Within the field of longevity research, many people are concerned with keeping their bodies healthy for as long as possible. This includes, among other things, maintaining the cognitive performance muscles and overall cell health also includes healthy joints and bones. Therefore, in this article we will focus on this substance, which has been known for some time: GlucosamineThe molecule has been around for decades. the focus of research on joint pain and, more recently, also on longevityBut what's the real story, and is it worth taking glucosamine? We'll explain.
Glucosamine overview
Glucosamine occurs naturally in our bodies. The substance is a component of our Synovial fluid, our cartilage and ours Connective tissueAs the name suggests, glucosamine is a compound consisting of a sugar and an amino group. It is not only found in the human body, but also in the shells of crustaceans, in animal bones, and in bone marrow. Glucosamine is also naturally present in some mushrooms.
This molecule serves as a precursor in our bodies for the production of glycosylated proteins and fats. Glycosylation refers to the chemical reaction in which carbohydrates are broken down into smaller parts. z.B. be bound to proteins or fats.
How is glucosamine produced?
Glucosamine is produced via various methods. One possibility is the extraction of glucosamine from the processing of chitin from shellfish such as... z.BCrabs, shrimp, or lobsters. The production of chitin through hydrolysis (splitting) was first achieved by a German researcher in 1876.
Interesting facts: Since many glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish, these Possibly not safe for people with a shellfish allergyTherefore, many products carry a warning label. In this case, you can Buy glucosamine of plant origin or obtained from fungi.
For the animal-free production of glucosamine for vegans or vegetarians, the substance is used. z.B. from the fungus Aspergillus niger or from the Fermentation of maize won. So there is also the possibility of... to take vegan glucosamine and avoid an allergic reaction to shellfish.
Glucosamine and chondroitin – is the combination worthwhile?
Glucosamine is available in various forms. The most common forms are: Glucosamine sulfate, Glucosamine hydrochloride and N-AcetylglucosamineOf these forms, the most prominent is the Glucosamine sulfate Glucosamine has been attributed with a possible effect on osteoarthritis. However, many manufacturers sell it in combination with other preparations such as... z.B. Chondroitin or dimethyl sulfone or methylsulfonylmethane (MSM for short).
However, there is currently no solid and justifiable body of research to support this.The data available on this topic is very limited.However, Swiss longevity researcher Collin Ewald is investigating the substance chondroitin for a possible life-extending effect. More on that later.
Why and when should you supplement with glucosamine?
Glucosamine has been used for decades as Dietary supplement sold. Manufacturers usually suggest a positive effect on joints and knee pain. Therefore, many people buy them. Joint inflammation or pain This product is purchased in the hope that it will alleviate the condition. The idea is based on the assumption that the glucosamine is absorbed by the body and z.B. is incorporated into the joint or cartilage.
An older Meta-study came to the conclusion that Glucosamine sulfate alone or in combination with Chondroitin It has no pain-relieving effect in patients with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, no demonstrable effect on joint wear could be observed. However, this contrasts with a more recent meta-analysis from 2020.This concluded that Glucosamine sulfate at a dose of 1500 mg per day It does indeed have a cartilage-protecting effect, which could reduce pain and increase mobility.
High purity Glucosamine sulfate MoleQlar is available in a bulk pack containing 90 capsules.
Glucosamine and osteoarthritis – a closer look
The consumer advice center points out on its website that studies have shown contradictory results for glucosamine and that there is no connection to improved joint function – that's true to begin with. However, it is still worthwhile to take a closer look at the (especially newer) studies..
First of all, we need to distinguish between two clinical pictures. The Osteoarthritis – that is, the age-related loss of cartilage and the arthritis – an inflammatory joint disease. These two terms are often confused, but the distinction is very important because the disease mechanism is different!
Without delving too deeply into medicine, you can remember that The main difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is the inflammatory response. is. If you look at the studies on Glucosamine and osteoarthritis Yes, then it's true, the results are partly contradictory. However, the work on Glucosamine and arthritis are more informative.
This allowed the researchers to Temporomandibular joint arthritis shows a significant benefit from glucosamine supplementation.The important factor here was the longer intake of glucosamine, in this case at least three months.
