Glucosamine and Chondroitin Side Effects
Written by Amy Clark on February 20th, 2009The human body contains Glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound that is made from the synthesis of glucose plus a type of amino acid called glutamine. Glucosamine can also be described as an amino sugar created from glucose and L-glutamine.
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 important in the growth or restoration of your cartilage and various other tissues in your body. At some point when you grow older, your body’s production of Glycosaminoglycan retards, thus causing bloated and swollen joints.
Glucosamine, together with chondroitin, are the building blocks of the cartilage and connective tissues. Glucosamine supplements are natural substances that occur naturally in the harvest of shell fish.
Glucosamine is commonly used with chondroitin to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA). Medical research has established that the Glucosamine-Chondroitin combination is effective in osteoporosis treatment and gradually repairing bone function.
Glucosamine Chondroitin and Potential Risks
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.
Nonetheless, in some remote cases, some people may encounter a small rise in blood pressure, uneasiness, breathing difficulties, rashes, mild headaches, nausea, and an upset stomach or gastrointestinal pains.
One of the most common side effects of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements is soft stools and increased intestinal gas, but this is very rare. Clinical researches using animals reveal that glucosamine may lessen insulin levels, which can cause diabetes. Although this has not occurred in human tests, diabetic patients are still advised to be careful and regularly check their blood sugar when using glucosamine.
Also, individuals who are taking aspirins or blood thinners must consult their doctor prior to using these supplements. Similarly, pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant must also seek proper medical advice, particularly because the impact of glucosamine on a developing fetus is yet unknown. Children and breast feeding women must also avoid glucosamine completely.
Today, several scientific researches continue to evaluate and assess the long-term effects of Glucosamine Chondroitin. On the whole, while their long-term effects are yet a mystery, the majority of physicians share the opinion that the combined benefits of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in treating OA overshadow any potential for side effects.
Glucosamine-chondroitin is notably the single most potent supplement for lubricating, maintaining, and protecting the joints throughout your body. Furthermore, glucosamine helps limit the movement of your joints and thus prevent the deterioration of joint cartilages. Certain researches have documented the effectiveness of glucosamine in relieving pain and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms, but these effects were not instantly perceived. Plus, Glucosamine is also established to reduce inflammation of the joints and block certain destructive enzymes that harm the joint cartilage, although more data on this are needed.
Tags: Arthritis, chronic illness, conditions, conditions and diseases, diseases, diseases and conditions, health and fitness, health and wellness, medicine, musculoskeletal disorders
