This powerful formula includes several additional herbal extracts
and nutrients that play a role in joint health. Glucosamine
and Arthritis Information - benefit and side effects, natural and alternative
treatment, dosage, 500 mg and 1500 mg and use with chondroitin
Joint Power Rx with Glucosamine Sulfate Formulated by a medical doctor.
This powerful formula includes several additional herbal extracts
and nutrients that play a role in joint health.
Joint Power Rx supplement has: Glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, CMO complex, boswellia serrata extract, curcumin and turmeric, cat's claw extract, devil's claw extract, grape seed extract, and sea cucumber.
See the exact ingredient dosages, to buy Joint Power Rx, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate
Arthritis
and osteoarthritis nutritional and nutraceutical treatment
Glucosamine has hardly been evaluated in conditions other than
osteoarthritis. Hence it is not clear whether
it is helpful in those with damage
to cartilage or joints due to musculoskeletal injuries. It appears to help rebuild
cartilage in arthritis patients, but it is unlikely that it would help joints where
the cartilage has been surgically removed.
Similarly, it has not been
tested in autoimmune diseases involving joints such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Those with artificial joints are not likely to be helped by glucosamine
since they have no cartilage.
After a glucosamine supplement is taken by mouth, it makes itself
into the bloodstream and in joints. The positive effects of
supplementation in
reducing joint pain are often noticed within a few weeks.
There is disagreement in the medical community regarding the health
benefits of glucosamine and whether this nutrient is helpful in reducing
symptoms of arthritis and reducing joint pain. Most studies indicate that
it does play a role in improving symptoms of arthritis.
Patellar
cartilage
Glucosamine sulfate effect on the degenerated patellar cartilage:
preliminary findings by pharmacokinetic magnetic resonance modeling.
Eur Radiol. 2009. Radiology Department, Dr Peset University
Hospital, Valencia, Spain.
Sixteen patients with patella degeneration, were randomly
distributed into glucosamine sulfate or control groups. In the glucosamine
group, pain and functional outcomes statistically improved. Glucosamine
sulfate decreased pain while improving functional outcome in patients with
cartilage degeneration.
Rheumatoid arthritis
I understand glucosamine is of benefit to those with regular
degenerative arthritis, but does it benefit those with rheumatoid
arthritis?
We doubt glucosamine would benefit patients with rheumatoid
arthritis since the joint damage is due to an autoimmune reaction. However, we
can't be sure until studies are completed.
Additional
Formulas for arthritis and osteoarthritis
Arthred Arthritis formula
with hydrolyzed collagen without a prescription
Hylan G F 20
intra articular injection benefit and side effects for osteoarthritis. Hylan
GF20 is only available by prescription.
Inflama-Rest Cox-2 Inhibitor,
by Source Naturals with high quality herbs
N.A.G.
N acetyl glucosamine supplement is available over the counter
Perna Canaliculus oil extract is used for arthritis treatment and is known
by the product name Lyprinol.
Glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride?
Glucosamine is available as sulfate or hydrochloride (hcl). Almost all of
the studies have used the sulfate form since a company in Europe
funded the studies, and we know that it works. However, the hydrochloride form has
been used by doctors for many years and it seems to work just as well. The hydrochloride
form is cheaper.
Allergies,
is an allergy response possible?
Those who are allergic to sulfates may take glucosamine hydrochloride and not glucosamine
sulfate, and they should avoid chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine is derived from shrimp,
oyster and crab shells and chondroitin is derived from cartilage of cows, pigs, and
sharks. There is no synthetically made glucosamine on the market.
Do shrimp-allergic individuals tolerate shrimp-derived glucosamine?
Clin Exp Allergy. 2006. Tulane University Health
Sciences Center, Department of Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology,
New Orleans, LA, USA.
There is concern that shrimp-allergic individuals may react to glucosamine-containing
products as shrimp shells are a major source of glucosamine used for human
consumption. The purpose of this study was to determine whether shrimp-allergic
individuals can tolerate therapeutic doses of glucosamine. Subjects with a
history of shrimp allergy were recruited and tested for both shrimp reactivity
via a prick skin test and shrimp-specific IgE by an ImmunoCAP assay. Fifteen
subjects with positive skin tests to shrimp and an ImmunoCAP class level of two
or greater were selected for a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge
using glucosamine-chondroitin tablets containing 1,500 mg of synthetically
produced (control) or shrimp-derived glucosamine. Immediate reactions, including
changes in peak flow and blood pressure, and delayed reactions (up to 24 h
post-challenge) via questionnaire were noted and assessed. All subjects
tolerated 1,500 mg of both shrimp-derived or synthetic glucosamine without
incident of an immediate hypersensitivity response. Peak flows and blood
pressures remained constant, and no subject had symptoms of a delayed reaction
24 h later. This study demonstrates that glucosamine supplements from specific
manufacturers do not contain clinically relevant levels of shrimp allergen and
therefore appear to pose no threat to shrimp-allergic individuals.
