Glucosamine Sulfate and Its Effect on Joint Pain

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in fungi, the shells of shellfish and animal bones and bone marrow, including people, as glucosamine-6-phosphate. First prepared by George Ledderhose in 1876, it took over 60 years before a full determination was made by Walter Haworth in 1939, and testing of its efficiency in treating arthritis and osteoarthritis is still ongoing today. There are three types of glucosamine that are commercially obtainable - glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine.

The very best and most efficient of these, Glucosamine Sulfate, is rated as "likely effective" (that's science-speak for 'almost certainly works well') by even the most grudging of scientists involved, while the majority of osteoarthritis patients who take glucosamine tablets, either alone or in combination with Chondroitin or Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), have discovered it to be exceptionally effective.

This is because glucosamine contains glycosaminoglycans, a major element of joint cartilage, and therefore taking a dietary supplement of glucosamine pills is quoted as offering effective, and safe, therapy for osteoarthritis and to alleviate arthritis normally.

Glucosamine sulfate does occur normally in the human body - it is utilized to assist keep the thick fluid and cartilage that form 'buffers' to surround and cushion joints, and in building tendons and ligaments. However, in those struggling with osteoarthritis, there is insufficient Glucosamine Sulfate produced, enabling the cartilage to thin and break down, and the amount of the fluid to lower, which leads to friction at the joints and the traditional signs of stiffness and discomfort.

Researchers are not sure whether the supplements help to prevent the breakdown in the first place, or just make it possible for the body's production to enhance and reconstruct the 'buffers' again - or more than likely, both. Some research has also suggested that the sulfate part is just as important, as the body uses sulfate in the production of cartilage; this is thought to be why Glucosamine Sulfate is more effective against osteoarthritis than the other forms of glucosamine that are readily available.

Some research has been undertaken into the possibility that glucosamine can assist with other complications, such as glaucoma as well as weight-loss, however there is, so far, inadequate evidence for either of these possibilities.

When searching for Glucosamine Sulfate tablets or pills, care needs to be taken not to purchase products that are identified with "NaCl" or "KCl" at the end of the name, or if it states salt or potassium after the word Sulfate in the components list. These products have actually been made up with these more affordable, unneeded and inefficient carrier molecules (essentially table salt) making up to 30 % of the product weight, reducing the efficiency of the doses and wasting your money. Make certain that you purchase products without any mention of these 2 salts; simply the Glucosamine Sulfate alone, or with 'HCL' on the end, is what you want to purchase.

There have actually been some safety measures and warnings that have been made at different times with regard to this supplement, but the single known truth is that glucosamine supplements react with Warfarin and needs to therefore be avoided by patients on this medication - all the others are of the "we don't know it \* doesn't \* cause a problem, so beware just in case" variety. For instance, considering that some glucosamine products are made from shellfish shells, it has been suggested that those with a shellfish allergic reaction must avoid them - nevertheless, most such allergic reactions are to consuming the meat, not touching the shells, and in fact there have not been any reports of specific reactions by such sufferers.

The various other suggestions that have been made - such as, it can raise blood sugar in diabetics, or it can negatively have an effect on cancer patients having chemotherapy, asthmatics, pregnant/nursing mothers or those taking Acetaminophens such as Tylenol - but they are just that, suggestions, without any proof to show they might be anything more. In fact evidence has actually now been discovered that actively negates the idea that it raises blood sugar level in diabetics. In a few instances, some small negative effects to the digestive system have been observed, however these are very unusual and even then just light.

Scientists hesitate to commit themselves to stating boldly that glucosamine tablets in fact do some good as therapy for arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, but there are many, many patients from painful bones and joints, alleviated by this supplement, who would be happy to make the statement for them!