what is glucosamine used for

Glucosamine is a natural sugar that exists in the fluid around the joints, as well as in animal bones, bone marrow, shellfish, and fungi. It is used by the body to make other chemicals that build tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid that surrounds joints. Glucosamine is commonly used as a dietary supplement to treat joint disorders like osteoarthritis. It is believed that taking glucosamine might increase the cartilage and fluid around joints and/or help prevent their breakdown. People commonly use glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride for osteoarthritis. Some studies have indicated that glucosamine supplements might help reduce joint pain and improve function for people with knee osteoarthritis. However, results have varied, and scientists have not been able to identify how glucosamine supplements work, if indeed they do. Other uses of glucosamine, such as for joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and many other conditions, have no good scientific evidence to support them. Glucosamine is available in oral supplements as glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and n-acetyl glucosamine.