Safety Issues References Glucosamine, most commonly used in the form glucosamine sulfate, is a simple molecule derived from glucose, the principal sugar found in blood. In glucosamine, one oxygen atom in glucose is replaced by a nitrogen atom. The chemical term for this modified form of glucose is amino sugar. Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body, where it is a key building block for making cartilage. In Europe, glucosamine is widely used to treat osteoarthritis.
Studies show that glucosamine supplements relieve pain and other arthritis symptoms.
Interestingly, these improvements seem to last for several weeks after glucosamine supplements are discontinued. This observation has led to the exciting idea that glucosamine may actually make a deep change in osteoarthritis, rather than simply relieving symptoms. In contrast, glucosamine appears to go beyond treating the symptoms to actually slowing the disease itself. If this is true, it would represent a revolutionary breakthrough in the treatment of arthritis. There is no U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance for glucosamine.