The glucosaminealso called chitosamine or chitosamine, is a substance present in animal bones with a dual composition: it is made up of glucose (a simple carbohydrate) and an amine (amines constitute a part of the amino acids, which in turn form proteins).

With it, substances are produced, such as proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid and other components of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, collagen and synovial fluid, essential to prevent joint degradation.

1. What role does glucosamine have in our body?

Healthy cartilage tissue, which protects the joints, contains a balanced amount of water, proteoglycans and collagen. Glucosamine regulates its formation and chemical structure because promotes the synthesis of proteoglycans. These elements form a tissue that retains a large amount of liquid, so that they keep the collagen of the cartilage tissue hydrated. It is generated naturally through food, but its production decreases with age. This translates into a cartilage wear and it is the origin of such painful diseases as arthritis and osteoarthritis. When damaged, the collagen fiber cracks and cannot cushion joint movement, resulting in pain.

2. What are glucosamine supplements used for?

The glucosamine It is used as a nutritional supplement, often accompanied by chondroitinfor take care of the joints. There are conflicting studies on its effectiveness, indicating that It may be useful with some people and not with others. depending on some unknown individual variable. You can take lifestyle measures (exercise, healthy diet, rest) and try supplementation to see its effectiveness for yourself.

3. What foods provide glucosamine?

Our body can synthesize glucosamine from glucose and food proteins, but it is also obtained directly from foods such as mushrooms and corn kernelswhere it is found in the form of chitin. However, foods provide small amounts. Therefore, to achieve therapeutic effects it is taken in the form of supplements.

4. How are glucosamine supplements made?

Originally, supplements were obtained from the chitin in the shells of shrimp and crabs. Currently They are synthesized chemically or from mushrooms and corn. It is available in the form of glucosamine sulfate, n-acetyl glucosamine and glucosamine hydrochloride, which is the most recommended form for people with allergies to crustaceans.

5. Which glucosamine supplement is best and at what dosage?

Glucosamine sulfate is the most effective supplement. 1-2 g are taken daily for at least four weeks. Since it is safe, if effective, it can be taken for years. It is found in capsules and powder.

6. What effect does glucosamine have on cartilage?

It facilitates the production of proteoglycans, which are key to keeping cartilage lubricated and active. Reduces inflammation and regenerates cartilage because it inhibits the action of proteolytic enzymes.

7. How does glucosamine protect the joints?

Glucosamine helps synthesize glycoproteins and glycolipids that accelerate collagen production, thicken synovial fluid and improve the elasticity of tendons, ligaments and membranes. This improves cushioning during joint effort.

8. Is it useful in sports practice?

It is one of the most used supplements for injury prevention. Strengthens the cushioning of the joints when lifting weights and in high-intensity or long-duration sports such as long-distance athletics, football, basketball or cycling.

9. Is glucosamine effective against arthritis and osteoarthritis?

They are diseases that develop with age. Glucosamine has shown a great inhibitory efficacy to reduce illnesses of these diseases and slow their progression. However, not all people respond the same way.

10. Does glucosamine help relieve pain?

Although glucosamine does not have an immediate effecttaking it over a period of several months has shown that Sometimes it can combat the pain persistently, because it not only reduces inflammation, but also inhibits its causes.

11. Does glucosamine have other beneficial effects?

May mitigate the consequences of bone wear and joint stress in overweight people, such as back, hip and hand pain. It also makes other tissues more flexible, such as blood vessels, heart valves or the structure of the eye.

12. Do you have any contraindications?

It is a safe supplement, but it is advised caution in pregnancy and lactationand if you suffer asthma or glaucoma. It may interact with some anticancer drugs and anticoagulants. In case of shellfish allergy, glucosamine hydrochloride is the preferred presentation.