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Glucosamine has been one of the most popular supplements for decades. It is a substance which is produced naturally in the human body and is used to build and maintain joint cartilage. Millions of people worldwide choose to replenish this substance by means of a supplement.
Many different dosages and forms are available. Glucosamine.com provides a dietary supplement containing 1500 mg of glucosamine sulphate per day, the dosage and form which are applied in most of the scientific studies. The supplement also contains vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation and hence to normal cartilage function.
Approximately two out of three people say that they are (very) satisfied with the use of this supplement. The effect can usually be noticed within one to two months, but sometimes it is possible to notice the effect after shorter periods such as a week or longer periods of up to six months. This can vary from one individual to the next.
The effect is maintained as long as the intake of glucosamine is continued. There is no problem with that. Glucosamine is a safe dietary supplement, also for long-term use. With us, such long-term use is moreover very affordable: just over £6.50 / €8 / $9 per month.
Ask Kris Kuiper, MSc,
exercise physiologist
Dietary supplements with glucosamine are often administered in too low a dosage. It regularly occurs that a supplement contains only 500 mg, 600 mg, 1000 mg, or 1200 mg of glucosamine per daily dosage, while the proper dosage is 1500 mg. This is the dosage which is used in almost every successful scientific study. This is 2 capsules per day of our product.
As a consequence of this low dosage the supplements do not always have the desired effect. This results in user disappointment.
One of the reasons for the low dosage is ignorance. Unfortunately, in the world of supplements, there are active parties that are not familiar with the properties of a product like glucosamine. Another cause is legal regulation influenced by industrial lobbies, which force dosages to be reduced. This happens in Italy and Germany, for instance.
Other causes are cost savings, not using enough capsules, or legal restrictions applicable in some countries, among others. Read more here about the causes of insufficient dosages.
By choosing our glucosamine, you are choosing quality. We can guarantee it in the following way:
Proper, high dosage. In scientific studies, 1500 mg of glucosamine sulphate has been shown to be the optimal daily dosage. Glucosamine sulphate is regularly administered in too low a dosage, unfortunately. There are many products available on the market with dosages between 500 and 1200 mg. We deliver the proper, high dosage of 1500 mg.
Proper form. There are different forms of glucosamine. The most used are glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Successful scientific research is primarily carried out with the sulphate. We only use this form. And it has a very high degree of purity - more than 99%.
Safe product. The producer fulfills GMP and HACCP requirements. This means that it follows strict procedures which ensure food safety and hygiene.
Independently tested. The end product is randomly tested for heavy metals and biological pollutants by the independent laboratory NutriControl. Click on the microscope symbol below for the most recent test results. Read more about the independent laboratory tests here.
Capsule form. Glucosamine comes in capsules instead of tablets. Capsules are absorbed more quickly and have less chance of causing gastric hypersensitivity. Another advantage of capsules is that they are easier to swallow than rough capsules with hard edges. Whoever does not want to or cannot take the capsules, can easily open them and use only the powder.
Specialist since 2000. Glucosamine.com is a specialist in dietary supplements for healthy joints. The company was founded in 2000 by exercise physiologist and human movement scientist Kris Kuiper and has developed several unique supplements since then. Plenty of knowledge and experience is available about the effect and the safety of these supplements.
Glucosamine is a potent dietary supplement and effective enough for many people. Still, it is possible to enhance its effect by combining glucosamine with other supplements.
Chondroitin
The best-known combination is that of glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements complement each other perfectly. Many brands sell glucosamine and chondroitin as a combination product, although the dosage of chondroitin is usually low. We have chosen to provide glucosamine and chondroitin as separate products in high dosages. You can thus decide for yourself if you want to take one or both supplements.
Arthro-5
Arthro-5 is our most popular product. It contains six ingredients, one of which is glucosamine. The dosage of glucosamine is the same as in our separate glucosamine product. In addition, it contains chondroitin, also in the same dosage as the separate product, MSM, ASU and hyaluronic acid. We do not know a more potent product than Arthro-5 in the whole world.
ASU Forte
ASU Forte is a vegetarian alternative to glucosamine. There are people who benefit more from glucosamine, but it sometimes occurs the other way around as well. It is also possible to take both supplements together.
180 capsules.
Contents per capsule:
Glucosamine is extracted from the shells of shellfish, shrimps in particular.
* The capsule shell is coloured with a small amount of caramel. This is the safe version of caramel, E150a, without additives.
Allergens: shellfish.
Free of gluten, milk, lactose and artificial aromas and colourants.
The recommended use is 2 capsules per day.
