Glucosamine Studies

Recent research (Drovanti A, Bignamini A, Rovati A. Therapeutic Activity of Oral Glucosamine Sulfate in Osteoarthritis: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Investigation. (1998) Clinical Therapeutics 3(4) 260-272.) demonstrates that glucosamine sulphate is a nutritional supplement that alleviates and possibly reverses the side effects of osteoarthritis. This supplement may therefore allow athletes and other individuals who are unable to train due to osteoarthritis related joint pain and other symptoms to resume training at their previous intensity levels. Glucosamine sulfate is an amino acid sugar composed of the amino acid glutamine and glucose. Its primary functions related to joint health are the prevention of cartilage damage by free radical compounds, and possibly cartilage growth.

In one study, eighty subjects diagnosed with varying degrees of osteoarthritis were given either a placebo supplement or 1.5 grams of glucosamine sulfate per day for thirty days. Tests to determine joint swelling, pain, and mobility were performed on all of the subjects each week throughout the study. Some subjects using either the placebo or glucosamine supplement also had a sample of their joint cartilage studied with an electron microscope following thirty days of supplementation. Each subject was also monitored for possible side effects during the course of the study.

Results from the experiment indicated that glucosamine sulfate supplementation produced a 72% decrease in joint pain and increase in mobility. These positive results were seen after approximately three weeks of supplementation. Joint swelling also decreased to a small degree in the individuals using the glucosamine supplement. Microscopic evaluation of the subjects cartilage indicated that glucosamine sulfate supplementation may also help to synthesize new joint cartilage. Further studies are needed to examine glucosamine’s cartilage regenerating properties with a greater number of subjects. Lastly, none of the subjects in the study indicated any negative side effects while supplementing with glucosamine sulfate. The results presented in this study indicate glucosamine sulfate is a safe and effective supplement to help alleviate joint related pain due to osteoarthritis. From the results mentioned in this study, it appears that three weeks of supplementation at the dosage mentioned are required to see any positive results. When used properly, it seems that glucosamine may allow people to workout and experience a better quality of life in terms of their physical performance. Glucosamine is only one of several supplements that have been identified as preventing, relieving and possibly curing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and many other related autoimmune diseases.