Friday, February 20, 2009

Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

By Amy Clark

Your body contains Glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound which is made from the synthesis of glucose and glutamine (a type of amino acid). Glucosamine is also described as a natural amino sugar created from the synthesis of L-glutamine and glucose.

Glucosamine is also known by a number of other names, like for example: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine.

Glycosaminoglycan, on the other hand, is a molecule that is vital in the formation or restoration of your cartilage and various other tissues. At some point when you grow older, your Glycosaminoglycan production decreases, and consequently bloating and swelling your joints.

Glucosamine with chondroitin serve as building blocks of your cartilage and your connective tissues. Glucosamine supplements are natural substances that occur naturally in shellfish harvests.

Glucosamine is often mixed with chondroitin to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). Medical research has proven that this combination is successful in osteoporosis treatment and gradually restoring or improving bone function.

Glucosamine Chondroitin: Potential Side Effects

In general, the majority of supplements come with their own potential for adverse effects. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have revealed positive results in clinical trials, with most users reporting no side effects.

However, in a few cases, some people may encounter a small rise in blood pressure, uneasiness, breathing difficulties, the appearance of rashes, mild headaches, nausea, and stomach aches or gastrointestinal pains.

One of the most common side effects of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements is soft stools and increased intestinal gas, although the risk of this is considerably rare. Clinical studies using animals indicate that glucosamine may reduce the amount of insulin in the body, and this can lead to diabetes. Though this has not been documented in human cases, diabetics are still advised to be cautious and frequently check their own blood sugar levels when taking these supplements.

Also, individuals who are on blood thinners or aspirin medication therapy must ask their doctor prior to using these supplements. Similarly, women who are pregnant or who want to get pregnant should also seek a physician's advice, specifically because the effects of glucosamine on a growing fetus is yet unknown. Children and women who are breast feeding should also avoid these supplements entirely.

Currently, different medical studies continue to evaluate and assess the long-term results of glucosamine chondroitin supplements. All things considered, while their long-term repercussions are still not known, most specialists agree that the combined benefits of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in OA treatment are more important than any potential risks for side effects.

Glucosamine with chondroitin is probably the single most potent supplement for protecting, lubricating, and maintaining the joints of the human body. Further, glucosamine helps restrain joint movement and consequently delay the deterioration of joint cartilages. Certain researches have proven the efficacy of glucosamine in pain relief and alleviating the symptoms of OA, but these effects were not seen right away. Likewise, Glucosamine is also established to lessen joint inflammation and block some harmful enzymes that may damage the joint cartilage, although more studies on this are needed.

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