Arthritis, How Glucosamine Sulfate May Prevent Further Pain

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

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

This is due to the fact that glucosamine consists of glycosaminoglycans, a major part of joint cartilage, and for that reason taking a dietary supplement of glucosamine pills is quoted as providing effective, and safe, therapy for osteoarthritis and to ease arthritis generally.

Glucosamine sulfate does occur naturally in the body - it is utilized to help maintain the thick fluid and cartilage that form 'buffers' to surround and cushion joints, and in building tendons and ligaments. However, in those experiencing osteoarthritis, there is insufficient Glucosamine Sulfate produced, letting the cartilage to thin and break down, and the amount of the fluid to lower, which results in friction at the joints and the classic signs of stiffness and discomfort.

Experts are unsure whether the supplements assist to prevent the breakdown in the first place, or just allow the body's production to increase and rebuild the 'buffers' once again - or more than likely, both. Some research has also shown that the sulfate part is just as important, as the body utilizes sulfate in the production of cartilage; this is thought to be why Glucosamine Sulfate is more effective against osteoarthritis than the other kinds of glucosamine that are available.

Some research has actually been undertaken into the possibility that glucosamine can help with various other problems, such as glaucoma as well as weight loss, however there is, up until now, insufficient proof for either of these possibilities.

When looking for Glucosamine Sulfate tablets or capsules, care must be taken not to purchase products that are identified with "NaCl" or "KCl" at the end of the name, or if it says salt or potassium after the word Sulfate in the active ingredients list. These products have actually been made up with these less costly, unneeded and inadequate carrier molecules (essentially table salt) making up to 30 % of the product weight, reducing the efficiency of the doses and throwing away your money. Make sure that you purchase items without any reference of these 2 salts; just the Glucosamine Sulfate alone, or with 'HCL' on the end, is what you want to purchase.

There have been some preventative measures and warnings that have been made at different times with regard to this supplement, however 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 be careful just in case" variety. For instance, because some glucosamine products are made from shellfish shells, it has actually been proposed that those with a shellfish allergic reaction needs to stay clear of them - however, 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 other suggestions that have been made - such as, it can raise blood sugar in diabetics, or it could negatively influence cancer patients having chemotherapy, asthmatics, pregnant/nursing moms or those taking Acetaminophens such as Tylenol - however they are simply that, suggestions, without evidence to indicate they might be anything more. In fact evidence has actually now been found that actively negates the idea that it raises blood sugars in diabetics. In a couple of instances, some slight negative effects to the digestive system have been observed, however these are very uncommon and even then just mild.

Experts are reluctant to commit themselves to stating boldly that glucosamine tablets really do some good as therapy for arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, however there are many, many sufferers from painful bones and joints, eased by this supplement, who would be happy to make the statement for them!