You may have heard about Glucosamine before, but exactly what is it? Glucosamine is a compound that is used by the body in the formation and repair of cartilage. However, the production of glucosamine in the body actually slows with age. For this reason, people who are middle aged onwards or those who suffer from certain ailments tend to use it as a supplement.
Glucosamine is available as a nutritional supplement from many health food stores. It is manufactured in labratories from a substance that is found in the shells of sea creatures call Chitin. People who have sports injuries involving ligaments and tendons may choose to use glucosamine as a supplement to aid faster recovery.
Glucosamine can often be found available along with another supplement called chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is the substance that gives cartilage its elasticity, helping it to cushion joints. This often prescribed to people suffering from osteoarthritis. In this painful condition the cartilage loses its elasticity and loses the ability to actively cushion the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to repair the cartilage and so give the patient a wider range of movement without pain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are quite well received by the body with no short term side effects. If you are allergic to shellfish however you should use caution as this is the source. There is also some evidence to show that long term use of the supplement may have an adverse effect on blood sugar. If you suffer from diabetes then you should consult your doctor before starting a course.