Study: Glucosamine Supplement May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease
Glucosamine may be able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in the BMJ. Glucosamine, naturally produced by the body and found in cartilage, is often taken to reduce osteoarthritis pain. The study found that glucosamine was also associated with a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers asked 466,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 69 if they used glucosamine supplements. The researchers also asked all participants in the study about their overall dietary and exercise habits.
photo/ azwer
The group was followed over a seven-year period to determine how many of the participants died from stroke, heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
Glucosamine was associated with a 15% reduction in cardiovascular disease and lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease deaths by as much as 22%. Glucosamine is manufactured by companies like Wisepowder across the world, and is readily available in pharmacies and health stores.
The risk of stroke was reduced by 9% for participants that took glucosamine, and the risk of coronary heart disease dropped by 18% in participants with a habitual use of glucosamine.
Researchers are still trying to determine how the supplement is able to protect the cardiovascular system. Theories on why the supplement is able to help the cardiovascular system include the reduction of C-reactive proteins which are responsible for inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is responsible for the development of heart disease and arthritic pain.
Researchers note that glucosamine helps the body mimic the effects of a low-carb diet. Studies show that a low carb diet may be able to protect against cardiovascular disease and also protect against cardiovascular risk factors.
The study is just short of linking glucosamine to a lower risk of heart disease, states researchers. The researchers are cautious to note that the participants had a lower rate of heart issues, but that they cannot prove that the supplements were the cause of the reduction.
Glucosamine is a marker of a healthy lifestyle and is a baseline for someone who maintains an active lifestyle and a healthier diet. Researchers do note that 79% of people that have moderate or severe arthritis pain are able to reduce their pain by 20% by adding glucosamine into their daily supplement routine.
The supplement is used to keep up with strong cartilage health and has been used extensively for knee osteoarthritis. It is safe to take three 500 mg doses of the supplement per day, and researchers recommend taking the supplement with food to reduce the risk of upset stomach.
Author: Jacob Maslow