The capsules may be taken simultaneously or distributed throughout the day. It is preferable to take the capsules at mealtime(s) or with plenty of water.
Do not surpass the maximum recommended dosage. Dietary supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
Do you have difficulty swallowing capsules? You can open the capsule by separating the two halves and just use the powder. You can combine it with water, fruit juice, or yoghurt, for instance.
Glucosamine can have an influence on the action of certain blood thinners (vitamin K antagonists). Do not take this supplement in combination with this type of medication without consulting a doctor. Other blood thinners such as aspirin do not pose a problem.
Do not take during antibiotic treatment.
Do not take if you suffer from glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Do not take if you have a serious shellfish allergy.
Do not take during pregnancy or the breastfeeding period.
Diabetics must check their blood sugar level during the first weeks of use.
Read more about the safe use of glucosamine below.
Glucosamine can be taken safely for a long time. It does not have any serious side effects, in contrast to many painkillers. There is no problem even if it is taken for years.
Scientific research into long-term use (3 years) of glucosamine has not identified any serious side effects. There are no indications that even longer use would not be safe. Glucosamine has been available as a dietary supplement for over 30 years. During this period, no serious side effects have ever been reported.
Some precautions must be taken in certain conditions and if taking certain medicines. You will find more information below.
Blood thinners
Glucosamine can have an influence on the action of certain blood thinners (vitamin K antagonists). Do not take this supplement in combination with this type of medication without consulting a doctor. Other blood thinners such as aspirin do not pose a problem.
Antibiotics
Glucosamine can have an influence on the effect of some antibiotics - it can increase or reduce the effect. We recommend not to take glucosamine during antibiotic treatment.
Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
In July 2013, the results of a small study on the effect of glucosamine on patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure) were published. The test subjects are 6 men and 11 women with an average age of 76 years (62 to 90 years of age). The study identified that the supplement can increase eye pressure in most of these patients. Suspending its use allows the eye pressure to drop again. The average difference in eye pressure measured is 3 mm Hg.
Since this is a small study, its design does not comply with a number of important guidelines for scientific research. The scientists also indicate that the study must be confirmed with a larger, better-designed study. Nevertheless, we assume that the effect is real and therefore give the following advice:
If you have glaucoma we recommend that you do not take glucosamine. A second possibility is to have the eye pressure measured several times once you have started taking it. Important: this precaution is only for people who already have glaucoma. There are no indications that glucosamine can result in increased eye pressure in healthy people.
If you are looking for an alternative, try ASU Forte or Chondroitin. These two supplements do not have an effect on glaucoma. They can be combined for an even better result.
Diabetes type 2 (adult-onset diabetes)
There are indications that blood sugar level can be affected in people with diabetes type 2 (adult-onset diabetes) during use of glucosamine. We therefore recommend that diabetes patients regularly check their blood sugar level when they start taking glucosamine.
Another possibility is to choose an alternative supplement. Neither ASU Forte nor Chondroitin affect people with diabetes type 2. These two supplements can be combined for an even better result.
Shellfish allergy
Glucosamine is extracted from the shells of shellfish. Some people are allergic to shellfish meat. Although the meat is removed before using the shell, an allergic reaction can never be ruled out. It is certainly important to take this into account when there is a serious shellfish allergy.
Potassium-restricted diet
Glucosamine is stabilized with potassium chloride. A daily dosage (2 capsules) contains 268 mg of potassium. This is slightly more than the quantity of potassium in half a banana or 4 slices of wholegrain bread. An increased intake of potassium can however have adverse effects in people with seriously impaired kidney function. The intake of potassium must also be restricted if taking potassium-sparing medicines.
Gastrointestinal hypersensitivity
Glucosamine is a substance which is naturally present in the body. No serious side effects have ever been observed. The mild side effects which occur in some people usually reflect gastrointestinal hypersensitivity. Nausea and excess gastric acid are the usual effects in those cases. Constipation or, conversely, diarrhoea, occur less frequently. Nausea and excess gastric acid can in general be prevented by taking glucosamine during or soon after meals.
Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Do not take glucosamine if you are pregnant, have the intention to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The supplement has a very favourable safety profile but no studies have been carried out which can rule out a possible adverse effect on the (unborn) child.
Use at a young age
Use by children and teenagers (up to 18 years of age) is discouraged. As a guiding principle, the body must be 'fully grown' in order to start taking it. 'Fully grown' refers to both bone development and hormonal development. The reason that we make this recommendation is that no research has been carried out to determine whether it is safe for children and teenagers.
