INTRODUCTION Over 40 million Americans suffer from pain and loss
of mobility due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is an end stage of
arthritis, in which the cartilage that makes up bone joints is
destroyed, allowing two bones to rub against each other. It is
extremely painful.

GLUCOSAMINE Glucosamine is a natural compound found in high
concentrations in joint cartilage. This joint cartilage functions as a
protective tissue  allowing the joints to function as they should.  
However, as we get older, this cartilage gets thinner. In some cases,
osteoarthritis occurs. Glucosamine sulfate along with chondroitin
sulfate are always the product of choice to take for joint problem. It
has been thought that glucosamine is a key factor to healing and
regrowth of this tissue. Glucosamine can be derived from shrimp,
oyster, plant life and crab shells.

Glucosamine- benefits in Osteoarthritis Management

A  dosage of 1.5 gram of glucosamine daily for 2-4 weeks is just as
effective as low doses of NSAIDs in alleviating pain; research finds.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as a possible treatment for
osteoarthritis, Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002 Sep
28;146(39):1819-23.

Another study shows a great decrease in symptom severity after 4-6
weeks oral or intramuscular administration of glucosamine..  
Glucosamine: a review of its use in the managment of osteoarthritis.
Drug Aging. 2003;20(14):1041-60.

Injection of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, dextose and DMSO may
help chronic intractable low back pain.  
Biochmical injection treatment
for discogenic low back pain: a pilot study. Spine J. 2003May-Jun;
3(3):220-6.
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Glucosamine Side Effects, Safety and Toxicity

The LD50 of oral glucosamine in animals is about 8000 mg/kg with
no side nor adverse effects at 2700 mg/kg for 12 months.

Anderson JW and his co-workers at University of Kentucky reviewed
clinical trial data for 3063 human subjects and found that there were
no side nor adverse effects of oral glucosamine administration on
blood, urine or fecal parameters. They concluded that glucosamine
is safe under current conditions and does not affect glucose
metabolism.
Anderson JW et al, Glucosamine effects in humans: a
review of effects on glucose metabolism, side effects, safety
considerations and efficacy. Food Chem Toxicol. 2005
Feb;43(2):187-201.

Oral glucosamine supplementation has limited side effects on
patients suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus as it does not result in
clinically significant alterations in glucose metabolism in these
patients.
Scroggie DA et al, The effect of glucosamine-chondroitin
supplementation on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded,
randomized clinical trials. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Jul 14;
163(13):1587-90.

Most glucosamine is derived from shellfish. You may develop allergy
as a glucosamine side effect for oral glucosamine supplementation, if
you are allegic to shellfish.

ASTHMA - one of the glucosamine side effects? Tallia AF and
Cardone DA, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
searched literature from 1980 to 2002 using ther terms
"glucosamine," "chondroitin sulfate,"...combined with "asthma". A
case of asthma exacerbated by the use of a glucosamine-chondroitin
supplements for osteoarthritis was described.
Asthma exacerbation
associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board
Fam Pract. 2002 Nov-Dec; 15(6):481-4.

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This article is for your reference only. If you have questions, you should consult with your
doctor immediately. All RIGHTS RESERVED 2008
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Glucosamine Side effects
and benefits, research finds.        updated FEB, 2008                            
Zhion@zhion.com
Glucosamine is a popular supplement for joint health. Howvever, its side effect is  a concern. This article
summarizes recent research findings related to glucosamine side effects.
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RECENT NEWS

Sep 29 2008
In a trial called glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis intervention trial or
GAIT, researchers found patients who took placebos had a smaller
loss of cartilage than they should have.

My father got osteoarthritis a few years ago. I suggested him to take
glucosamine and exercise. About three months later, his condition
becomes much better! I don't mean that glucosamine works for
everybody, it depends on the severity of the disease and quality of
the product.                                      

REFERENCE Glucosamine and chondroitin don't slow arthritis Reuters Mon Sep 29, 2008
4:26pm