Glucosamine is an important natural compound in the human body, synthesized from a combination of the sugar glucose and the amino acid glutamine. It is important because it functions to maintain joint help by creating new cartilage and other body tissues. Like many other essentials, we make less and less glucosamine as we grow older.

It is an amino sugar and a well known precursor in the biochemical combination of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine makes up a very significant part of the exoskeletons of crustaceans as well as other arthropods. It is present in fungi and various higher organisms, and it is one of the most bountiful monosaccharides. Glucosamine is made commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons.

It is often used to treat osteoarthritis, even though expert opinions as to its effectiveness in medical therapy vary. It can be purchased as a nutritional supplement in fitness food stores as well as in various drug stores. Supplements are created in a lab from chitin, which is a substance that comes from the shells of shrimp, lobster, crab, and other sea creatures. In addition to this, glucosamine is added to sports drinks and can also be found in certain cosmetics.

Glucosamine is often combined with Chondroitin Sulfate, a molecule naturally present in cartilage. Chondroitin grants cartilage elasticity and is believed to halt the erosion of cartilage by enzymes. Glucosamine is sometimes mixed with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in dietary supplements. Glucosamine supplements are commonly used for osteoarthritis - specifically, osteoarthritis affecting the knees. This condition causes cartilage to become stiff and unbendable, which can lead to joint damage and swelling.

Since this is a disease associated with aging, the natural glucosamine needed for repairs is decreasing so supplements may be needed. Generally, glucosamine is believed to reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis and also to reduce further damage to the knee joints. Most doctors suggest a trial period of three months to determine effectiveness. If there is no relief after this time, it is discontinued as ineffective. The most standard dose of glucosamine is 1500 mg per day of this supplement.