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Glucosamine (and chondroitin)
Also called: glucosamine sulfate
Substances found in cartilage. Glucosamine is usually made from shellfish shells; chondroitin from animal cartilage.
- Why people take it
- Joint pain and knee osteoarthritis.
- What the evidence says
- A large NIH-funded trial found that, overall, they did not relieve knee arthritis pain better than a placebo. Some people report benefit.
- Be careful
- Avoid glucosamine if you are allergic to shellfish. May increase bleeding with warfarin. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar.
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Common questions
What is Glucosamine?
Substances found in cartilage. Glucosamine is usually made from shellfish shells; chondroitin from animal cartilage.
Why do people take Glucosamine?
Joint pain and knee osteoarthritis.
Does Glucosamine work?
A large NIH-funded trial found that, overall, they did not relieve knee arthritis pain better than a placebo. Some people report benefit.
Is Glucosamine safe?
Avoid glucosamine if you are allergic to shellfish. May increase bleeding with warfarin. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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