Training & Nutrition - Glucosamine...

Glucosamine as a dietary suppliment is extracted from the shell of shelfish and from cartilage of animals. So, is there a "food" source that is more edible then the aforementioned items? And is it wise to consume glucosamine as a preventative suppliment?

Background: I injured my knee & hip many (20) years ago and occasionally notice very slight pain in my knee when mashing away. It is not frequent, nor persistent but it is enough that I notice and then take it easy for the rest of that ride. I have a terrible suspicion that I will develop arthritis some day becasue of these high impact activities and would like to delay that as long as possible. At age 30, I run, play soccer, cycle and swim and I notice it most when cycling and occasionally running.

The injury was hyperextending a tendon and I don't think this has anything to do with cartilage nor arthritis, but out of ignorance I am wondering...can consuming glucosamine prior to arthritic onset be able to prevent that pain from occuring (as severe)?

(Preempt: I will be asking my doctor, nevertheless, answers here can help guide that conversation and help my questions be more focused...)

Thanks all!

Ask your doctor if he is aware of the 2006 study on glucosamine and chondritin. This was apparently the best designed of several studies conducted in the past 7 or 8 years and showed little, if any, benefit over a placebo in patients who already had arthritis.

Whether these substances can help prevent joint deterioration is a good question. I suspect that no reputable study has been done (or completed) at this time. You're probably on your own.

I take glucosamine chondroitin and it works for me, a while back I went about a month without taking it and my knees would hurt and "pop" every time I extended my leg out. Although most glucosamine is from shellfish you can find sources from plants. I consider myself vegan but I do take the glucosamine that is derived from the shellfish. I bought about a years supply 6 months ago before I knew that plant sources existed, when my animal-derived supply runs out I'm gonna buy the plant derived source and see how that compares.

I can honestly say that I think Glucosamine Chondroitin is great for people with knee problems. I'd be crawling around on the ground (or driving) if it didn't exist!

Ask your doctor if he is aware of the 2006 study on glucosamine and chondritin. This was apparently the best designed of several studies conducted in the past 7 or 8 years and showed little, if any, benefit over a placebo in patients who already had arthritis.


..yeah, I heard about this. Nevertheless, there are people, like gqsmothie, that swared by it. Just thought I'd throw out a line.

Thanks guys.

M