Monosaccharides, Glucosamine Potassium Sulfate Dr.kumar Pati, Hayward, Ca Usa

HAYWARD, Calif. - June 16, 2013 - PRLog -- Glucosamine is a amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the blochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids.  Glucosamine is one of the most abundant monosaccharides;  its structure is part of the polysaccharide, chitosan andchitin, which compose the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other anthropods, cell walls in fungi, and many higher organisms.  It is produced commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons or, less commonly by fermentation of grains such as corn or wheat.  In the US, it is one of the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral, dietary supplements used by adults.

Glucosamine is available commercially as a nutritional supplement in three forms:  glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate and N-acetyl-glucosamine.  Glucosamine sulfate is the preferred form.  Detailed human studies on the absorption, distribution, and elimination of orally administered glucosamine sulfate show an absorption rate as high as 98%.  The actions of supplemental glucosamine have yet to be clarified.   It may play a role in the promotion and maintenance of the structure and function of cartilage in the body’s joints.  Glucosamine may also have anti-inflammatory properties.  The pharmacokinetics of glucosamine is derived primarily from animal studies.  About 90% of glucosamine administered orally as a glucosamine salt gets absorbed from the small intestine.  From there, it is transported via the portal circulation to the liver.

Glucosamine has been indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis, either by itself or in combination with chondroitin sulfate.  Glucosamine sulfate is commonly used for arthritis, with extensive support from scientific studies.  Over the years, people have tried glucosamine sulfate for a variety of other uses, such as glaucoma and weight management.  However, insufficient results have been found to determine appropriate use of glucosamine for these conditions.  Interestingly, studies have shown that glucosamine may increase insulin resistance, so those with type 2 diabetes or who are overweight with problems tolerating glucose levels should carefully monitor their use of glucosamine supplements.  Because of the insufficient safety data, children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using glucosamine.

Glucosamine may increase insulin resistance and consequently effect glucose tolerance.  Diabetics who, under medical advisement, decide to use glucosamine supplements will need to monitor their blood glucose and may need to adjust the doses of the medications they take to control blood glucose.  This needs to be done under medical supervision.  No other drug, nutritional supplement, food or herbal interactions are known.

The standard dosage for glucosamine sulfate is 500 milligrams three times per day.  Obese individuals may need higher dosages based on the body weight (20 milligrams per kilogram body weight daily.  It usually takes several weeks of supplementation before effect, if any, are noted.