Q |
What is glucosamine? |
| A. |
Glucosamine is formed when glucose combines with an amino acid. It is a
building block for cartilage |
|
| Q |
Where does glucosamine come from? |
| A. |
The shells of crabs, shrimp and oysters contain good sources of glucosamine. To product a supplement, the crab shell is synthesized in a laboratory to produce glucosamine for supplements |
|
| Q |
How does glucosamine work? |
| A. |
Glucosamine inhibits the breakdown of proteoglycans and may aid in rebuilding damaged cartilage. When delivered into the joint, glucosamine binds to cartilage to help build glycosaminoglycan, the main structural component of cartilage |
|
| Q |
Should glucosamine be taken with a meal? |
| A. |
For maximum effectiveness, glucosamine should be taken with a meal |
|
| Q |
Are there any side effects? |
| A. |
There are very few side effects from glucosamine. Since the product is sourced from shellfish, patients with an allergy to shellfish should not be prescribed glucosamine. Women who are pregnant and women who could become pregnant should not take these supplements. They have not been studied long enough to determine their effects on children. Glucosamine may increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and could decrease the metabolic action of insulin. Although glucosamine is biochemically classed as a carbohydrate (sugar), the body is not able to break it down into glucose, so it does not raise blood sugar by providing an additional source of glucose. However, many factors can affect insulin secretion and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and it is recommended that individuals with diabetes check their blood glucose levels frequently when initiating glucosamine into their regime. High doses of glucosamine may cause gastric problems, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and heartburn. Glucosamine should be taken with meals to help avoid these problems |
|
| Q |
Should diabetic patients take glucosamine? |
| A. |
Diabetic patients should consult their doctors before taking glucosamine and shouldhave their blood sugar levels monitored while taking glucosamine |
