SIde Effects for Glucosamine

[Guest guest]

, " lwh " <eveapple@s...> wrote:

> Are any known side affects to Glucosamine?

>

 

Hi!

 

Here are a few of the results from a quick check on Google.com, a

great way to get quick, basic information on side effects -- and LOTS

more

 

Stephanie

 

(link to one of the sites that had extra articles regarding this

supplement at end of post.)

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

While there are almost no side effects of glucosamine, here's what

you need to know:

 

* If you are allergic to shellfish you should consult your

physician before using glucosamine products. Glucosamine is derived

from shellfish.

* If you are pregnant or lactating you should consult your

physician before beginning to take glucosamine.

* Glucosamine sulfate may increase the risk of developing insulin

resistance and could decrease the metabolic actions of insulin.

Although glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are biochemically classed

as carbohydrates (sugars), the body is not able to break them down

into glucose, so these compounds do not raise blood sugar by providing

an additional source of glucose. However, many factors can affect

insulin secretion and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, and

we recommend that individuals with Diabetes check their blood glucose

levels frequently when initiating glucosamine into their regimen.

* High dosages of glucosamine may cause gastric problems, nausea ,

diarrhea, indigestion, and heartburn. Glucosamine should be taken with

meals to help avoid these problems.

 

 

Safety Considerations for Glucosamine

 

No study so far has found any serious side effects from either

glucosamine. The most common side effects are increased intestinal gas

and softened stools. However, animal research has raised the

possibility that glucosamine may worsen insulin resistance, a major

cause of diabetes. So far, studies in humans have not substantiated

that risk. Nevertheless, people with diabetes should monitor their

blood-sugar level particularly carefully when using that supplement.

There have been no reports of allergic reactions to glucosamine. But

since it's made from shellfish shells, people who are allergic to

seafood should use it cautiously, watching for reactions, or avoid it

entirely. As for chondroitin, it can cause bleeding in people who have

a bleeding disorder or take a blood-thinning drug.

 

Glucosamine Side Effects

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that lacks the damaging side

effects and long term toxicity of COX-2 inhibitors or NSAIDS such as

ibuprofen or aspirin. Great, you say. What else do I need to know

about it? Does it have any other side effects that I need to be aware of?

 

So Just How Safe is Glucosamine?

 

Glucosamine is overall a very safe substance. It has been studied

clinically since the very early 80's – so people have been taking it

safely for over 20 years. There are only a few things you need to

watch out for when taking Glucosamine.

 

Shellfish Allergies

Because most Glucosamine is derived from shellfish (a few

manufacturers offer it derived from corn), you should consult your

doctor prior to starting Glucosamine therapy. If the Glucosamine is

pure but derived from shellfish, it is still possible that people who

are allergic to shellfish can take Glucosamine. Because the allergic

reaction is to proteins in shellfish and Glucosamine is derived from

Chitin, a carbohydrate, it is generally ok to try Glucosamine under

the guidance of a doctor because the processing that takes place to

extract the Glucosamine destroys the proteins and the antigens that

the body would normally react to. However, the official recommendation

is that if you have an allergy to shellfish to avoid glucosamine.

 

Diabetics

Insulin levels with Glucosamine (HCL or Sulfate) can be subject to

fluctuations, particularly in diabetics. Glucosamine is technically a

carbohydrate (a sugar), but the body is not able to convert

Glucosamine into Glucose. Hence, Glucosamine does not directly provide

additional sources of Glucose. In diabetic patients, many factors can

lead to changing blood levels and as a result it is very important to

check with your doctor prior to initiating Glucosamine therapy and to

be sure to be very careful about monitoring your blood sugar levels

while on Glucosamine. Read the latest update on Glucosamine for Diabetics.

 

Pregnant / Lactating Women

Pregnant women should avoid Glucosamine. There have not been enough

long term studies on the fetus to clearly say that Glucosamine is 100%

safe for the developing fetus. There is no evidence that it would be

harmful but it would be best to be safe in a situation such as this.

 

Overdose

Extremely high levels of Glucosamine (many times the daily dose) can

cause gastric fluctuations such as soft stools, diarrhea or nausea.

Glucosamine does not have to be taken with meals but it would be

convenient to mix with a drink when you take it if you so desired.

 

Except for those above advisements, Glucosamine has a long track

record of being very safe, unlike the NSAIDS or COX 2 drugs, which

have a long and very well known (to scientists) history of being toxic

you long term. Notice on the box of aspirin how it states that it is

for the temporary (not ongoing) relief of arthritis pain. Not only are

these foreign substances, (Glucosamine is natural and in your joints

right now) even the later generation COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx®

or have some rather nasty potential side effects. Plus, NSAIDS and

COX-2 inhibitors do nothing but cover up the pain. If you stop taking

NSAIDS or COX-2 inhibitors, the pain quickly comes back. Its still

there, but your brain is numb to the pain due to the effects of the

drugs. With Glucosamine, there is a residual effect. Even if you stop

taking it, you will still be protected for a period of time. Although

maintaining a daily dose is the best way for maximum pain relief and

joint protection, Glucosamine will be decreasingly effective for short

while after you stop its administration.

 

http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/glucosamine/glucosamine-side-effects.h=

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