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With age, the production of glucosamine in the body is reduced and this can lead to reduced flexibility and inflammation in the joints. To cover its deficiency in the body oral supplements are available in the market, sourced mainly from shell fish such as shrimp, lobster, crabs etc.
Supplementation
Artificial glucosamine is available mainly in the form of glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. In Europe it is accepted as a clinical medicine but is used mainly as a dietary supplement in America, as it has not been recognized as a medical treatment by the Food and Drug Administration. The use of glucosamine as an alternative medicine is very common throughout the world; still it is advisable to consult your physician or the pharmacist before buying a supplement. While doing so, go for a well known and reliable brand name as the concentration and purity in the supplements is not very closely monitored. The supplement is available in capsule, tablet, liquid and powder form.
Safety
Clinical studies suggest that oral intake of glucosamine is safe for humans. However, people with diabetes should be careful in its use as it is suggested that it might increase insulin resistance in the body and create long term problems for diabetics. This claim, though, is not clinically proven. As the main source of synthesized glucosamine is shell fish, people who are allergic to shell fish should also be careful while using these supplements. Theoretically, though, it would appear to be safe as the allergens in the shell fish are present in the flesh of the animal and glucosamine is obtained from the substance called ‘chitin’ found in the shell. Alternatively, there are also supplements available that source glucosamine by the fungal fermentation of corn.
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What Is Glucosamine And Should I Take It?
Glucosamine is a compound consisting of glucose and amine molecules. Generally, it is not found in our daily food and the body uses different building blocks for its synthesis. Mainly found in the cartilage and connective tissues, glucosamine is regarded as an essential element in the maintenance of healthy, strong and flexible joints and cartilages. It provides cushioning around the joints, helps in the production of the protective coating of mucous in the digestive tract and also qualifies as a raw material for wound healing.With age, the production of glucosamine in the body is reduced and this can lead to reduced flexibility and inflammation in the joints. To cover its deficiency in the body oral supplements are available in the market, sourced mainly from shell fish such as shrimp, lobster, crabs etc.
Supplementation
Artificial glucosamine is available mainly in the form of glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. In Europe it is accepted as a clinical medicine but is used mainly as a dietary supplement in America, as it has not been recognized as a medical treatment by the Food and Drug Administration. The use of glucosamine as an alternative medicine is very common throughout the world; still it is advisable to consult your physician or the pharmacist before buying a supplement. While doing so, go for a well known and reliable brand name as the concentration and purity in the supplements is not very closely monitored. The supplement is available in capsule, tablet, liquid and powder form.
Safety
Clinical studies suggest that oral intake of glucosamine is safe for humans. However, people with diabetes should be careful in its use as it is suggested that it might increase insulin resistance in the body and create long term problems for diabetics. This claim, though, is not clinically proven. As the main source of synthesized glucosamine is shell fish, people who are allergic to shell fish should also be careful while using these supplements. Theoretically, though, it would appear to be safe as the allergens in the shell fish are present in the flesh of the animal and glucosamine is obtained from the substance called ‘chitin’ found in the shell. Alternatively, there are also supplements available that source glucosamine by the fungal fermentation of corn.
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Learn about the Zincosamine glucosamine supplement from FreeLife.
Author Profile: Gabriel_Adams
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