Is Glucosamine Helpful?

[caseysmomgo]

For those of you with knee/joint issues, do you take glucosamine supplements? If so, have you noticed any improvement? I've heard of studies that say it's not as useful as claimed, yet some people swear by them.

If you take them, what brand do you use, and do you use just glucosamine or the combo of glucosamine/condrointin(sp?) with MSM, etc.? Have you noticed any side-effects?

Sorry for all the questions, and I know this isn't "Web MD" but I value your opinions and want to make an educated decision as to whether or not to start taking another supplement.

TIA,

 

[JanetP1507]

They work wonders for me. When I first started working out a few years ago, I started getting sharp pain horizontally across my kneecaps. Someone suggested glucosamine supplements so I tried them and after a few days the pain was gone. If I stop taking them for 3 days or more, the pain returns. I take Trader Joe's brand glucosamine/chondroitain.

 

[syzygy314]

I'm with Janet! I have benefited from taking glucosamine. I just take the GNC brand. I don't believe in spending the ridiculous prices for the name brand stuff! I think the older we get and the less synovial fluid we produce for our joints, the more we need the glucosamine!

 

[Jennifit]

I did not notice much difference. I DID notice a great difference when I started taking flax seed regularly. I am a vegetarian, so I take flax. My family members are not and they take fish oil and that works even better.
Another thing, the glucosomine interacted with my birth control pills. So, if you are on them, ask your doctor. HTH

 

[caseysmomgo]

Thanks for the input, ladies. I think I'm going to do a little more research, then take the plunge and try it!

 

[Stebby]

I took glucosamine/chondroitin supplements for 3 months (3 X per day) and noticed no difference at all. That's just me though - I know lots of people swear by them. My problem was pain in my left knee (ACL reconstruction led to mild arthritis). I'm getting better results through appropriate weight training & stretching to keep my knee joint in proper alignment, and lots of cardio to keep my joints lubed.

Stebby

 

[Jane A]

Denise,
When you try it, give it some time to work. For some people (like me), it really can take a year before you see results, but it's worth it in the end.