Glucosamine

Major therapeutic interest

• Relieving joint pain and the symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially in the knees;
• Slowing joint degeneration.

Cons-indications

For all types of glucosamine:

• Shellfish allergies(except for vegetarian glucosamine);
• Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding: Safety has not yet been established;
• Asthma: May aggravate symptoms;
• Diabetes: Use carefully, with closely monitored blood glucose levels.

Glucosamine sulfate with salt (products containing at least 12% salt):

• High blood pressure;
• Salt-free diet;
• Sulfate allergies.

Glucosamine sulfate without sodium salt but with potassium salt:

• Potassium-free diets, especially for people suffering from serious kidney disorders.

Drug Interactions

Known human interactions

Suspected interactions

• May diminish the effectiveness of acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Main constituents

• The various glucosamine salts (like sulfate, sodium, potassium, and hydrochloride) available on the market are obtained by chemically modifying the molecule after their extraction from shellfish exoskeleton (chitin). Since 2008, plant-derived vegetarian glucosamine, more often of corn origin, is available on the market.