Combining with over the counter and prescription drugs
Glucosamine may be taken together with acetaminophen or NSAIDs such
as ibuprofen and naproxen. After glucosamine starts working in a few weeks, hopefully the
dose of the drugs can be reduced or eliminated.We are not aware of it
interacting negatively with other medicines.
Glucosamine side effects, risk, danger, safety,
toxicity
As of 2013, based on our current understanding, glucosamine has few adverse
reactions, and can be taken for
extended periods, months and years. Thus far, after being on the market for quite a number
of years, there have not been any reports in the medical literature of any significant
glucosamine
side effects. However, as with most nutrients
and medicines, long term effects are not clearly known.
Is it
toxic?
We know that NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. A 1991 study
published in the journal Drug Research showed glucosamine to be safe. When daily
oral doses of GS up to 2700 mg/kg were given in the rat and 2100 mg/kg in the
dog for one year and six months, respectively, no anatomical lesions were found
in the gastrointestinal system or other organs. The dose given to the dogs would
be equivalent to 150,000 mg in a 70 kg human. Most of the recommended dosages
for patients with arthritis are about 500 mg three times a day. However, Italian
researchers have found that the LD50 (the lethal dose at which half of the
animals die) of GS is 8000 mg/kg. In humans this would be equivalent to
ingesting over 500,000 mg at one time or 1,000 pills each containing 500 mg.
Cholesterol influence
Apparently glucosamine does not
seem to influence blood levels of cholesterol.
The effect of glucosamine sulfate on the blood levels of cholesterol or
triglycerides
Ugeskr Laeger. 2007.
This study was conducted in order to determine if glucosamine sulfate
taken by patients as treatment for chronic joint pain influences the fasting
blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. A study performed with parallel groups of 66 patients over 40 years of
age with joint pain of long duration receiving either recommend dosage
(1500 mg per day) of glucosamine sulfate or placebo. No significant differences
between the two groups were found with respect
to cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. There were no differences
between the treatment groups with respect to side-effects. This study
demonstrates that glucosamine sulfate does not significantly influence
blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.
Diabetes blood sugar control
Glucosamine supplements, at commonly consumed doses, do not have
significant effects on glycemic control, cholesterol and lipid profile, or
levels of apoAI in patients with
diabetes.
We are not aware of any significant changes to blood sugar resulting from glucosamine
ingestion. The dose, one or two grams a day, is minimal as a sugar source
compared to the amounts of carbohydrates found in the foods we consume.
In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, 38 elderly patients
with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups. The first group took 1500 mg
of glucosamine a day combined with 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin
is another supplement often used in combination with glucosamine to treat
osteoarthritis. The other group took placebo pills. Two-thirds of the dose was
taken in the morning and one-third in the evening. The study lasted for 90 days.
Blood studies were done to evaluate blood sugar levels, and also levels of
hemoglobin A1c, a specific blood marker than can tell us average blood sugar
levels over long periods of time. There was no statistically significant rise in
hemoglobin A1c levels in those who took glucosamine.
Patients with
diabetes are often at risk from toxic effects from many of the current
treatments for osteoarthritis, such as the NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naprosyn.
These medicines cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage if used for prolonged
periods. Glucosamine provides a safer and more natural alternative.
Timing of ingestion
It's difficult to say when the best time or frequency to take it, whether with or
without food, but a good option is to take this nutrient before meals. All 1,500 mg a day
can be taken at one time or split in two or three divided doses throughout the day. Some
research indicates taking all the pills at one time on an empty stomach may work
better but if you get stomach upset taking them all at one time, consider
splitting them into two or three times throughout the day.
Availability
online, in health food stores, pharmacies, food stores
Most often glucosamine is sold as
sulfate or hydrochloride. Very frequently glucosamine and chondroitin
are combined together. Lately, more products are being sold along with MSM. Furthermore, more recently, these last three nutrients have been combined
with other herbs and nutrients that play a role in joint health including CMO,
curcumin, boswellia, etc.
If glucosamine itself is not helpful in relieving arthritic symptoms, it may be combined
with
chondroitin and other nutrients.
Alternatively, they can be started together
with several other nutrients.
Glucosamine is also sold as a liquid and glucosamine
formulas for
dogs are also found in stores,
where you can also find a
cream
form.
