is contained in the crustacean meat.
As for the alarms for type 2 diabetics, these have been overturned by recent and precise research that finds no connection with insulin sensitivity.
Alternative forms of glucosamine have recently been used, offering greater benefits to the user: glucosamine of plant origin, hydrochloridized, has a higher glucosamine content (83%), compared to 59%-65% for glucosamine sulphate.
Of great interest is the association of glucosamine with significant doses of Omega 3 (especially high in DHA), and with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), with specific indications in the joint recovery of athletes and the elderly.
