Glucosamine

[Maydup]

Any comments or opinions on the benefits of taking Glucosamine?

OH has general wear and tear aches and pains and is thinking of taking it. Do any of you you take it regularly and if so, would you recommend it?

Should I start taking it as a prevention to potential joint problems even though I have none yet!?

[237SJ]

The only people that I know that have raved about it are runners. One of my colleagues (she`s a runner) said that she gets less problems with her knees when she takes it. Personally I would protect my joints by eating a healthy, well balanced diet, keeping mobile and keeping my weight down. I would have thought that`s enough for normal usage of the joints. That`s just my un-expert opinion though.

[shaneystar2]

It may help if it's just general wear and tear .
I took it for a long time and it did zilch (apart from me bunging me up ..lol )
But I have severe osteoarthritis .My joints are all buggered anyway .
Have a read
http://www.concordort...03d32e4fb0a3d1368ff38
This is knees but it could apply to any joints .

[tenrec]

Glad to see this thread as I am also thinking of taking it. Will pop back later on.

[tonyav]

What are the potential benefits ?.

[rockyracoon]

I'm going to start taking this, there is little scientific research to back up any success but many people swear by it. Do you think you need the chrondroitin as well, that don't half jump the price up!

[starone]

I swear by cod liver oil capsules, high dosage. I have taken them for years and believe that if I had not taken them I would be in a far worse state than I am now. Like Shaney I have osteoarthritis which is very painful at times, like getting up from a chair for instance. Calcium tablets also help (ask your doctor) Calcium will strengthen your bones. You can get them on prescription. Also like Shaney I took Glucosamine for years and they did not help at all.

[Maydup]

Tony - I know people who take it to "oil the joints". It claims to help repair and restore damaged cartlidge and connective tissues and reduces pain from arthritis.

It would be good to hear from people here about it.

[pastafreak]

I took Glucosamine for a while several years ago. At the time I noticed that if I stopped for a few weeks,joint discomfort increased. I stopped because I hate taking large pills-I had to crush them.
I was having quit a bit of discomfort again this winter,so when I found a liquid Glucosamine,I resumed taking it-along with high strength liquid fish oils. Within about 3 weeks,my joints felt massively better. Occasional twinges-but nothing more. My skin was also looking plumper-from the fish oils. I'm convinced-so will continue with both.

[boxtops]

I take a glucosamine and chondroitin combination tablet - I find it helps. My mother, however, used to swear by Green Lipped Mussel Extract - in a capsule - I could see how stiff she became on the days she'd run out of them.

[tonyav]

Righto Maidup, I asked because I don't think that I have ever heard of this stuff.

[Maydup]

Thanks all, encouraging so far.

I'm still investigating as I have the added complication of being a vegetarian and unable to tolerate fish or shellfish products. But the concept is still the same as the properties of the veggie versions with high Glucosamine content offer the same outcomes.

[Maydup]

Hoping to catch the eye of a few of the good morning ABers with this question.....

[Sqad]

I presume that we are talking about the effectiveness of Glucosamine in the management of osteo arthritis.

I have seen no reputable studies which have shown any benefit from taking Glucosamine either for stiffness or pain. But, I am willing to read some if links can be provided from well established authorities.

[Bambiagain]

I tried it for my arthritic knee, but it didn't help at all. I know some people who say it helps a lot. I think it's one of those things that either works for you or it doesn't, so it's worth trying.

[pastafreak]

@Maidup-all of Healthspans Glucosamine is vegetarian...both pills and liquid.

[pastafreak]

There are some publications mentioned here,sqad...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17658908

[Buenchico]

Useless.

From the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/new...ts-of-no-benefit.aspx

[Sqad]

pasta....thanks.......not a convincing report and like most contentious issues in medicine one can search the www and pick out any paper or piece of research that suits your argument.

I am not convinced of it's efficacy,but appreciate your input.

[gness]

Hi Maidup. Because I have a hip on the blink which I am ignoring because I am far too young I started taking Glucosamine. When I remember to take it regularly the pain eases. I forget and after a while the pain reminds me.
Lord knows how because I can`t believe one Glucosamine a day can do any good for a hip that`s crumbling or whatever they do but no harm in trying.

[Maydup]

Thanks Gness, I'm pleased it works for you.

I think that all the reports in the world will never give personal experience like yours.