Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound produced by the body. Though it is common in the liver and kidneys, it is most often found in cartilage. Glucosamine is derived from glucose molecules and is believed to aid in repairing damaged cartilage, building new cartilage, cushioning joints, relieving pain, and reducing inflammation.

Glucosamine is also the name given to the dietary supplement created through extracting amino sugars from the tissues of shellfish such as crab and lobster. There are also glucosamine sulfates, which are synthetically produced salts derived from naturally occurring glucosamine. These salts are sometimes combined with chondroitin sulfates to aid in the relief of arthritis and other painful conditions affecting the joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Benefits

Glucosamine supplements have several benefits,  they occur naturally in the body and many studies have been done on their benefits. One benefit is the ability to rehabilitate cartilage, another benefit is the reduction of the progression of osteoarthritis and a third glucosamine supplement benefit is the significant reduction in the pain of arthritis.

The glucosamine supplement benefit of slowing the progress of arthritis is achieved by a daily regimen of glucosamine to keep joints strong and the build and prevent the deterioration of cartilage in the years to come.

Glucosamine works by helping with the three things necessary for healthy cartilage: water for lubrication and nourishment, proteoglycan to keep water and attract it to the area and collagen to hold proteoglycan where they are.

Another glucosamine supplement benefit is that glucosamine has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing qualities.