New research demonstrates potential gut health benefits of glucosamine

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A recent study published in Nutrients¹ investigated the effects of glucosamine on gastrointestinal function. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, six males and five females were given either placebo or 3000 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride called GlucosaGreen from TSI Group (Missoula, MT), daily for three weeks, followed by a two-week washout period before switching supplementation protocols. Results showed that glucosamine supplementation significantly reduced stomach bloating, with a trend toward reducing constipation and hard stool. Glucosamine supplementation also saw significantly reduced phylogenetic diversity and proportions of Pseudomonadaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Bacillaceae, as well as significantly reduced individual total branched-chain, and total amino acid excretion.

The retention of amino acids associated with muscle health may point to other health benefits the ingredient holds. “This could lead to future research and the use of the glucosamine in muscle health, such as age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), or other incidences in which muscle protein breakdown is increased (e.g. calorie restricted diets, hospitalization, immobilization),” predicts study co-investigator Ralf Jager, PhD, in a press release.

“This also means that glucosamine could be the optimal anti-aging ingredient, as it works on joints, and potentially on muscle health. These, along with brain health, are usually the key targets for healthy aging,” added TSI Group director of marketing and business development Peter Mazzilli.

Reference

1. Moon JM et al. “Impact of glucosamine supplementation on gut health.” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 7 (2021): 2180