How to Rate Glucosamine

Glucosamine is primarily used for pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, arthritis, and joint tenderness. Those who suffer from one of these conditions are most likely to benefit from this supplement. Although popular in Europe since 1960, glucosamine wasn't widely used in the United States until the mid-1990s. In 1997, Jason Theodosakis, MD, wrote the bestseller "The Arthritis Cure" to help sufferers understand and relieve the pain of arthritis with glucosamine supplements.

Things You'll Need

• Glucosamine reports
• Internet access
• Library card

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine research reports on glucosamine supplements to discover its composition and uses. Also look at the different forms that it comes in, such as capsules, tablets, creams, liquids, powders, and gels. A liquid may be better for one patient, while a capsule may be better for another. Read to determine if glucosamine, at the very least, lessens the pain of those who suffer from arthritis or joint pain.

• 2

  Find out if the effectiveness of glucosamine for patients is consistent. That is, if the sufferer can count on glucosamine, in one of its forms, to continue to work over time to ease the pain of arthritis.

• 3

  Find out if strength per pain severity matters when taking the supplement. Oftentimes, the strength of a supplement determines its usefulness for a particular patient in regard to severity of pain. The more severe the pain, the greater the strength of the supplement.

• 4

  Find out about side effects and weigh them against the benefits of glucosamine before taking the product. If the side effects are absent or tolerable and not numerous, then rate the supplement accordingly and determine its usefulness.

• 5

  Choose a product without additives or food coloring for a greater quality of this supplement. Glucosamine without added preservatives, coloring, and/or other additives is of a higher quality than glucosamine that includes these ingredients. Additives and preservatives can cause or exacerbate allergic reactions in some patients.

• 6

  Get testimonials from actual patients, either from interviews or peer-reviewed research by medical investigators. The point is to find out if the supplement alleviated, lessened, or caused no change in their symptoms.