Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulfate Dosage

So far, there has not been a set dosage for glucosamine sulfate – or for any other glucosamine supplements for that matter. For this reason it is very important that you consult with your doctor before you begin incorporating it into your diet.  He or she will be able to advise you on the proper dose according to their own research and studies.

Generally the supplement dose is based on the patient’s weight – typically, men are prescribed a higher dose than women. However, as stated above, there are varying factors that your doctor will take into account before they settle on a dose perfect for your lifestyle.

Glucosamine does not begin working immediately after starting the supplement regimen. For this reason, it is very important to continue taking the prescribed dose for at least several months before you discount its use. Most people tend to see some positive results around 6 to 8 weeks after starting.

Glucosamine Sulfate Benefits

The main purpose of using glucosamine sulfate is to slow down the progression of arthritis. It also has been shown to help reverse some of the side effects in some patients. The results you see will depend primarily on what type of arthritis you have, and of course how much damage has already been caused by it. Sometimes it takes a lot longer than the average two months to see any improvement.

The primary benefit reported from the use of this supplement is the regeneration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. Because the cartilage begins to show signs of growth within several months of starting treatment, it has also been reported to aid in pain management.

The reason this works is because it targets the actual cause of the pain – the thinning cartilage. Because the cushion begins to thicken the joints are no longer rubbing painfully against each other with every movement.

One of the most common uses for glucosamine sulfate is to treat arthritis in the knees. Many studies have shown that it is indeed an effective treatment provided the patient can actually take the supplement.

Glucosamine Sulfate Side Effects

There are very few negative side-effects from using glucosamine sulfate. Generally, you have to worry more about contraindications from supplements or prescription medicines you are already taking. The most widely experienced negative effect is lower gastrointestinal distress. While this generally ceases after prolonged use, it does have the possibility to persist the entire treatment.

While there is no concrete data that supports the effect of glucosamine sulfate on the body’s blood sugars, there have been some reports. Some people who have used the supplement have mentioned that it has the ability to elevate the blood sugar. This may be an unwanted side effect, especially if you are suffering from any disorders that affect your blood sugar or insulin levels in general.

Because glucosamine is derived from shell fish and insects, it is very important to discuss any life threatening food allergies with your doctor – especially shell fish. The actual product comes from something called chitin, which is very similar to the material that makes up our finger nails.

There are many foods that seem unrelated to your food allergy that are in fact very closely related. While you may already be aware of most of them, it never hurts to double check your information with your physician.

Glucosamine Sulfate Conclusion

While glucosamine sulfate has been proven for many years to be an effective way to control arthritis in adults and pets that does not necessarily mean you will see the same positive results. Many things factor into the success of a supplement regimen, such as age, weight and the progression of your symptoms.

If you decide that you would like to give glucosamine a shot you should make a list of your current medications, allergies to both food and medicine, and your diet. This will help your doctor decide whether or not the supplement is safe for you to begin using. Visit the supplement finder to compare sources of glucosamine sulfate and other nutrition information now!