Glucosamine Side Effects

Glucosamine is a natural compound that has been used by many people as a supplement to improve arthritis. Studies have shown that it is very effect at rebuilding the cartilage and slowing the progression of arthritis. It has also been shown to ease the pain without the use of other drugs that may cause side effects with prolonged use such as NSAIDs. For the most part Glucosamine side effects are almost nonexistent, but there are some segments of the population that may need to avoid glucosamine.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that normally occurs in the body, but as our bodies age, the body’s ability to produce glucosamine wanes and arthritis can set it. Glucosamine is not present in food sources but is available from the chitin of shellfish, and the marrow of chicken bones, so if the body’s supply of glucosamine begins to wane it can be supplemented from these sources.

The biggest concern when it comes to Glucosamine side effects are for those that have shellfish allergies, because most glucosamine comes from shellfish those with allergies to shellfish will need to avoid it, or find a source that is not from shellfish. While this can be much harder to find, there are glucosamine supplements out there for those that have shellfish allergies.

Glucosamine side effects for those that have diabetes are also a concern; this is because glucosamine is a sugar and can cause insulin levels to fluctuate. Glucosamine can contribute to the developing of insulin resistance and can decrease the metabolic actions of insulin. It is important that diabetic patients check with their doctors before starting on a glucosamine supplement, you may need to monitor your blood sugar levels closer while taking this supplement.

High doses of glucosamine can also cause gastric issues, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and heartburn. You can avoid many of these side effects by taking Glucosamine either during or right after a meal. There is also a powdered and liquid glucosamine that may cause fewer troubles for your stomach than the pills do.

Overall glucosamine is a very safe supplement and it certainly has a much better track record than NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors do making it a very viable alternative to treating the pain of arthritis. Other than for those with shellfish allergies and those with diabetes, glucosamine side effects are very minor and for most people will not cause any issues they cannot easily deal with.