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Contraindications for Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural component found in healthy cartilage tissue. Glucosamine can be taken as an over-the-counter supplement as is available in most drug and health food stores. The Mayo Clinic reports that as a supplement, glucosamine claims to help improve joint mobility, decrease inflammation and reduce pain in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While some research shows promising outcomes of the use of glucosamine on providing some relief from osteoarthritis, much more information is needed in order to make a definitive ruling on its effectiveness. Glucosamine is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so there are no guarantees of its strength, purity, safety or effectiveness. Anyone interested in taking glucosamine for joint health should consult their doctor first.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Allergy To Shellfish
According to the Mayo Clinic, anyone with an allergy to shellfish should avoid taking glucosamine. This is due to the fact that glucosamine is derived from the shells of shrimp, crab, lobster and other shellfish. The Mayo Clinic notes that serious hypersensitivity reactions have been noted with the use of glucosamine, though such reactions are rare. Anyone with an allergy to shellfish should contact his physician prior to taking glucosamine.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, anyone with an allergy to shellfish should avoid taking glucosamine.
Pregnancy or Nursing Mothers
Side Effects of Glucosamine Chondroitin & MSM Supplements
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The Mayo Clinic reports that pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take glucosamine due to a lack of scientific data regarding its effects on unborn babies and infants.
Diabetes or Other Blood Sugar Problems
Spine Health reports that diabetic patients should use caution when taking glucosamine because some studies have suggested that glucosamine may cause insulin resistance 1. Medline Plus reports that some studies have shown that when taken in pill form, glucosamine has no effect on insulin, but when taken by injection, glucosamine may cause insulin resistance. Anyone who needs to check their blood sugars on a regular basis should check with their physician prior to taking glucosamine.
Risk For Bleeding
Dangers of Glucosamine
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The Mayo Clinic notes that glucosamine may increase the risk for spontaneous bleeding. Anyone taking a medication such as blood thinners or anyone who has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder should consult their doctor prior to taking glucosamine.
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References
- Spine Health: Safe Use Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin
- DiNubile N. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: What has been learned since the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-7. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06
- Towheed TE, Maxwell L, Anastassiades TP, et al. Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(2):CD002946. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002946.pub2
- Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(8):1459-64. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.120469
- Raynauld JP, Pelletier JP, Abram F, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on the progression of structural changes in knee osteoarthritis: six-year followup data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2016;68(10):1560-6. doi:10.1002/acr.22866
- Haghighat A, Behnia A, Kaviani N, Khorami B. Evaluation of glucosamine sulfate and Ibuprofen effects in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis symptom. J Res Pharm Pract. 2013;2(1):34-9. doi:10.4103/2279-042X.114087
- Wilkens P, Scheel IB, Grundnes O, et al. Effect of glucosamine on pain-related disability in patients with chronic low back pain and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010;304(1):45-52. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.893
Writer Bio
Cynthia Bateman is a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she is pursuing her Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in composition pedagogy. She has most recently been published in the literary journal, "River Bluff Review." She is also a registered professional nurse.