What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar found in healthy joint tissue. It also occurs naturally in crustacean exoskeletons of shellfish such as crabs, oysters, lobsters and prawns.

Glucosamine plays an important role in the production of cartilage and can help support tendons and ligaments. It’s known as ‘the cement of the connective tissues’ because our joints rely on it to maintain themselves.

Glucosamine must be synthesized by the body but sadly, as we get older our bodies become less efficient at producing the nutrients we need to keep us active.

Glucosamine was first identified in 1876 by Dr. Georg Ledderhose, but was not fully defined until 1939 by the work of Walter Haworth. It was given as a supplement to prize thoroughbreds, cats, dogs, and even exotic animals, long before being considered as a supplement for humans. Extensive studies on the effects of Glucosamine in humans have been conducted for over forty years and it is now one of the most well established and widely used supplements world-wide. It is frequently used to help maintain the elasticity, strength and resilience of cartilage in joints.