Glucosamine and arthritis
The connection between glucosamine and arthritis is still far from thoroughly researched, but what is true is that many people who suffer from arthritis experience a significant improvement when they start taking glucosamine supplements on a regular basis. Some studies seem to verify this, while others claim that it is only a form of placebo effect. The debate is currently lively among medical professionals, and in the mean time, thousands of arthritis patients use arthritis supplements since they clearly feel better when they include plenty of glucosamine in their daily diet.

So, what is the link between glucosamine and arthritis? To understand this we must take a closer look at the disease that is arthritis. Arthritis is a group of diseases where the joints are gradually destroyed. The most common form is called osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. In an individual suffering from osteoarthritis, a low-grade inflammation is constantly present which can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious joint pain. The reason behind the inflammation is wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the joints and protects them from pressure.

Glucosamine and arthritis are connected, because glucosamine is imperative when the body forms, maintains and repairs cartilage. Glucosamine is a necessary precursor when glycosylated proteins and lipids are synthesized by the body. Glucosamine-6-phosphate is turned into UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, which is then turned into glycolipids, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. Glycolipids attach them selves to cells in order to form tissue, proteoglycans function as filler material between cells, and glycosaminoglycans make up an important part of the connective tissue in all vertebrates.

For some people, glucosamine supplements are potent enough to keep them off other types of arthritis medication. For others, a combination of glucosamine supplements and conventional treatment, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is the best course of action. There are also a third group of arthritis patients who experience no alleviation at all by glucosamine supplements, or experience only an insignificant change. More research is necessary before we can fully understand the link between glucosamine and arthritis.