Glucosamine is a substance whose action is aimed at preventing inflammation in joints and cartilage, prolonging active life. Animal studies have shown that it can significantly increase the average maximum lifespan among mice, rats, hookworms and flies. Its use in humans slows down the aging of the joints.
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in the joints and cartilage of mammals. It was first discovered in 1876 by the German surgeon George Ledderhoes. Consists of the most important for the body monosaccharide and amino acids - glucose and glutamine.
Cartilage cells use glucosamine as an intermediate for the production of hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. Since the 60s of the last century, scientists have decided to use the substance to restore cartilage and joints, and treat arthrosis. Large-scale studies began, the results of which were controversial.
Studies carried out in 2002-2006 in America confirmed the absence of a therapeutic effect in the treatment of arthrosis. The substance has been named "controversial" for its dubious analgesic properties. Doctors recommend that you refuse to take it if the expected effect has not come within 6 months after you start taking the substance.
Release form
The dietary supplement is available in the form of tablets or powder for solution preparation. The second option is more preferable, as it acts faster.
The powder is packed in sealed bags of 3.5 g; 20 pieces per box. Each sachet contains 1.5 g of active ingredient.
Taking the supplement will have an effect only if you strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor. The dosages indicated in the instructions are strictly followed, unless otherwise provided by the doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable.
Composition
Any form of the drug contains the main active ingredient - glucosamine sulfate. Auxiliary components: sorbitol, aspartame, etc. They ensure good absorption of the main active ingredient by the body.
Pharmacological action and pharmacokinetics
Glucosamine helps cartilage tissues to cope with structural disorders and age-related changes, helps restore joints and cartilage.
Approximately 90% of the substance is absorbed in the intestine, while the highest concentration of the active component is found in the kidneys, ligaments and liver. The withdrawal of the drug from the body occurs with the help of the kidneys and urinary system. The use of dietary supplements does not in any way affect the functional characteristics of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.
Indications for use
Typically, the main indication for supplementation is joint pain, loss of normal mobility.
Contraindications
Contraindications are usually associated with the following factors:
- a tendency to allergies;
- individual intolerance to the components;
- serious kidney pathologies;
- phenylketonuria.
Glucosamine is prohibited for children under 15 years of age.
Pregnancy and lactation
In the first trimester of pregnancy, the drug is strictly prohibited for use by women. In II and III, reception is possible only when the potentially intended benefit for the girl will exceed the risks for the baby.
The active substances of the agent penetrate into breast milk. Its reception is possible during lactation, but breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment.
Method of administration and dosage
The powder solution is diluted in a glass of clean water. One sachet is consumed daily. An individual treatment regimen is prescribed by a doctor, usually therapy takes at least 1-3 months, depending on the severity of the disease. A second course is possible two months after the first. Treatment with the drug is usually quite long and the first improvements occur, at best, after 1-2 weeks from the start of admission.
In the form of tablets, the medicine is taken with meals, drinking plenty of water. The dosage is determined by the attending physician. Usually, adult patients are prescribed 1 capsule once a day. The duration of therapy can vary from 3 to 6 months.
Side effects and overdose
In the vast majority of cases, the drug is well absorbed and tolerated by the body. However, unpleasant side reactions occur in the form of gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, dizziness and increased skin sensitivity. If a reaction occurs, you should consult your doctor.
For the entire time of using the supplements, not a single case of overdose has been identified. In case of unpleasant reactions after taking the drug, it is necessary to rinse the stomach and take enterosorbents. Then see a doctor.
Interaction with other drugs and precautions
When used simultaneously with drugs of the tetracycline series, glucosamine promotes their accelerated absorption. The opposite situation is observed with penicillins and chloramphencol, their assimilation, on the contrary, slows down. The effect of taking anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs is significantly enhanced, and the harmful effect of corticosteroids on cartilage tissue is reduced.
It is important to first consult with your doctor about taking medication. For obese people, the dosage is increased to achieve a therapeutic effect. Long-term administration of the drug is required.
Storage conditions and shelf life
Store the product out of the reach of children, avoiding sunlight. The temperature in the room should be within + 15- + 30 degrees.
You can store tablets for 5 years, and powder for solution preparation - 3 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
The product is sold only by prescription.
Analogues in the Russian Federation, USA and Europe
Only the attending doctor will help to choose a medicine with a similar or similar composition. The most popular today are Artrakam, Dona, Artiflex, Elbona, Union and others.
The modern pharmaceutical industry offers various forms of glucosamine sulfate preparations. In European countries, glucosamine has the status of a drug, and in the United States, a biologically active additive. It is noteworthy that the concentration of the substance in American dietary supplements is higher than in European medicines.
Glucosamine-based products have been studied for more than a decade. Many scientists and doctors consider the results of treatment with this substance controversial. We can say for sure that it really works, but the cost of supplements with it is often unreasonably high.
