What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, which are found in cartilage. There are several forms of glucosamine, which are not all handled the same way by the body. See The Different Types for more information.

What does it do?
Glucosamine is used to treat joint issues. Ideally, when taken properly and in the correct form, it can rebuild and heal joint tissues, including cartilage, synovial fluid and the connective tissues. It has been extensively researched and used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is not a painkiller. As healing takes place, the pain in a joint will naturally lessen, but glucosamine itself does not contain any ingredients that mask pain. It is inadvisable to take joint supplements that include painkillers, because the painkillers may result in the joint being overused due to the fact that the person mistakening believes that healing has taken place.

What foods contain glucosamine?
Glucosamine is not present in significant amounts in most diets. It is found in the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crab.

Who is mostly likely to be deficient in glucosamine?
Glucosamine deficiencies have not been reported in humans. It is not taken to treat deficiencies, but, rather, to supplement that which the body already produces.