Return to Health Information Index

Role of Glucosamine in Joint Health

Glucosamine is needed to form glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronic acid molecules which are the main constituents of joint cartilage. It is the joint cartilage that is damaged from osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate, as found in our Formula 491 may help protect joint cartilage by limiting the breakdown and helping to build up levels of cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate has been shown to stimulate chondrocytes (cartilage cells) to support cartilage and collagen. Glucosamine also enters the joint space and is incorporated into proteoglycans, which are cells that form large structures and attract water to the joint space for lubrication of cartilage during movement.

When Glucosamine is taken as a dietary supplement, it may help to relieve the pain, stiffness, and swelling of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder that affects 12% of the population. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers also report improvements with glucosamine supplements. There is no natural food source of glucosamine, however, the shells of crabs, shrimp and oysters do contain it, and this is the source of most of the dietary supplements. Another potent formula, our Formula 21, contains both glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.