Glucosamine for Arthritis?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Many patients are speaking about using Glucosamine to improve arthritis, and I have read that this is made out of shellfish. If that is true, then, should I start asking about allergies to shrimp, etc...and start advising on hypersensitivity? Thanks!

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Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a normal constituent of glycoaminoglycans in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid.

Since glucosamine can be made from the shells of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish, people with shellfish allergy or iodine hypersensitivity may have an allergic reaction to glucosamine products. However, some research suggests that there is not enough shrimp allergen in glucosamine supplements to trigger reactions in patients who are allergic to shrimp. Nevertheless, caution is warranted. A serious hypersensitivity reaction including throat swelling has been reported with glucosamine sulfate. There are reported cases suggesting a link between glucosamine/chondroitin products and asthma exacerbations.

Mayoclinic.com

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

From the literature I accessed, I really am not that impressed with Glucosamine. Now I love anything that is all natural. I love herbal remedies. However except from some peoples testimony I cant find anything to support it. But it is marketed very well.

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Specializes in Med-Surg; Telemetry; School Nurse pk-8.

Of additional note, there are studies that are being done to examine the link between glucosamine and warfarin. It is thought that it may potentiate warfarins effect, so we are advised to watch the INR closely.

It will be interesting to see more studies on this, because you are right, many patients are adding this supplement to their diet.

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Specializes in CTICU.

I've gone off glucosamine for arthritis and moved onto SAM-e.

http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/samesum.htm#Findings

http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp?AID=1195&issue=May%202002&UID=

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From the literature I accessed, I really am not that impressed with Glucosamine. Now I love anything that is all natural. I love herbal remedies. However except from some peoples testimony I cant find anything to support it. But it is marketed very well.

I've seen it work well and it's surprisingly fast.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Thanks for the insights and web links!

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