Glucosamine Popular Remedy for Bodybuilders, Elderly Patients
Although most media coverage and clinical studies of glucosamine involved older patients, an article in the October 1998 issue of Muscle & Fitness includes glucosamine as one of several nutrients that can help bodybuilders maintain strong and healthy joints. The article notes that fitness enthusiasts take numerous supplements to improve muscle tone and size and may fail to consider the importance of maintaining the integrity of the joints. Overtraining or improper high-impact training can cause "wear-and-tear" degeneration, and glucosamine may help reduce symptoms. The article recommends taking 1000 mg per day.
Prevention categorized the commercial combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as being "worth a look" in the April 1998 article, "Consumer’s Guide to Supplements." The author says preliminary studies have shown this combination reduces pain and slows cartilage loss in osteoarthritis. Readers are told to take the combination for eight weeks and to discontinue taking the supplements at that time if no improvement is seen.
The May/June 1998 issue of Natural Health lists glucosamine as one of 10 supplements that can help prevent, delay, stop, or reverse many of the less-pleasant effects of aging. The author says about 20 studies show that glucosamine reduces pain and swelling and can help rebuild lost cartilage, with no side effects, and recommended taking 1500 mg per day.
Not all popular magazines have endorsed glucosamine as a viable treatment. The April 1997 Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter cautions readers that since glucosamine is a dietary supplement and, therefore, not subject to federal regulation, consumers have no assurance that the package claims are accurate.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content