Glucosamine as an oral supplement has had a rocky course in the medical world, but a recent study gives us confidence that the clinical improvement we see and hear from patients has solid scientific reasons behind it.

The study by Dodge et al. labeled glucosamine with a radioactive tag and then followed its course in the body of dogs. The data clearly showed that the oral glucosamine was taken up by the cells in the articular cartilage in joints.

This study explains why patient with moderate to severe arthritis improved when they took glucosamine as they did when they took the most powerful anti inflammatory drug called Celebrex in the NIH funded GAIT study. And it explains what veterinarians and animal owners have noted for years that their horses and dogs stopped limping after taking Glucosamine.

In our clinical practice we have noticed that by increasing the dose of glucosamine to 3000mg per day from the usual 1500mg per day many more patients note less stiffness in their back and their joints. Our athletes notice the improved flexibility.

Our impression is that glucosamine is a vitamin for the joint, improving lubrication and cartilage health by providing the nutrients necessary to build the lubrication molecules.

Further studies are underway, but since no harm and no side effects are noted by taking glucosamine, it should be a daily supplement to a healthy diet.

 - Glucosamine is a natural sugar made from a corn-based fermentation process or from the chitin from the shells of shellfish
- Glucosamine is a key component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage
- Glucosamine absorbs water, provides lubrication, and maintains shock absorption in joints
- As we age, glucosamine declines in concentration in the joint
- Glucosamine can improve the pain from arthritis as effectively as ibuprofen
- Used for the treatment of arthritic conditions
- Can provide excellent symptomatic relief often comparable to any non-steroidal (NSAID) drug, such as Ibruprofen

The Use of Glucosamine Sulfate in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
• Approximately 1 of 6 Americans suffers from some type of arthritis
• Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis
• Glucosamine has a role in the treatment and prevention of arthritic joint pain

Use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis
• The goals of osteoarthritis therapy are to decrease pain and to maintain or improve joint function.
• The pharmacologic treatment of this condition has included the use of aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• More recently, numerous studies have investigated the potential role of chondroprotective agents in repairing articular cartilage and decelerating the degenerative process.