Glucosamine Supplements - What Are the Health Benefits? -

Glucosamine Supplements for Joint Health

As people mature aches and pains become common. Knees and hips become naturally stiffer and joints crack as you move.

These are supplements that lubricate the joints, making them more supple, active and nourished. One such a product is glucosamine, and there are several variations.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in our body and it keeps cartilage flexible. Cartilage, acts like a cushion to protect bones, especially at joints like knees, ankles, and elbows.

Because as aging advances, cartilage weakens and sometimes breaks down from wear and tear. Severe cases may impair walking. Clinical evidence suggests that glucosamine will restore some of the padding on the joints, improving some of the cartilage flexibility.

Types of glucosamine

Glucosamine sulfate.
Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL).
N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG)

Glucvosamine sulfate occura naturally in our bodies. For that reason it is most used by researchers. Glucosamine is harvested from shellfish, shrimp & other shell fish and purified for human consumption. People allergic to shellfish may develop reactions to this type of Glucosamin.

Therefore you will find glucosamine often combined with other products to increase its effectiveness.

Some of the more popular combinations are:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: When these two are paired, they work to cushion your joints, lubricate and help you to be more mobile.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM: When these three glucosamine types are combined, your ligaments, tendons, and joint tissue become extra-strengthening for the protection of the tissue cells. Many people buy this 3 in 1 combination because they believe it is complete in its care of the joints.

Hyaluronic Acid: Our joints depend on good lubrication to help them work properly. Hyaluronic acid is what plays such a vital role in lubricating our joints.

Collagen: This is a protein consisting of bone, cartilage, and other tissues and you use this supplement to support joint mobility and general overall health.

You can buy Glucosamine in tablet form, but it is also available in liquid or powder form, even topical creams. A normal dose of glucosamine sulfate would be around 1500 milligrams a day.