A natural compound found in cartilage, usually sourced from shellfish.
Why it’s used: A building block of the cartilage that cushions joints.
Glucosamine is a natural compound made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. The body uses it to build glycosaminoglycans, long sugar chains that form part of cartilage, the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions the ends of bones in joints. It is also found in tendons, ligaments and the fluid around joints.
Most glucosamine in supplements is extracted from the shells of shellfish such as crab, shrimp and lobster. Shellfish-free versions are also made by fermenting corn, and these suit vegetarians and people avoiding shellfish. On labels you will see glucosamine sulphate, often stabilised with potassium or sodium chloride, or glucosamine hydrochloride.
Glucosamine is one of the best-known joint supplements and is often combined with chondroitin, MSM or collagen. Researchers have studied it extensively, with mixed results. NICE does not recommend glucosamine for osteoarthritis, and it is not routinely prescribed on the NHS, though many people choose it as a food supplement as part of their joint routine.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 placebo-controlled trials, nine testing glucosamine sulphate alone, found glucosamine sulphate significantly reduced tibiofemoral joint space narrowing, with a good safety profile.
A systematic review of 18 randomised trials published 2003 to 2016 found a marginally favourable effect of glucosamine on pain scores, while the effect on knee function was small and not significant.
A double-blind trial randomised 212 adults with knee osteoarthritis to 1,500 mg glucosamine sulphate or placebo daily for three years. The placebo group lost 0.31 mm of joint space while the glucosamine group showed no significant loss, and symptoms improved.
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Both provide glucosamine. Much of the European research used glucosamine sulphate, while the large US GAIT trial used glucosamine hydrochloride. Studies have not shown a clear winner, and quality and amount probably matter as much as the form.
Most glucosamine comes from shellfish shells. Allergy is caused by shellfish proteins rather than glucosamine itself, but trace amounts may remain, so choose a shellfish-free version made by fermentation, or speak to your GP or allergist before taking a shellfish-derived product.
No. NICE guidance says glucosamine should not be offered for osteoarthritis because the evidence of benefit is not strong, and NHS England advises it should not routinely be prescribed. It is still widely available as a food supplement.
Videos from doctors, research scientists and registered dietitians, for general education. They are independent of Nutra Formulations, do not refer to our products and are not medical advice for you.
What Science Actually Says About Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Dr Jeffrey Peng, MD, sports medicine / nonoperative orthopedics · Jeffrey Peng MD on YouTube
Glucosamine for Joint Pain: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Dr Jacob Kneeman, MD, pain medicine and PM&R · Dr. Jacob Kneeman on YouTube
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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