by Melissa Chichester
Found in nearly all human tissues, the highest concentrations are found in cartilage. Today, we’re asking some of the biggest questions we receive about glucosamine, one of our most popular supplements.
Glucosamine is a compound classified as an amino sugar that naturally occurs in connective tissues. This includes joint fluids and cartilage.
Animal cartilage and marine shells are the primary sources of glucosamine. Bone broth may also contain glucosamine. Typically, Americans cannot consume enough glucosamine through diet alone to match the levels found in supplements.
>>Bone Broth: What It Is and How to Make It
Glucosamine supplements are typically made by harvesting shells from shellfish. Typically, glucosamine is made from crab, lobster, and shrimp shells. Glucosamine can also be made in a lab.
If you don’t want to consume shellfish or are allergic to it, there are vegetarian forms of glucosamine.
It is not recommended that children take glucosamine. Physicians might recommend glucosamine for children in certain circumstances. A pediatrician should always be consulted about supplements for your child.
This is one of the most popular questions about supplements! Everybody is different, so depending on the dose and frequency of taking glucosamine, effectiveness can vary from one individual to another. Glucosamine is a cumulative supplement and takes time to build up in the body and is recommended to take it daily.
The American Academy of Family Physicians states, “Take 1,500 mg of glucosamine daily, either once daily or in divided doses, three times daily,” based on scientific studies. Because your personal healthcare practitioner is familiar with you and your health, it is best to seek out a professional recommendation for your personal health.
Dogs have joints too! Many veterinarians recommend a joint supplement, such as glucosamine, to keep pets comfortable in overtime. If you think your dog could benefit from a joint support supplement, speak with your veterinarian about whether or not glucosamine would be helpful. Cats can also take glucosamine.
>>5 Health and Behavioral Changes in Senior Dogs
Like other supplements, glucosamine comes in different forms, including convenient liquid glucosamine that is easy to mix into any drink. Glucosamine cream can also be applied topically to the skin.
>>Shop our glucosamine supplements
Individual results may vary
