Glucosamine for knee, hip and other joints [reviews].

Glucosamine is a substance essential for the formation of joint cartilage. It is also a drug with indications for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee and hip.

And yet, the medical regulatory authorities of various countries are taking an increasingly distanced approach to the recommendation of glucosamine. Some do not even indicate it as a treatment option. Together with Ilona Krzak, MSc, pharmacist, we take a look at the possible reasons for this approach to glucosamine.

As a result, we will look at the possible reasons for this approach to glucosamine.

See also:

• Collagen for joints
.
• Collagen for tendons
• Collagen for bones
• Collagen for athletes
• Collagen for runners
• Collagen for tennis elbow
• Chondroitin
.
• Lysine
• Glycine
• Proline
.

What is glucosamine?

From a chemical point of view, glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally in the body. It is essential for the production of proteoglycans, which are part of joint cartilageand.

Glucosamine is an ingredient in medicines and dietary supplements used to treat joint disorders - in particular osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. It can be synthesised artificially or naturally: extracted from chitin, which is what insect and crustacean shells are made ofand.

Glucosamine is mainly found in three formsand:

• glucosamine sulphate,
.
• glucosamine hydrochloride,
.
• N-Acetylglucosamine,
.

The first two forms are the most commonly used in glucosamine preparations, while N-Acetylglucosamine is the one that occurs naturally in your bodyand.

Does glucosamine help joints?

In the course of arthritis, abnormalities in proteoglycan synthesis have been observed. Taking glucosamine, which supports their production, is thought to regulate this synthesis and ensure that joint cartilage functions properlyand.

In addition to the protective and restorative role of glucosamine, research suggests that it may also have a anti-inflammatory effect. Interestingly, despite numerous scientific papers, the exact mechanism of action of this substance is not yet fully understoodand.

It is also worth mentioning that in Europe, glucosamine has been approved for use as prescription drug used in osteoarthritis (especially in gonarthrosis)and. In contrast, in the United States, the substance is only sold as a dietary supplement, and the American College of Rheumatology does not recommend the use of glucosamine for the treatment of arthritisand.

What does the research say?

Well, does it work or doesn't it? Opinions are divided even among scientists. Although it should be noted that many of the scientific papers on glucosamine have been sponsored by manufacturers of formulations containing it... Ups.

In vitro studies have demonstrated the effects of glucosamine on three structures related to joint functionand:

• the synovial membrane,
.
• articular cartilage,
.
• subchondral bone,
.

The main activity was observed in chondrocytes, where glucosamine reversed the action of interleukins, or pro-inflammatory cytokines. This could be indicative of the anti-inflammatory properties of this amino sugar.

So in theory - it works. But research on a slide is one thing, and the actual effect in patients, is another. Does glucosamine really provide relief from osteoarthritis?"

The results of the 2023 study review confirm the pain-relieving properties of glucosamine - in this respect it proved more effective than placebo. However, this improvement was by no means spectacular. Fifteen studies involving a total of 2,859 participants were eligible for the review. Pain was measured using the WOMAC, the pain scale for osteoarthritisand.

In contrast, a 2018 meta-analysis reported an effect of glucosamine on reducing joint stiffness, but no significant changes in other parameters (pain, improved function)and.

A 2015 study found results suggesting that taking glucosamine preparations had better analgesic effects than paracetamol and comparable to NSAIDs. Evidence from the study was conducted via questionnaires. Additionally, the researchers highlighted the greater efficacy of prescription glucosamine preparationsand.

In a 2018 review that included 18 studies, the results of 12 of them confirm that glucosamine relieves osteoarthritis pain. However, in the remaining six studies, its effect was not shown to be superior to placeboand.

If you're reading this and basically know you know nothing (well, because once it works, once it doesn't...), then you're pretty close to what scientists have been able to establish so far. In short: it works a little, but not always. That's why the latest guidelines from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommend that you try glucosamine treatment for six months and, if there's no visible improvement, stop itand.

What daily dose is effective?

