Glucosamine is a popular supplement touted for recovery and reducing inflammation after exercise. Glucosamine is simple amino sugar that plays a key role in the synthesis of cartilage in human joints. Besides shellfish, lobster, crab, and shrimp, glucosamine is not commonly found in food and has to be ingested in the form of a supplement. (Spiridakis, 2021). Glucosamine supplements are available in the forms of glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-Acetyl glucosamine, or in combination with chondroitin sulfate. The typical recommended safe dosage is 1,500 to 3,000 mg per day (Van De Walle & Hill, 2021).
Glucosamine is often used for reduction of joint pain and lubrication to help increase joint mobility and decreases cartilage breakdown (Va De Welle & Hill, 2021). A recent study with Japanese rugby and soccer players (male, ages 18-22) showed glucosamine supplement (mg, daily for 12 weeks) had a positive effect on cartilage metabolism. Results of this study suggest that glucosamine may improve joint health, while also decrease the risks of developing osteoarthritis. In another recent study, 140 participants were split into two groups and took a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin and a placebo for 8 weeks to examine the outcome on knee pain. The control group experienced a threefold decrease in knee pain, compared to the placebo group. While glucosamine supplementation has been studied in athletes, much of research only reports short term use, and questions remain about effectiveness or any possible benefit from habitual or chronic use (Dohnalek et al., 2023). Glucosamine supplementation remains controversial. Safety and efficacy have not be established for short- or long-term usage (Liu and Wang, 2022). Additionally, negative side effects have been reported from use of glucosamine, such as: abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea, each of which can impair athletic performance (Van De Welle & Hill, 2021). Furthermore, conflicting evidence exists whether glucosamine can does effectively aide in the improvement of other conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Every athlete should be informed and use caution before deciding to use supplements. Weighing the potential benefit vs. risks is always important and for collegiate athletes there are strict regulations and safety to consider, such as:
In conclusion, it important for athletes to remember, to approach supplements like glucosamine with caution. It is important to weigh the pros and cons, as well as the training regimen, on whether or not the supplement will actually benefit the athlete. In the case of glucosamine, while some research has shown promising results in joint recovery, I would not necessarily recommend that college athletes use glucosamine, unless approved by a medical doctor. In the end, it is important the athlete, the sports registered dietitian, sport coach, and strength and conditioning coach come together and safely decide whether or not the athlete should consume the glucosamine. References Dohnalek, MH., Cartwright, EJ., Hill, WS. (2023). Efficacy and Safety of a Joint Health Nutritional Supplement for Subjects with Non-arthritic Knee Joint Pain: A Double-blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. J Orthop Res Ther 8: 1272. https://doi.org/10.29011/2575-8241.001272 Conrozier, T. & Lohse, T. (2022). Glucosamine as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: What If It’s True? Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.820971 Liu, N & Wang, B. (2022). Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy Plus Glucosamine Hydrochloride for Exercise-induced Knee Injuries and the Effect on Knee Function of Patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 8120458. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8230458 Spiridakis, N. (2021, Oct 6). Are There Any Foods That Contain Glucosamine? Livestrong. https://www.livestrong.com/article/203234-what-foods-have-glucosamine/ Van De Walle, G. & Hill, A. (2021, Dec 8). Does Glucosamine Work? Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/glucosamine
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April 2023
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