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Glucosamine . . .
Helping the Body Heal Itself
Glucosamine is an amino sugar synthesized in our bodies from glucose and is the starting point for important macromolecules that make up many body tissues, including proteoglycans, the ground substance of cartilage in the joints.
Glucosamine is involved in the synthesis of mucous membranes in the digestive and respiratory tract; it is one of the chemicals that forms the cushioning ingredients in joint fluids and surrounding tissue; and it contributes to making the synovial fluid thick and elastic. It plays a role in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone ligaments, heart valves and in mucous secretion of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. Any deficiency of glucosamine can slow the production of these macromolecules, which causes specific weakness in these tissues. Especially exciting is Glucosamine’s positive effect in the treatment of degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine has a positive effect on a variety of health problems, primarily those that involve the breakdown of synovial fluid, damage to muscles, tissues and ligaments, inflammation of disc and sciatica nerve, inflammation of joints associated with aging.
When the lubricating synovial fluid becomes thin, its ability to cushion is reduced. Cartilage, bones and tendons can rub against each other, causing damage, loss of movement and pain. Especially excruciating pain results when discs in the spinal cord put pressure on the nerves.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition primarily of the weight-bearing joints of the body, which endure decades of use. In fact, almost half the population has some form of degeneration by age 60. It is also associated with certain occupations and sports, such as ballet and football, or it can occur in a joint after an injury or fracture.
"In OA the normally smooth cartilage becomes softened and dull. It begins to lose its elasticity, and its surface may become worn in spots. It also thins out, so it can’t absorb as much synovial fluid. Consequently, the bones move closer together, and the joint space narrows. Eventually the cartilage may grow so thin in spots that the bones begin to rub against each other."(1) Small pieces of bone and cartilage may become loose and get caught inside the joint, or cause bony spikes the irritate the joint.
As we age, there is less ability to manufacture and restore cartilage. Symptoms of degenerative joint disease include stiffness, soreness when initiating movement, and varying degrees of pain where just getting around becomes a chore.
Finding Answers
A common misconception is that nothing can slow osteoarthritis—that it is a progressive condition where only the pain can be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, aspirin, Indocin, etc. Yet recent research shows that these powerful drugs do more than suppress the painful symptoms; they may actually accelerate the progression of degenerative joint disease. Studies have shown that these drugs contribute to cartilage destruction and inhibit new cartilage formation.(2) Prolonged use of these anti-inflammatory drugs is not without side effects, most commonly gastro-intestinal bleeding as well as live and kidney damage.
There are many methods that have been found helpful in managing and even slowing the relentless progression of degenerative joint disease. People have had success with nutrient supplementation such as niacin and vitamin E; avoiding allergenic foods; learning to relax; losing weight; and regular exercise that doesn’t aggravate already sore joints.
Glucosamine, the new player on the block, has also shown remarkable results. As a natural substance found in high concentrations in joints, it stimulates healing with new cartilage growth to cover the surface of the bone. "Glucosamine is one of the building blocks of proteoglycans, the ground substance of articular cartilage…Furthermore, glucosamine inhibits the degradation of proteoglycans and rebuilds experimentally damaged cartilage…It has been suggested that altered metabolism plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis and that administration of glucosamine tends to normalize cartilage metabolism."(3)
Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Glucosamine addresses more than pain; it stimulates connective tissue production and repairs damaged joints. A Portuguese study involved 48 patients who had arthritis in only one knee. One group received 1.2 grams of ibuprofen daily for eight weeks, the other received 1/5 grams of glucosamine. Those given ibuprofen had rapid decrease in pain during the first two weeks but increased pain at the end of eight weeks. The glucosamine group did not have the dramatic pain relief during the first two weeks, but at the end of eight weeks, had much less pain that the ibuprofen group.(4) In another study, 20 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received 500 mg. Of Glucosamine sulfate or a placebo for six to eight weeks. Glucosamine relieved the joint tenderness, swelling and pain significantly, whereas the placebo results were fair to poor.(5)
Any substance taken for a long time must be safe; we know too well of the numerous side effects associated with long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucosamine has proven virtually nontoxic, with no adverse side effects reported. It is stable, tasteless and water soluble.
Much of the research on Glucosamine has happened over the last 10 years, and it is a significant product that may relieve the pain, joint tenderness and swelling caused by degenerative joint disease. No doubt we will hear more about this valuable nutrient with the special ability of helping the body heal itself.
References:
(1) Pisetsky, David S., The Duke University Medical Center Book of Arthritis, Fawcett Columbine Books, 1991.
(2) Brooks, F. M. et al, NSAID and osteoarthritis—help or hindrance?, J. Rheumatol., 9:3-5, 1982.
(3) Townsend Letter for Doctors, July 1993.
(4) Vas, A. L. et al, Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulfate in the management of osteoarthrosis of the knee in out-patients, Curr. Med. Res. Opin., 1982, 8:145-9.
(5) Pujalte, J. M. et al, Double-blind clinical evaluation of osteoarthritis, Curr. Med. Res. Opin., 1980, 7:120-114.
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