Glucosamine Supplements

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What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally in the cartilage of our joints. The cartilage is the tough, yet flexible tissue that aids smooth joint movement and acts as a cushion between our bones. Glucosamine is essential for the healthy formation and repair of this cartilage.

Benefits of Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an important structural component of joint cartilage but our body produces less of it as we age, leaving our joints more vulnerable to damage. There are no major food sources of glucosamine, so supplementing is the best way to obtain it.

Types of Glucosamine Supplements

Glucosamine supplements are available in the form of tablets and capsules. But with such a multitude of glucosamine supplements and complexes available, it can be difficult to navigate your way through and figure out which supplement is best for you. Let's have a look at the varieties on offer.

Glucosamine HCI

Glucosamine HCI is glucosamine combined with hydrochloric acid, which creates the salt glucosamine hydrochloride – a source of glucosamine that is easily absorbed by the body. Although most Glucosamine HCI supplements are derived from the shells of crustaceans, Healthspan offers a corn-based alternative, making this option suitable for vegans, vegetarians and anyone with a shellfish allergy.

This option is available in the form of a 1325mg tablet and a 1000mg tablet, both of which are combined with added vitamin C to support normal collagen production and subsequently cartilage formation.

Glucosamine 2KCI

Healthspan's glucosamine 2KCI supplements are a combination of glucosamine sulphate and vitamin C. The well-researched glucosamine sulphate format has been carefully developed to mirror the body's own naturally occurring glucosamine. The added vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, further aiding the healthy formation and function of cartilage. This option is also vegan and vegetarian.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are often taken together, as they work in a similar way. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a naturally occurring sugar compound that is a major building block of cartilage and connective tissue. Healthspan offers Chondroitin 400 (90 tablets) containing chondroitin only, as well as ChondroMax® (60 or 120 tablets), featuring high levels of shellfish-free glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, along with added vitamin C.

Glucosamine & Turmeric

Turmeric is derived from the root of the Indian flowering plant Curcuma longa, belonging to the ginger family, and is renowned as the 'golden spice.' It has played a vital role in Indian and Chinese medicine for more than 5000 years and is believed to help joints primarily due to its active compound, curcumin, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Taking both glucosamine and turmeric in a single supplement may offer synergistic benefits for joint health. Glucosamine supports cartilage structure and repair, while turmeric helps with inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are key factors in joint discomfort. This combination within a supplement may provide more comprehensive support to maintain or improve joint function and alleviate joint pain.

Vegetarian and Vegan Glucosamine

The glucosamine used in supplements is usually derived from shellfish exoskeletons (prawn, crayfish and lobster). However, there are vegan and vegetarian glucosamine supplements available. Healthspan's Glucosamine HCl supplements contain a vegan source of glucosamine called GlucosaGreen, which is produced from non-GMO corn.

All Healthspan's glucosamine supplements are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, except for those containing chondroitin and omega 3.

Glucosamine Tablets & Capsules

At Healthspan, we offer glucosamine tablets in packs of 60, 120, 160 or 320, making it easy to stock up on your wellness routine essentials ahead of time. However, many people find capsules easier to swallow than tablets, and Healthspan offers three glucosamine capsule products, all in packs of 120.

Another popular option are glucosamine complexes containing additional vitamins and minerals, allowing you to combine supplements to boost effects and save money. Some popular nutrients combined with glucosamine include turmeric and vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to support normal collagen production and therefore the formation of joint cartilage, and there are proven science-backed benefits of turmeric for joint health. These benefits include anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects.

Joint Supplements for Pets

Much like us humans, our furry friends can also experience joint deterioration and pain. Several noticeable signs indicate stiff joints in your dog, such as reluctance to ascend and descend stairs, lagging behind during walks, or refusal to retrieve their beloved toys. Signs of joint pain in cats include reluctance to jump, decreased activity levels, limping or favouring a limb while grooming, stiffness, difficulty grooming, changes in behaviour such as irritability or aggression, and loss of appetite.

Browse Healthspan's range of pet joint supplements to find glucosamine supplements for pets as well as other supplements to help ease and prevent joint pain.

Should you take glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a good choice for anyone who wants to support their joint health, but it's important to look for a high-quality product and consider which added vitamins and minerals will be most beneficial. Take a look at our joint and bone supplements to see what other supplements might be beneficial to you.

Additionally, anyone who is taking any prescribed medication, is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has any medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before taking glucosamine.

If you need free expert advice on which glucosamine supplement is right for you, please get in touch.