Glucosamine is one of a number of substances classified as an amino sugar. Unlike other forms of sugar in the body, amino sugars are components of carbohydrates that are incorporated into the structure of body tissues, rather than being used as a source of energy.

Glucosamine has been shown to be involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments, and heart valves. It also plays a role in the mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts.

Glucosamine is made mainly from chitin - a component of shellfish. Although it is not extracted from the protein component of shellfish, individuals with shellfish allergies may want to check with a health care professional before taking glucosamine.

Glucosamine sulfate is considered by nutritionists to be a positive nutritional support supplement for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine function is in providing the building blocks for new cartilage, the protective joint padding that prevents bones from scraping against each other as we move but gets worn away by this common form of degenerative arthritis. It enables us to treat this illness effectively, possibly for the first time in history.

Recent studies indicates that glucosamine may also help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. In a controlled study, orally administered glucosamine sulfate was shown to prevent 'joint space narrowing' and improve symptoms in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Joint space narrowing is a measure of the loss of joint space due to articular cartilage breakdown.

Glucosamine may stimulate synovial production of hyaluronic acid (HA)-a compound responsible for the lubricating and shock-absorbing properties of synovial fluid. HA has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and its concentration is diminished in osteoarthritis.

A number of studies have demonstrated that oral glucosamine is at least as effective as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at decreasing pain and improving mobility in osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is not as potent an anti-inflammatory agent as NSAIDs, but it is much less toxic to the gastrointestinal tract. Though NSAIDs may be used for temporary relief, habitual use is ruinous, for these drugs can have long term side effects.

Generally, Glucosamine's relief and rejuvenation effects are not immediate. It may take up to six months for some people to notice improvement, others notice improvement in just a few weeks. Higher strength formulas are no indication of increased potential.