Saturday, January 24, 2009

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Side Effects

By Amy Clark

Your body manufactures a natural substance called Glucosamine which is made from glucose and glutamine (an amino acid). Glucosamine might also be described as an amino sugar synthesized from glucose and L-glutamine.

Glucosamine is also known by a number of other names, including: glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate, 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.

Nonetheless, in a few cases, some people may experience a mild elevation in blood pressure, uneasiness, breathing difficulties, the appearance of rashes, nausea, mild headaches, as well as stomach or gastrointestinal aches.

One common side effect of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements is soft stools and higher intestinal gas, but this is very rare. Clinical trials using animals reveal that glucosamine may decrease insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes. Even though this has not been documented in human tests, diabetic patients are strongly advised to exercise caution and closely monitor their blood sugar levels when using glucosamine supplements.

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.

At present, certain scientific studies continue to analyze the long-term consequences of glucosamine chondroitin supplements. On the whole, while their long-term impact is still a mystery, the majority of specialists concur that the combined benefits of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in treating osteoarthritis far outweigh any potential risks.

Glucosamine with chondroitin is probably the single most potent supplement for lubricating, maintaining, and protecting the joints. Additionally, glucosamine restrains the movement of your joints and consequently prevent the weakening of the joint cartilage. Various studies have proven the potency of glucosamine in pain management and treating osteoarthritis symptoms, although such outcomes were not immediately available. Moreover, Glucosamine is also believed to lessen inflammation of the joints and block harmful enzymes that may damage the cartilage, though further studies on this aspect are needed. - 16955

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