According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is an estimated over 54 million individuals in the United States who suffer from arthritis, with the most common form being osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease which takes in many levels of pain. At the moment, this condition does not have any known cure. People with this condition often manage the pain with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or other pain relievers. However, if you are not too fond of taking traditional medicines, you might want to test out glucosamine supplements, a natural alternative that supports joint health. Get the essentials on glucosamine by checking out our helpful guide.
- What is glucosamine exactly?
Answer: Glucosamine is a natural nutrient that can be fond in the body. This is a type of amino sugar which is created by mixing nitrogen amines, glucose and hydrogen. Glucosamine has carbohydrate properties but it does not function as a valid energy source. It does function though as a primary component in building cartilage located in the joints. This amino sugar is responsible for the generation of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans which are important in joint health. Glucosamine production slows down as we age thus older people cannot recover completely from the pressures and strain acquired from everyday chores. The lack of glucosamine then leads to joint degeneration and eventually, bone spur formation which results to joint inflammation in the back, hip and knees. Proper glucosamine production maintenance is needed in order to ease these conditions.
- What are glucosamine supplements?
Answer: Glucosamine supplements are now available to treat deficiency of this amino sugar in the body. Glucosamine supplements often contain man-made glucosamine which comes in 3 types—glucosamine hydrochloride/glucosamine HCI, glucosamine sulfate and N-acetyl-glucosamine. Glucosamine sulfate and HCI are made up of charged anions that support joint repair, therapy and protection while N-acetyl-glucosamine is the neutral type. These glucosamine types either come in capsule, tablet or liquid forms. Glucosamine supplements are also reinforced with chondroitin sulfate to further guard and protect the cartilage from damage and allow faster absorption of glucosamine in the cells of the body.
- How much dosage is needed for glucosamine supplements to be effective?
Answer: Standard dosage for glucosamine is 1500mg daily, taken in two 750mg doses, 3 doses of 500mg everyday or 1500mg at once. Glucosamine supplements must not be taken with blood-thinning medications since it boosts the effects of the drug and leads to grave bleeding and bruising. Glucosamine supplements might also interfere with specific cancer medications like topoisomerase II inhibitors, rendering the ineffectiveness of these drugs. People with shellfish and shrimp allergies should not take glucosamine supplements as well.
Our Top Picks
Vimerson Health Glucosamine with Chondroitin
- With 1500mg glucosamine sulfate
- Supports cartilage and joint health
- With chondroitin
- Natural and non-GMO supplement
The Vimerson Health Glucosamine with Chondroitin promotes better health of the joints and boosts cartilage production as well to ease strain and aches. It does not contain allergens like soy plus it does not have any GMOs, sugars, artificial colors and flavors, binders and cholesterol. The formula instead if packed with 1500mg of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin for stimulating stronger cartilage and turmeric for easing joint discomfort. It also contains 25mg of MSM for a fortified immune system and excellent tissue growth.
Orphic Nutrition Glucosamine Chondroitin – Turmeric & MSM Joint Support Supplement
- Delivers 2100mg Glucosamine
- Includes Turmeric, Boswella Extract, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM
- Third party lab tested for quality
- Made in the USA
Orphic Nurition’s Glucosamine Chondroitin has an effective formula that hits all the right notes: It delivers 2100mg of Glucosamine fortified with Turmeric, Boswella Extract, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM. Turmeric is rich in curcumin which help reduce knee pain in people with arthritis. Boswella Extract provides powerful relief from achy joints and hips. Meanwhile, Chondroitin Sulfate can help slow down cartilage breakdown associated with old age. Lastly, MSM improves joint pain and swelling as general mobility. These powerful ingredients work together in restoring the body’s flexibility, mobility and strength.
Arazo Nutrition Glucosamine Joint Support Supplement
- Offers 1500mg glucosamine
- Has 1200mg chondroitin
- With 100mg MSM
- Includes turmeric, Boswellia and hyaluronic acid
The Arazo Nutrition Glucosamine Joint Support Supplement has the strong elements needed to support overall joint and cartilage health. It has 1500mg of glucosamine to keep up a sturdier cartilage. The formula is also jampacked with chondroitin sulfate at 1200mg to minimize aches, pains and discomfort around the joints while retaining collagen health. It has MSM for improved range of movement, hyaluronic acid for lubricating the joints, turmeric as an anti-inflammatory agent and Boswellia for treating arthritis.
NutriRise Glucosamine 3X Triple Strength Joint Supplement
- 2100mg glucosamine
- With 8 beneficial ingredients
- Gluten-free supplements
- Third-party tested for quality
The NutriRise Glucosamine 3X Triple Strength Joint Supplement guarantees what you get is high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin—batches of the supplement are tested by a third-party agency to assure only the best efficacy, quality and purity. The formula is packed with 2100mg of glucosamine aided by other advantageous ingredients which boost joint and cartilage health. It has chondroitin for binding cartilage and boosting glucosamine effectiveness, bromelain and quercetin for a stronger immune response and pain reduction plus MSM and methionine for cartilage rehabilitation and restoration.
Nature’s Nutrition Glucosamine with Chondroitin Turmeric Supplement
- 2100mg glucosamine supplement
- Includes chondroitin and turmeric
- Third party tested
- For better joint and bone health
The Nature’s Nutrition Glucosamine with Chondroitin Turmeric Supplement makes sure your bones and joints will acquire its fair share of nutrients to help them thrive. This supplement offers 2100mg of glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric. The product has been tested for purity, quality and potency by a third party. Taken regularly, the supplement helps in retaining excellent joint and cartilage functionality. Added ingredients like chondroitin and turmeric help glucosamine do its job with sheer efficacy for better results.
Best Naturals Glucosamine Supplement
- Gives 2600mg glucosamine
- For overall joint and cartilage improvement
- GMO-certified supplement
- Made in the U.S.A
The Best Naturals Glucosamine Supplement provides a strong 2600mg of glucosamine fortified with the benefits of chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and MSM. Chondroitin sulfate works with glucosamine to generate hyaluronic acid which is crucial in the lubrication of the joints. MSM meanwhile is an antioxidant mineral that is an essential part of the cartilage—this component has a sulfur which is built into joint tissues and helps strengthen it. These items work in sync to help your joints and cartilage regain its working glory.
Vostok Glucosamine Chondroitin with Turmeric Supplements
- Has 100% glucosamine sulfate
- With chondroitin sulfate
- Manufactured under strict GMP standards
- Made in the U.S.A
The Vostok Glucosamine Chondroitin with Turmeric Supplements is another top option for strengthening and maintaining overall joint and cartilage functionality. It presents glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates which work together to repair and restore joint and cartilage health. The formula also contains elements that can help glucosamine and chondroitin work effectively—the likes of turmeric, MSM, Boswellia extracts, methionine, quercetin and bromelain join the fray for a reinforced, well-maintained joint and cartilage system.
Tired of complaining about your aching joints? Wary of always turning to traditional medications for arthritis relief? Why not try the natural way by investing in the best glucosamine supplements? These natural supplements are packed with proper doses of the amino sugar plus additional beneficial substances too like chondroitin, which aids glucosamine to do its job. Use regularly and it may help ease discomfort and pain around the joints and maintain cartilage production.