How Does Glucosamine Work?

How Does Glucosamine Work?

Most of the research done on glucosamine looked specifically at the benefits of glucosamine sulfate, the natural chemical found in the human body. Researchers believe that using glucosamine supplements or obtaining it from natural sources like bone broth increases the amount of cartilage and fluid that surrounds our joints. This helps prevent joint breakdown and reduces pain.

Glucosamine is an aminosaccharide that helps create cartilage from compounds called aggrecan and proteoglycans. Since joint deterioration and loss of cartilage are common osteoarthritis triggers, you can see why glucosamine’s cartilage-building properties are important ways to naturally ease symptoms of the condition.

There’s no current recommended daily dosage for glucosamine, but most people do best when taking 500 milligrams to 1500 milligrams daily, whether alone or in combination with other supplements (like sulfate, omega-3s or MSM supplements). Studies show this dosage range helps:

lower inflammation and help reverse autoimmune reactions
preserve joint health
reduce joint pain and tenderness
protect and repair gut lining
fight irritation to the stomach, bladder and intestines
treat inflammatory bowel disease and leaky gut syndrome
rebuild tissue and stronger bones following fractures or injuries
Remember, the most commonly recommended form of glucosamine is glucosamine sulfate. The “sulfate” seems to play an important part in joint health because it helps the body produce cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate seems to provide more of an impact compared to the other forms of glucosamine, including glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetyl glucosamine.