Available evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. It is believed that the sulfate moiety provides clinical benefit in the synovial fluid by strengthening cartilage and aiding glycosaminoglycan synthesis. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would mean that only the glucosamine sulfate form is effective and non-sulfated glucosamine forms are not effective. Glucosamine is commonly taken in combination with chondroitin, a glycosaminoglycan derived from articular cartilage. Use of complementary therapies, including glucosamine, is common in patients with osteoarthritis, and may allow for reduced doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

The following uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Knee osteoarthritis (mild-to-moderate)
Based on human research, there is good evidence to support the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. Most studies have used glucosamine sulfate supplied by one European manufacturer (Rotta Research Laboratorium), and it is not known if glucosamine preparations made by other manufacturers are equally effective. Results of a recent large clinical trial (GAIT) comparing the effects of glucosamine to celecoxib (Celebrex(r)) for treatment of knee osteoarthritis have yet to be published. A recent study or postmenopausal women found that glucosamine reduced joint space narrowing compared to placebo treatment. Although some studies of glucosamine have not found benefits, these have either included patients with severe osteoarthritis, or used products other than glucosamine sulfate . The evidence for the effect of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate is conflicting and merits further investigation. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness, and to test different formulations of glucosamine.

Osteoarthritis (general)
Several human studies and animal experiments report benefits of glucosamine in treating osteoarthritis of various joints of the body, although the evidence is less plentiful than that for knee osteoarthritis. Some of these benefits include pain relief, possibly due to an anti-inflammatory effect of glucosamine, and improved joint function. Overall, these studies have not been well designed. Analyses, which group the existing studies together and isolate higher-quality research (meta-analyses) have found conflicting results, with improvement in some scales measuring pain and disability, but not in others. Although there is some promising research, more study is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be made.

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 yrs. or older) - Osteoarthritis : In most available studies, 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate has been used, taken by mouth as tablets or capsules three times daily, for 30 to 90 days. Once daily dosing as 1.5 grams (1500 milligrams) has also been used. Limited research has used 1500 milligrams daily as a crystalline powder for oral solution, or 500 milligrams of glucosamine hydrochloride three times daily. Dosing of 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily has also been recommended in some publications. One study used a dose of 2000 milligrams per day for 12 weeks.

Side Effects and Warnings
In most human studies, glucosamine sulfate at a dose of 500 milligrams three times daily (tablets or capsules) has been well tolerated for 30 to 90 days. In a three-year study and several short-term trials, the number of adverse events in patients taking glucosamine was no different from placebo (sugar pill). There have been reports that in laboratory animals, doses as high as 5000 milligrams per kilogram taken by mouth, 3000 milligrams per kilogram injected into muscle, and 1500 milligrams per kilogram through the veins have not caused death.

Side effects may include upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, sun sensitivity, and nail toughening. There are rare reports of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, flatulence (gas), constipation, heartburn, and diarrhea. Based on several human cases, temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as palpitations may occur with glucosamine/chondroitin products. Based on animal research, glucosamine theoretically may increase the risk for eye cataract formation.

It remains unclear if glucosamine alters blood sugar levels. Several human studies suggest no effects on blood sugar, while other research reports effects on insulin."

My opinion is that it appears that glucosamine with sulfate has a beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis and a mild effect on osteoarthritis. As always, I highly recommend before you start taking a supplement you speak with your physician. I also went on GNC's web site and found that there are dozens of different types of glucosamine available. Again, get the recommendation from your physician as to which is best for you, not the recommendation of the sales clerk at the vitamin store. In this case, more is not better; you don't need to take a supplement with 3-4-5 additives in it if it is not necessary.

Discussion: Have you or are you currently taking any form of glucosamine? What results are you finding?

For a full copy of the above article on mayoclinic.com click here...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glucosamine/NS_patient-glucosamine