With over 13 million people in the UK suffering from joint problems, many will be looking for ways to keep their health at optimum levels and prevent their joints from worsening as they get older.
There are many types of joint problems, which affect over 10% of people aged over 65. As we age, the larger bones and the cartilage which covers bone in the larger joints like the knees and hips may shrink. Our ability to make our own cartilage also deteriorates, and the level of enzymes which destroy cartilage increases. This type cartilage does not have its own blood supply, so it can be difficult for it receive the nutrition it needs from both diet and supplements. As a result any wear and tear the cartilage suffers can be difficult to repair.
Glucosamine – Does It Really Work?
There’s been some debate over whether or not Glucosamine really has any effect on the state of cartilage in large joints. This is partly to do with the fact that if someone takes Glucosamine supplements often only very tiny amounts end up in the fluid around the joint. These low levels do not account for the beneficial effects seen on the cartilage itself, so some researchers think that it works by interfering with the chemical processes which damage the cartilage. This may explain why Glucosamine appears to slow down the degeneration of cartilage despite having minimal direct contact with it.
Where Does it Come From?
Glucosamine is made in the body by attaching a particular amino acid to a glucose molecule. As we age, our ability to create Glucosamine diminishes, and we wouldn’t normally ingest ready made Glucosamine as part of our diet. So some people choose to supplement with Glucosamine sourced from the shells of shell fish. Although there are no recorded cases of someone with a shellfish allergy reacting to Glucosamine, it would probably be wise for those with allergies to use an alternative supplement.
Safety Considerations
The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia has had 12 reports indicating that Glucosamine may interact with Warfarin. Despite being a sugar, it doesn’t appear to interfere with blood glucose or insulin levels.
Who Might Benefit from Taking Glucosamine?
Those worried about ageing joints, or already having minor problems with their joints.
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