Glucosamine Sulphate Side Effects

According to Medlineplus.com, glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues.

Facts

• Glucosamine sulphate (sometimes spelled sulfate) is a dietary supplement commonly taken in conjunction with chondroitin. Chondroitin sulphate prevents other body enzymes from building blocks of joint cartilage, and it assists cartilage in retaining water.

Side Effects

• The most common side effects of glucosamine sulphate are increased gas, insomnia, sun sensitivity and nail toughening. There are also rare reports of loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea and heartburn.

Usage

• According to the National Library of Medicine, glucosamine sulphate is being used to treat mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, and osteoarthritis of various joints of the body.

Precautions

• Glucosamine may enhance the risk of bleeding. If you have bleeding disorders or take any medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, tell your doctor.

Warnings

• In several human cases, it has been reported that taking glucosamine increased the risk of a condition called acute interstitial nephritis, which causes the kidneys to become swollen and dysfunctional.