Glucosamines

=Generalities= Glucosamine is a molecule that the body produces to inhibit joint degeneration and to stimulate the synthesis of collagen (cartilage) surroundinf the joints.

There are many types of glucosamine: Glucosamine sulfate with or without sodium chloride, Glucosamine sulfate with potassium chloride (w/out sodium chloride), Glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG)

=Properties= Simulates cartilage cells to synthesize glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans -Relieves pain from inflammation, arthrosis, and other types of joint inflammation -Inhibits the process of joint degeneration -Stimulates cartilage synthesis around the joints

=Therapeutic Indications= -Arthrosis -Arthritis -Joint Pain

=Contraindications= -Pregnancy and breastfeeding -Seafood allergies -Sulfate form: allergies to sulfate -Sulfate form w/ sodium (NA): salt-free diets -Potassium form (K): potassium-free diet -NAG form: no contraindications for Crohn's dis-ease or ulcerative colitis

=Precautions and Side Effects= Diabetics do not need to worry as glucosamine cannot be broken down by the body to be used as glucose. Caution must be taken, as it can create false positives on test for hyperglycemia, as some devices are not sensitive enough in measurements.

=Sources= The shells of crabs and other mollusks

=Therapeutic Dose= 500mg., 3 times a day or 1500mg.