Effects

• Glucosamine stimulates the cells that produce proteoglycans (lubrication) and helps speed up collagen production which regulates cartilage metabolism effectively, preventing it from breaking down. Chondroitin comes in and keeps all the material together.
  
  

Dosing

• The typical dose of glucosamine chondroitin is 500 mg three times daily for 30 to 90 days.
  
  

Side Effects

• Upset stomach, drowsiness, difficult sleeping, skin rash, photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), headaches and thickening of nails have been reported as side effects. Rare cases of nausea, vomiting, gas, constipation, heartburn and diarrhea have also been reported.
  
  

Possible Adverse Effects

• Glucosamine may increase blood pressure and heart rate, the risk for cataracts, increase risk of bleeding, causes abnormally high amounts of protein and kidney disease.
  
  

Warning

• Synthetic glucosamine is made from various types of shellfish; patients with known food allergies should not take this supplement.