Does a glucosamine tablet absorb faster
than a capsule?
We doubt there would be much of an absorption difference.
What is glucosamine complex?
We are not sure what the word complex means in terms of
glucosamine. We have not seen this word used in the medical literature.
Glucosamine liquid
Various supplement companies now make glucosamine available in
liquid form. This may be appropriate for those who are not able to
swallow capsules.
Would you discuss the benefits or lack
thereof from taking glucosamine
sulphate
in liquid form rather than as a
pill? There is quite a bit of controversy going on regarding glucosamine
liquid versus glucosamine pills.
As of 2013, we have not seen studies with glucosamine
liquid compared to glucosamine pills. Therefore, we can't say whether
glucosamine liquid is any more or less effective than glucosamine pills.
Does glucosamine powder offer benefit for arthritis more than an oral
supplement?
We have not seen any research comparing powder to
oral glucosamine pills. We doubt the powder offers any advantages except
to those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
How does glucosamine work?
Scientists still don't have all the answers, but they think glucosamine
stimulates the biosynthesis (production) of some proteoglycans, restores damaged
chondrocytes (cells of cartilage tissue), and has some anti-inflammatory
abilities. The anti-inflammatory abilities of glucosamine are much less than
NSAIDs and glucosamine is not known to have pain-killing abilities. Therefore,
users should not expect immediate relief of their symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory agent
Studies on cartilage have shown anti-inflammatory effects of glucosamine related to inhibition of inflammatory mediators.
Glucosamine can suppress the IL-1beta-mediated activation of synoviocytes (such
as IL-8-, nitric oxide- and PGE(2)-production, and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK),
thereby possibly exhibiting antiinflammatory actions in arthritis.
Antioxidant
in chondrocytes - benefit for arthritis
Glucosamine sulphate reduces oxidative stress on chondrocytes by increasing haem
oxygenase. Treatment with sulfated glucosamine to human chondrocytes and
macrophages inhibits radical simulated oxidation of membrane lipids, proteins
and DNA in a dose-dependent manner.
COX-2
inhibitor
Glucosamine hydrochloride inhibits COX-2 activity by preventing COX-2
co-translational N-glycosylation and by facilitating COX-2 protein turnover
during translation in a proteasome-dependent manner.
Boswellic acid
A synergistic effect can be expected when glucosamine is combined with boswellic
acids ( found in the herb boswellia).
Can I find
glucosamine in foods?
No food sources of glucosamine are known that would provide this nutrient
in the dosages required for arthritic relief. Hence, the best source of glucosamine is through taking supplements.
Pregnancy
Can a women who is pregnant use glucosamine safely? Limited data indicate that
glucosamine is safe to use by pregnant women.
Glucosamine use in pregnancy: an
evaluation of pregnancy outcome.
J Womens Health 2007. Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The
Hospital for Sick Children, The University of Toronto, Canada.
Our objective was to
determine whether glucosamine treatment in pregnancy is associated with an
increased risk of major malformations or other adverse outcomes. Pregnant women
were recruited from The Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children,
Toronto, Canada. Women exposed to glucosamine were compared with women exposed
to nonteratogenic agents. We were able to ascertain the outcomes of 54 women who
used glucosamine during pregnancy (34 during organogenesis). There were 50 live
births (two sets of twins), 4 spontaneous abortions, 1 therapeutic abortion, and
1 stillbirth, with no major malformations. These limited data suggest no
increased risk for major malformations or other adverse fetal effects following
the use of glucosamine during pregnancy.
Types
There are more than 120 kinds of arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders exist,
the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis.
Arthritis and
sexuality
Because of the pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness associated with arthritis,
physical intimacy may be difficult. These symptoms can be ameliorated during
sexual activity by good communication between the partners, timing medication,
and experimenting with different positions. The regular use of glucosamine and
other natural supplements can help reduce the pain of arthritis in many
patients.
Questions
Licorice,
Glycyrrhizae
radix, is one of the herbal medicines in East Asia that has been commonly
used for treating various diseases.
Glycyrrhetinic acid is a triterpenoid
derivative of the beta-amyrin type obtained from the hydrolysis of
glycyrrhizic
acid, which is found in the herb licorice.
Glycyrrhetinic acid is also as a major metabolite of
glycyrrhizin.
What do you think of the combination of Lyprinol in addition to glucosamine for arthritis
symptoms?
We have not seen any studies that have combined Lyprinol with
glucosamine, but we don't see any major safety issues with this combination.
Glucosamine is a safe nutrient that can be combined with many different herbs
and nutritional supplements.