A 1,500 mg of glucosamine, preferably in the form sulphate, is considered by experts to be a safe and effective daily dose. It is usually taken orally, either at one time or broken up into three doses - 500 mg eachand.

Is it worth combining glucosamine with chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are a popular combination in dietary supplements aimed at improving joint function. Research studies also often test the interaction of the two substances, and the results are arguably even more divergent and controversial than those for glucosamine aloneand.

Some have argued that chondroitin may also have an analgesic effect and improve joint mobility, by affecting the production of joint lubricant and the quality of the cartilage itself. The combination of these two substances should therefore act more comprehensively and complement each otherand.

It is worth mentioning that both substances are part of the SYSADOA group of drugs, i.e. slow acting symptomatic drugs for ostheoarthritis)and.

What is better for joints - glucosamine or collagen?

It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. On the one hand, the positive effects of collagen on joints and the musculoskeletal system are well-known and supported by many scientific studies; on the other hand, if you are looking for a preparation in the form of a drug, of these two you are left with glucosamine, because collagen-drug does not existand.

You don't actually have to choose. There are collagen preparations on the market with glucosamine (and often still chondroitin).

Glucosamine - drug or supplement?

Most often medicines contain glucosamine in a higher dose. Any preparation registered as a medicine must also have the appropriate clinical studies to prove its effectiveness. Furthermore, dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as medicines, so their composition and quality can vary.

Nevertheless, good-quality dietary supplements may also have clinical and laboratory tests to confirm their effects and the purity of their composition. Their manufacturers also take care to ensure the correct daily dose and the quality of the ingredients used in the production of these preparations.

Best glucosamine for joints in supplement form

See preparations containing glucosamine and other substances valuable for your musculoskeletal system. Act comprehensively!

9 active ingredients

YANGO Flexan

4.7

• Curcumin content: 80 mg
.
• Other active ingredients: glucosamine, MSM, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, Indian frankincense, vitamin C, piperine
• Form: capsules
.
• Dose: 2 capsules per day
.
• Sufficient for: 45 days
.

See price

Product description

Flexan™ contains up to 9 active ingredientsócreating strong, natural support for the musculoskeletal system.

Pros and cons

Flexan™ contains up to 9 active ingredientsócreating strong, natural support for the musculoskeletal system.

Additional information

Flexan™ contains up to 9 active ingredientsócreating strong, natural support for the musculoskeletal system.

Norwegian collagen

Pharmovit Flexi-Vit

4.1

• Collagen content: 450 mg collagen types I and II
• Additional active ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, glucosamine sulphate, Indian frankincense resin extract, ginger root extract, vitamin D, black pepper fruit extract
.
• Form: capsules
.
• Dose:2 capsules daily
.
• Sufficient for: 30 days
.

See price

Product description

Collagen along with additional active ingredients thatóprovide comprehensive joint support. Glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the connective tissue, while hyaluronic acid ensures adequate hydration of the skinóry and joint fluid.

.

The formula has been enriched with the patented BioPerine® complex with black pepper extract, which supports the absorption of the nutrients.

Pros and cons

Collagen along with additional active ingredients thatóprovide comprehensive joint support. Glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the connective tissue, while hyaluronic acid ensures adequate hydration of the skinóry and joint fluid.

.

The formula has been enriched with the patented BioPerine® complex with black pepper extract, which supports the absorption of the nutrients.

Additional information

Collagen along with additional active ingredients thatóprovide comprehensive joint support. Glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the connective tissue, while hyaluronic acid ensures adequate hydration of the skinóry and joint fluid.

.

The formula has been enriched with the patented BioPerine® complex with black pepper extract, which supports the absorption of the nutrients.

User review

Collagen along with additional active ingredients thatóprovide comprehensive joint support. Glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in the connective tissue, while hyaluronic acid ensures adequate hydration of the skinóry and joint fluid.

.

The formula has been enriched with the patented BioPerine® complex with black pepper extract, which supports the absorption of the nutrients.