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Glucosamine Sulfate Benefits

Glucosamine sulfate is used in the human body to help build cartilage. Most diets do not include large amounts of glucosamine. It is available as a dietary supplement, either manufactured from the shells of crustaceans or synthesized in a lab. Glucosamine is used for many joint disorders and there is some science to support its effectiveness, according to the University of California-San Diego Medical Center's website. Benefits of glucosamine include relief from joint pain and osteoarthritis.

  1. Osteoarthritis

    • Osteoarthritis, which is also known as degenerative joint disease, can be treated with glucosamine sulfate. Taking glucosamine daily can relieve the pain from this disease and help protect joints from further damage. Osteoarthritis patients taking glucosamine should also begin an exercise program and take antioxidants, according to the University of California-San Diego Medical Center.

    Sprains and Strains

    • Some health care professionals prescribe glusosamine sulfate to help heal sprains and strains, which are a type of joint injury. Glucosamine should be taken in addition to the standard "RICE" therapy of rest, ice, compression and elevation.

    Acute Knee Injury

    • Glucosamine sulfate also is used to treat knee injuries in athletes, according to information on the Mayo Clinic website. Glucosamine has not been found to relieve knee pain, but it has been observed to improve flexibility in the knee. At this point, there is not enough research to fully support the use of glucosamine to treat knee injuries, but the initial results are positive.

    Leg Pain

    • Advance degenerative lumbar disc disease may be helped by glucosamine sulfate. This disease can cause severe leg pain. The leg pain associated with advanced degenerative lumbar disc disease has been relieved by injections of glucosamine combined with chondroitin, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, more scientific studies are needed to confirm this use.

    Side Effects

    • Glucosamine sulfate has few side effects. Allergic reactions seem to be rare. At the standard adult dose of 500 mg three times a day, the only reported problems have been mild gastrointestinal side effects, according to the University of California-San Diego Medical Center. People with a peptic ulcers or who are taking diuretic drugs may be more prone to these effects.

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