The human body produces glucosamine which makes it a natural substance. Physiological functions of joints are to stimulate the production of substances called glycosaminoglycans (structural components of cartilage ) as well as promote the incorporation of sulphur (element we get from food) in the cartilage.
Given this fact, glucosamine sulphate may be the best form of glucosamine. There are no foods rich in glucosamine, commercially available sources of glucosamine are extracted from the shell or shell of shrimp, lobsters and crabs.
The ability to produce enough glucosamine declines as age progresses. The result is that the cartilage of the joint loses its ability to act as shock absorbers. The weight bearing joints of the body, such as knees and hips and the hands, are most affected. In the affected joints is a greater amount of cartilage destruction followed by hardening and formation of bumps on the margins of the joints, resulting in pain, deformity and limited joint movement.
The glucosamine is available as glucosamine sulphate, hydrochloride and N-acetyl derivative. It is preferred and therefore, to which reference will be made in the rest of the article. Detailed studies in humans on the absorption, distribution and elimination of oral glucosamine sulphate, shows a 98% absorption. Once absorbed, it travels primarily to joint tissues, where it is incorporated into the matrix of connective tissue, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
The main use of this drug is the treatment of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, most common form of arthritis. Glucosamine is a natural, safe, effective alternative to aspirin and other NSAIDs. Clinical & Experimental Research indicate that the current drugs used to treat osteoarthritis may produce short-term benefits on the symptoms but actually accelerating the process of joint destruction. A side effect is often not mentioned of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like indomethacin) is the inhibition of cartilage repair and accelerated the destruction. Several double-blind scientific studies have shown that it produces better results than NSAIDs in relieving pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, despite the fact that glucosamine shows little direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects shows no Direct (remove the pain.) While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieves symptoms and may actually promote the disease process, glucosamine sulphate seems to be the cause of osteoarthritis.
The beneficial results of glucosamine are more obvious in the long run, since it is not an anti-inflammatory or analgesic by itself, so it takes more time to appreciate its benefits compared with those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, a study comparing glucosamine sulphate to ibuprofen (Advil active substance, to name one) on joint pain. It decreased more in the first two weeks in the ibuprofen group. However, for the fourth week the glucosamine sulphate group did better benefits because it diminishes the pain in a significantly greater extent than the anti-inflammatory, regeneration was articulate, a situation that it will continue for several months after the end treatment.
To date, glucosamine sulphate is well tolerated and no allergic reactions have been reported. Studies in athletes with osteoarthritis have shown excellent results on the painful inflammation and the benefits of glucosamine remain weeks after discontinued use. If you want to take glucosamine sulphate consult your health care professional familiar with the use of nutritional supplements, if you have diabetes should take extra precautions.