Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino sugar found naturally in the body, primarily in cartilage and the synovial fluid that protects the joints. Commercially, it is obtained from chitin (present in crustacean shells) or produced synthetically. It is primarily used as a supplement for joint health, especially in people with osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

  • La glucosamina es un suplemento con respaldo clínico para la osteoartritis, especialmente en la rodilla, donde puede reducir el dolor y mejorar la función
  • Reduce la degradación articular y tiene un efecto antiinflamatorio moderado

How does it work?

  •  Stimulation of cartilage synthesis:Glucosamine is a precursor to glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, molecules essential for the structure and function of cartilage.
  •  Reduction of joint degradation:It can inhibit enzymes that contribute to cartilage damage, reducing degenerative progression.
  • Moderate anti-inflammatory effect:A decrease in inflammatory mediators in synovial fluid has been observed.

Benefits according to scientific evidence

Knee osteoarthritis

Moon and his team conducted a randomized controlled trial in 2021 with 80 patients and observed significant improvement in pain and mobility after 12 weeks of glucosamine supplementation (1,500 mg/day).

On the other hand, Simental-Mendia and colleagues (2018) conducted a meta-analysis with 25 studies and confirmed that glucosamine reduces pain and improves joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Reduction of disease progression

Poolsup et al. in 2005, in a systematic review, showed that long-term glucosamine supplementation may slow joint space loss, suggesting a possible structural effect.

Metabolic safety

Dostrovsky and his team (2011) evaluated the impact of glucosamine on glucose metabolism and found no significant adverse effects in people without diabetes.

Global review of safety and efficacy

The recent systematic review led by Baden and colleagues (2025), included more than 60% of controlled trials and confirmed that glucosamine is safe and effective in reducing joint pain, especially in cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Forms of consumption

  • Glucosamine sulfate (the most studied and with the greatest clinical support).
  • Glucosamine hydrochloride (somewhat less studied).
  • Duration: Clinical studies use periods of at least 8 to 24 weeks. For structural purposes, periods longer than 6 months are recommended.

TheGlucosamine is a clinically supported supplement for osteoarthritis, especially in theknee, where you canreduce pain and improve function.In addition, it may have a slight protective effect on joint structure in the long term.

Its safety is well documented and no significant adverse metabolic effects have been reported in healthy individuals.

As always, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting use, especially for people with chronic illnesses or who are taking medication.