Glucosamine hydrochloride side effects

Glucosamine hydrochloride side effects: allergic reactions
One of the most severe glucosamine hydrochloride side effects is allergic reactions to shellfish. Shellfish allergy can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as shortness of breath, wheezing, and a life threatening drop in blood pressure. Milder glucosamine hydrochloride side effects caused by shellfish allergy include itching, nausea and hives.

The reason why allergic persons can suffer from glucosamine hydrochloride side effects is that most glucosamine hydrochloride supplements are derived from shellfish. Glucosamine is found in the shells of lobsters, oysters, crabs, crayfish, crawfish etcetera, from which it is extracted and used by supplement manufacturers.

Of the 6.5 million persons who suffer from shellfish allergies within the United States, a majority is only allergic to a protein found in the flesh of shellfish. There are however a substantial amount of individuals who reacts to shellfish gelatin as well, which is extracted from skin and bones. Since we know that it is possible for allergic persons to be this sensitive, most doctors recommend persons allergic to shellfish to refrain form using supplements derived from shellfish, in order to avoid possible glucosamine hydrochloride side effects.

Since a few years back, it is however possible for allergic persons to enjoy the benefits of glucosamine without having to worry about possible glucosamine hydrochloride side effects. An American company has started to derive glucosamine from corn instead of shellfish. You may have to keep looking for a while before you find these products because they are still quite rare, but they do exist. Corn-based glucosamine supplements are often sold as “vegetarian glucosamine” or “vegan glucosamine”.

Glucosamine hydrochloride side effects: possible insulin resistance
Animal research has indicated that glucosamine supplements may increase insulin resistance. Increased insulin resistance is undesirable since it increases the risk of developing diabetes. In persons suffering from insulin resistance, normal amounts of insulin will not be enough to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Insulin resistance in fat cells makes the amount of free fatty acids higher in your blood plasma, insulin resistance in muscle make the glucose uptake lower, and insulin resistance in liver cells decreases glucose storage. When both glucose uptake and glucose storage is decreased, there levels of blood glucose will increase considerably. This can in turn lead to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

No studies have yet been able to confirm that glucosamine supplements can increase insulin resistance in humans, but caution is mandated. If you know that you already suffer from insulin resistance or have diabetes, you should not start using glucosamine supplements without first consulting your doctor. One way of keeping an eye on possible glucosamine hydrochloride side effects is to regularly have your blood sugar checked.

Glucosamine hydrochloride side effects: gastrointestinal
During clinical trials, some of the participants have experienced softened stools and increased intestinal gas. This is normally not considered severe glucosamine hydrochloride side effects, but if the problems persist it is always a good idea to consult a physician.