Glucosamine is an amino acid that can be taken as a supplement commonly used for tackling joint problems. Our guide explains exactly what glucosamine is, its benefits, dosages, potential side effects, and how to supplement safely with BetterYou.
Table of Content:
- What is Glucosamine?
- 4 Glucosamine Benefits
- Sources of Glucosamine
- Supplementing Glucosamine
- Dosage Recommendations
- Potential Side Effects
- Support Your Joints with BetterYou
- Glucosamine and Magnesium for Joint Health
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino acid that is naturally found in the body’s cartilage, however as we age our levels deplete. The cartilage is the tissue that cushions joints between bones in the body. It can also be found in animal tissues, bones, and even fungi. It also plays an important role in creating glycoproteins which are vital building blocks for your joints, ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid as well as cartilage. Most commonly it is taken alongside magnesium supplements as a joint vitamin to treat disorders such as arthritis.
4 Health Benefits of Glucosamine
The health benefits of glucosamine centre around its impact on the joints. As this amino acid is created naturally in the body, it can be difficult to obtain it from food sources, and so supplements may be necessary to reap these benefits:
- Could improve bone health - Having optimum levels of glucosamine can help to support healthy bone density. As we age we can lose bone density quickly, this is particularly a problem for post-menopausal women. A daily dose of this amino acid in a menopause supplement could help to prevent the progression of osteoporosis.
- Reduced joint discomfort pain - Glucosamine, alongside chondroitin (another compound found in our cartilage), has been shown to reduce joint discomfort in those suffering from osteoarthritis. In the UK this amino acid is used not only as a food supplement, but also for medicinal purposes. Taking glucosamine supplements could be an alternative for those who react badly to the usual anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Can reduce inflammation - Inflammation can cause havoc in our bodies, impacting our heart, contributing to diabetes, and to arthritis. Those who take the amino acid as a supplement have reported lower levels of inflammation.
- Potential antioxidant effects - Trials have suggested that glucosamine has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to protect the body and cells against oxidative stress and free radicals.
Sources of Glucosamine
To boost your glucosamine levels you will need to turn to the following sources:
- Joint Supplements
- Glucosamine Supplements
- Shellfish
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Crabs
Due to food sources being limited, those with dietary restrictions will need to turn to vegetarian supplements and vegan supplements to boost their levels. The glucosamine we use in our supplements is vegan-friendly, ensuring everyone can increase their levels whatever their lifestyle.
Supplementing Glucosamine for Joint Health
Glucosamine is a key ingredient in joint supplements due to its many benefits that could potentially reduce joint discomfort. For those experiencing joint problems there are a range of other vitamins and minerals that could ease your suffering:
- Magnesium - Magnesium benefits the joints by helping to strengthen bones, maintain cartilage, and maintain normal nerve and muscle function.
- Zinc - Taking zinc supplements could help to relieve inflammation, easing the joints.
- Calcium - Calcium and magnesium work alongside each other to keep the bones strong which in turn can aid joint inflammation.
- Turmeric - Turmeric supplements allow you to experience the benefits of this superfood.
What Dosage of Glucosamine Should I Take?
There are different dosages for glucosamine depending on whether you supplement orally or transdermally. Those taking oral sprays can take between 300 - 500mg with each meal, up to 1,500mg a day.
BetterYou’s topical supplement has a recommended dose of 50mg as it is directly applied to areas of concern. This dosage can be achieved with 10 sprays. For children the recommended dosage should be halved as they need less than adults. You should always follow the nutrient reference values when supplementing to ensure optimum levels.
Is it Good to Take Glucosamine Daily?
To experience the full benefits of glucosamine it is beneficial to take it every day, for at least two to four months before you can feel the full advantages. Using a topical formulation is a simple way to ensure you get your daily dose of this amino acid.
Side Effects of Glucosamine
When ingested, an excess of glucosamine could cause the following side effects. It’s important to note that these side effects are mild and not overly common:
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Allergic reactions (for types derived from shellfish)
If you do experience these signs of deficiency you should consult with your doctor.
Support Your Joints with BetterYou
BetterYou’s Magnesium Joint Body Spray is formulated with glucosamine for direct muscle and joint application. Applied topically to the skin 10 sprays will deliver 50mg of the amino acid to support healthy joints. The magnesium spray with glucosamine contains menthol and eucalyptus oils that provides a pleasant cooling effect on application. Simply apply to your joints, muscles, or areas of concern, avoiding delicate areas like the eyes. You can reapply whenever needed.
By using acetyl glucosamine our formulation is a vegan-friendly supplement! That way, those with dietary restrictions can find supplements vegan should take to support their health.The joint spray is suitable for adults and children above the age of 13 (who should half the dose). It is however recommended that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult their GP or midwife before they start using it as a pregnancy supplement or breastfeeding supplement.
Glucosamine and Magnesium for Joint Health
Magnesium is a type of mineral that also helps to maintain joint cartilage along with glucosamine, which is why our joint supplement combines the two into one formulation. Our range of magnesium supplements works to target key areas of concern, from muscle health, to relaxing you as a sleep supplement. Whether you prefer topically supplementing with magnesium bath flakes, or with magnesium creams, our collection can help you support your joints and bones.
BetterYou’s Innovative Supplementation
We innovated vitamin oral sprays and transdermal magnesium supplements to help you support your wellbeing. Our collection of iron supplements, vitamin D supplements, and children’s vitamins are easy and fuss-free to take!
