[Northern Xinjiang science experts say: Not that safe] Is it better to supplement with glucosamine more?

Have you ever been strongly recommended glucosamine when you bought calcium tablets for your parents at a pharmacy? When people go to a pharmacy to buy medicine for joint problems, the salesperson always recommends: "Take glucosamine to protect and strengthen your joints." So what kind of "miracle drug" is glucosamine? Is it true that the more you take, the better?

The full name of the glucosamine we are talking about is glucosamine, which is a non-essential amino sugar that mainly exists in human cartilage and is a synthetic material for joint cartilage. It is a substance extracted from the shells of shrimps and crabs and is widely used as a supplement for joint health. The two most common glucosamine supplements on the market are glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine has the effect of improving osteoarthritis symptoms and maintaining joint health.

What are the functions of glucosamine?

1. Protect and repair articular cartilage. Glucosamine can effectively inhibit the activity of various enzymes that damage cartilage in the joint cavity, thereby protecting articular cartilage. As a basic monosaccharide component for building fiber cells and protein sugar content, Glucosamine can repair worn or eroded articular cartilage and surrounding soft tissues.

2. Replenish synovial fluid. Glucosamine replenishes synovial fluid by stimulating synovial cells to produce lubricating fluid and lubricant, thereby continuously lubricating the articular cartilage layer, reducing friction on the joint surface, and making the joints flexible and free to move.

3. Eliminate harmful factors in the joint cavity. Glucosamine can promote the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the synovial membrane. Hyaluronic acid has molecular barrier and clearance functions, which can effectively remove harmful enzymes and various harmful factors in the joint cavity, such as rheumatoid factors, immune complexes, endotoxins, oxygen free radicals, etc., thereby preventing the further development of joint lesions and inhibiting the occurrence of inflammatory reactions.

4. Enhance immunity. Glucosamine can enhance human immunity by activating T lymphocytes and macrophages, and can effectively inhibit the development of autoimmunity, thereby preventing the occurrence of osteoarthritis.

5. Improve osteoporosis. Glucosamine can accelerate the deposition of calcium in bones and increase bone density, thereby preventing and improving osteoporosis.

What are the adverse effects of glucosamine?

Cardiovascular risk. Although some studies have shown that glucosamine may have cardiovascular protective effects, other studies have pointed out that long-term high-dose use of glucosamine may increase cardiovascular risk.

Risk of vascular disease.

Allergic reactions and side effects. Although glucosamine is generally considered safe, some people may experience allergic reactions to it, such as rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. In addition, glucosamine may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Effects on renal function. The metabolism of glucosamine may become a burden for patients with renal insufficiency. The sodium or potassium contained in glucosamine sulfate may impose an additional burden on patients with poor renal function, leading to electrolyte imbalance.

How to supplement glucosamine more safely?

Generally, the daily dosage of glucosamine is 1500 mg, which can be taken in 3 doses, 500 mg each time. If you often forget to take it on time, it is best to take 1500 mg in the morning. It is generally recommended to take it orally during or after meals, which can reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, especially for patients with gastric ulcers. One course of treatment is 1 to 3 months of continuous use, and 2 to 3 courses can be repeated in a year, with a 1-month interval between courses. If the symptoms of osteoarthritis are relieved, you can stop taking glucosamine.

Although glucosamine, as a joint health supplement, can help improve osteoarthritis symptoms to a certain extent, its safety issues cannot be ignored. When using glucosamine, it should be used under the guidance of medical professionals.

Author: Dong Suping Department of Clinical Nutrition, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University