Glucosamine and longevity
Besides the issue of joints, Glucosamine recently, especially in relation to longevity in the scientific headlines.Researchers discovered this in the nematode worm as early as 2014. Caenorhabditis elegans a life-extending effect of glucosamine establishedThe extent to which these results can be applied to humans is currently unclear. A 2018 study confirmed these results in the same model organism. The life-extending effect was attributed to the activation of... Autophagy returned.
A recently published study from 2022 also concluded that Higher glucosamine levels may increase life expectancyIn the renowned journal Frontiers in Aging In 2021, an article by Dr. Collin Ewald, a leading longevity researcher at ETH Zurich, was published. In his Ewaldlab The Swiss researcher investigates the molecular mechanisms of healthy aging. He focused his research on chondroitin and concluded that the molecule may be a suitable geroprotector. He is referring to a molecule with age-protective effects.
What should I pay attention to when taking it?
As with all dietary supplements, it is advisable to consult a qualified professional beforehand. It is essential to avoid taking the substance in very high, uncontrolled amounts, as this could lead to side effects. Furthermore, people taking blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor, as there may be other potential issues. Interactions between glucosamine and drugs from the group of vitamin K antagonists can come.
Good to knowThe Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends that people with impaired glucose tolerance or manifest diabetes mellitus should also be cautious when taking glucosamine. The amino sugar allows the Blood sugar control be more difficult.
Before starting any supplementation, it is recommended to speak with your trusted doctor.
Glucosamine affects the microbiome
The change the microbiome is one of the Hallmarks of AgingThe diversity of bacteria decreases with age, and the Symbiosis develops into dysbiosisFor this reason, the microbiome is one of the most central areas of research, as many diseases are associated with an imbalance.
Glucosamine was used in this Overview its interaction with the microbiome was investigated. The idea behind it: We only absorb about half of the glucosamine through the intestines; the rest is available to the bacteria.In preclinical studies, the Glucosamine supplementation can increase the number of potentially health-promoting bacteria. while simultaneously suppressing the more harmful bacteria.
Glucosamine as an autophagy enhancer
Researchers attribute the potential longevity effects of glucosamine to its ability to boost autophagy. Autophagy is the cell's own recycling system, which becomes less efficient with age. Altered autophagy is therefore also one of the hallmarks of aging.
Glucosamine activates via various signaling pathways, including the mTOR Pathway, autophagy in the body, similar to Fast It does. In this context, it is often also investigated. SpermidineImproved autophagy is associated with several health benefits, and this pathway is likely responsible for the positive results in the animals.
The molecular mechanism of action of glucosamine could potentially also explain why glucosamine is more effective in arthritis than in osteoarthritis. As you may recall, in arthritis the inflammation a crucial role. Glucosamine works, among other things, via the NF-κB pathway, thereby reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This results in fewer signaling molecules that promote inflammation.
Did you know? Fasting is also possible at the molecular level. It is one of the most effective methods to activate autophagy in the body. A similar approach has been used by others. Fasting mimetics. These are molecules that trick the body into thinking there's a nutrient deficiency, even when none exists. Therefore, you can... Supporting autophagy, without fasting. In addition to glucosamine, the following are also considered fasting mimetics: Berber woman and SpermidineYou can get all three together in our Fasting bundle.
Glucosamine and its effect on blood sugar
Regarding blood sugar and glucosamine, there are various studies, who examine the interaction more closely. First of all, a distinction must be made between people who already have a disturbed glucose metabolism (Iinsulin resistance) have (or already have manifest diabetes mellitus). For these people, every extra gram of sugar per day can make management more difficult.
On the other hand, a Increased glucosamine intake in non-diabetics has been associated with a lower incidence of diabetes.Even though this was only an observational study, it still included over 400,000 people.
Another point to consider is the question of weight gain. Some animal experiments showed that the supplemented mice had a higher body weight. These results could not be reproduced in humans.
Conclusion
Glucosamine is a scientifically well-researched and frequently sold dietary supplement. However, the current research on its effectiveness for joint and knee pain is not entirely conclusive. New large studies are trending towards a demonstrable effect..As part of the LongevityHowever, research suggests that glucosamine could be a promising substance in the fight against aging.
There is still some scientific research to be done to fully explore the molecule's potential in different organisms. Until then, it will be exciting to see what further research will be conducted in the coming years regarding our aging process and what role glucosamine plays in it. Current studies suggest great things are possible.
