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Foods Containing Glucosamine

According to National Health Statistics as of 2007, glucosamine is one of the most commonly used nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products used by adults in the United States, but is not found naturally occurring in foods. Find out how to add glucosamine to your diet, and the possible health benefits and risks of eating foods with glucosamine additive.

  1. The Facts

    • Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in abundance in joints and muscles. It helps in the growth and repair of bones, eyes, skin, muscles and ligaments. As we age, our body's reproduction of glucosamine slows, leading to decreased mobility, osteoarthritis, pain, bone spurs and other ailments of aging. According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), glucosamine is effective in relieving pain associated with arthritis. Glucosamine is readily available in three methods of delivery: pill, liquid or food additive, generally in juice.

    Glucosamine Pills

    • Pills are a convenient way to add glucosamine to your diet. In pill form, glucosamine is easy to find in most drug departments and health food stores. There is no taste associated with a pill, and pills are easily stored.

    Glucosamine Liquid

    • Glucosamine liquid has several advantages over pill form. The liquid form is often less expensive than the pill form, can be easily added to food or beverages and is more readily absorbed by the body. A liquid supplement isn't easily transported, and care must be taken with storage. Glucosamine liquid isn't as easy to find and purchase as pill form, but it can be found at most health stores.

    Glucosamine in Food

    • While glucosamine doesn't occur naturally in food, recently it has been added to several juices as a nutritional supplement. For example, it is available in Minute Maid Active orange juice, Monavie Active Juice and Joint Juice. Supplemented juices can be a convenient way to add glucosamine to your diet.

    Warnings

    • As with all medication, diabetics should refer to their regular physician before taking glucosamine, as it can alter glucose levels. There is a possibility of allergic reaction to glucosamine, especially if you are allergic to shellfish. The FDA has not evaluated this supplement for women who are nursing or pregnant.

    Interesting Facts

    • Glucosamine is an approved drug in Europe and is prescribed for treatment of osteoarthritis, while in the United States it is considered a dietary supplement and therefore not evaluated for efficacy or safety by the FDA. However, worldwide, glucosamine is a common treatment for arthritis, inflammation, hip dysplasia and other joint and muscle ailments and is commonly added to pet food.

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