GLUCOSAMINE CAPSULES

Product Specification

Product Description

Glucosamine is usually made from seashells, or it can be made in the laboratory. Glucosamine hydrochloride is one of several forms of glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride is used for osteoarthritis, knee pain, back pain, andglaucoma. However, no one knows yet whether it is effective for any of these conditions. There have been some preliminary studies, but more research is needed. It is important to read the labels of glucosamine products carefully since several different forms of glucosamine are sold as supplements. These products may contain glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, or N-acetyl-glucosamine. These different chemicals have some similarities; however, they may not have the same effects when taken as a dietary supplement. Most of the scientific research done on glucosamine has been done on glucosamine sulfate. See the separate listing for glucosamine sulfate. The information on this page is about glucosamine hydrochloride. Dietary supplements that contain glucosamine often contain additional ingredients. These additional ingredients are frequently chondroitin sulfate, MSM, or shark cartilage. Some people think these combinations work better than taking just glucosamine alone. So far, researchers have found no proof that combining the additional ingredients with glucosamine adds any benefit. Products that contain glucosamine and glucosamine plus chondroitin vary a great deal. Some do not contain what the label claims. The difference can range from 25% to 115%. Some products in the US that are labeled glucosamine sulfate are actually glucosamine hydrochloride with added sulfate. This product will likely have different effects than one which contains glucosamine sulfate. How does it work? Glucosamine in the body is used to make a “cushion” that surrounds the joints. In osteoarthritis, this cushion becomes thinner and stiff. Taking glucosamine hydrochloride as a supplement might help to supply the materials needed to rebuild the cushion. Some researchers believe that glucosamine hydrochloride might not work as well as glucosamine sulfate. They think the “sulfate” part of glucosamine sulfate is the important factor because sulfate is needed by the body to produce cartilage. High cholesterol. Bone and joint disease (Kashin-Beck disease). Early evidence shows that taking glucosamine hydrochloride, reduces pain and improves physical function in adults with a bone and joint disorder called Kashin-Beck disease. Osteoarthritis. There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of glucosamine hydrochloride for osteoarthritis. Knee pain. There is some early evidence that glucosamine hydrochloride might provide some pain relief for people who have regularly occurring knee pain as a result of joint injury. Rheumatoid arthritis. Some early research shows that taking a glucosamine hydrochloride product reduces pain Temperomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis. Early research shows that taking a glucosamine hydrochloride twice daily reduces joint swelling and pain in people with TMJosteoarthritis. Back pain. Glaucoma.