All about glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is produced in the body from glucose and glutamine. It is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, including in the joints. Glucosamine is a component of various structures in the body, such as glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid. These substances form part of cartilage and other connective tissues
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is an amino sugar that is present, among other places, in cartilage—the tissue that forms part of our joints. The body can produce glucosamine itself. In food, glucosamine occurs naturally only in limited amounts. Glucosamine is a commonly used ingredient in food supplements, particularly in products aimed at supporting the joints. Interest in glucosamine often increases as people get older.
Types of glucosamine
There are several forms of glucosamine, including glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulphate and N-acetylglucosamine.
Glucosamine sulphate is the form of glucosamine that is most commonly used and researched. In this variant, glucosamine is bound to sulphate, a salt that readily binds with other molecules. It is sourced from shellfish such as crabs and lobsters.
Glucosamine hydrochloride is an alternative form of glucosamine that is often used in food supplements. In this form, glucosamine is bound to a hydrochloride molecule (hydrochloric acid). Glucosamine hydrochloride is generally derived from maize or other plant-based sources.
N-acetylglucosamine is a derivative of glucosamine to which an acetyl group has been added. This acetyl group makes the molecule more stable and easier for the body to absorb. N-acetylglucosamine is sourced from the outer shell of shellfish.
Sources of glucosamine
Glucosamine occurs naturally in very small amounts in certain foods.
Some natural sources of glucosamine:
- Shellfish: The shells of prawns, lobsters, crabs, mussels and oysters.
- Bone broth: Broth made from the bones of chicken, beef or fish.
What does glucosamine do?
A great deal of research is being carried out into glucosamine and the role this substance plays in the body. Glucosamine occurs naturally in, among other places, cartilage and forms part of various structures within the body. Its exact mechanism of action and effects are still being actively investigated. Glucosamine is a widely used ingredient in food supplements and is often chosen by people who are mindful of their joints—for example, as they get older or if they are active in sport.
Can I take glucosamine supplements during pregnancy?
There is limited information available about the safety of glucosamine supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Therefore, always consult your treating doctor before taking supplements during pregnancy.
Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM
Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are often combined in supplements. These substances work synergistically in the body, meaning they reinforce one another. MSM is a sulphur-containing compound that occurs naturally in the body, and chondroitin is a component of glycosaminoglycans.
In conclusion
Glucosamine is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is present, among other places, in cartilage, which forms part of the joints. Because glucosamine is found only in small amounts in food, it is often used as a supplement. It is a popular ingredient in products aimed at supporting the joints—for example, for people who are active or getting older.
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Sources
- Natuur en gezondheidsProducten Nederland (NPN)
- Information Centre for Food Supplements & Health (IVG)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
- Apotheek.nl
