Many athletes have to experience serious health problems. Not everybody is capable of fully enduring all possible pressures. They are exceptionally high in people engaged in challenging sports or attending gyms. It is essential to use special means to strengthen the joints, the load on which is significant. Glucosamine can be attributed to them, which is why it is advisable to identify whether its usage is beneficial for the organism.
Glucosamine is a fluid component that replenishes the joint cavities and is responsible for their elasticity. Deficiency of this element impairs the quality of joint (synovial) fluid, leading to crunching and swelling and eventually leading to the development of serious diseases and causing problems with joint mobility (Malla et al. 896). I selected this substitute because it is essential for sports nutrition to maintain healthy cartilage, joints, and ligaments. Consuming formulated synthetic supplements to one’s diet will provide a better body saturation with these valuable ingredients.
Glucosamine promotes the formation of complete elastic and resilient cartilage of the joints prevents the development of inflammation in the joint tissues. It enhances the formation of articular fluid that fills the connection, which contributes to the sliding of the articular surfaces (Ma and Gao 7883). It should be emphasized that the deficiency of connective tissue nutrition weakens the natural protection of joints and cartilage. This provokes frequent sprains, serious injuries, and illnesses irrespective of the specifics of the sport (Malla et al. 898). Glucosamine is necessarily prescribed for people recovering from injuries, including after fractures. In this case, the application of chondroitin accelerates regeneration and has an anesthetic effect, reducing the severity of pain and discomfort in athletes.
It is significant to highlight that the firm that conducted the experiment claims that glucosamine has a positive effect on the human body. The company’s research on glucosamine for certain conditions demonstrates that oral usage of glucosamine sulfate can relieve pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee (Nagaoka et al. 797). Additionally, studies indicate that it can also assist in slowing down the degeneration of the knee joint associated with osteoarthritis (Nagaoka et al. 796). However, celebrities do not support the use of this product. For promotional purposes, pictures are provided at the beginning of supplement intake and afterward (Nagaoka et al. 797). Although its goal is to improve merchandise sales, there is no evidence that such images are valid.
Glucosamine is commonly traded with other supplements such as chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane. Studies demonstrate that glucosamine usage, especially in combination with chondroitin, increases cartilage resistance to damage, supports joint tissue regeneration, suppresses inflammation in the joint, and contributes to symptom reduction in osteoarthritis (Ma and Gao 7886). It is essential to mention that glucosamine is consumed orally with meals. The older ones are prescribed one tablet a day, and the duration of intake is two months (Nagaoka et al. 798). If necessary, it is possible to conduct repeated reception courses (not earlier than in two months), the frequency and duration of which the doctor sets individually. This type of dietary supplement is available in capsule form without a prescription (Nagaoka et al. 796). Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements are often available at pharmacies and general stores like Amazon.
It is significant to emphasize that research was conducted on glucosamine by the International Society for the Study of Osteoarthritis. According to its results, glucosamine has not been recommended for the therapy of joints since 2014 (Ma and Gao 7887). At the same time, clinical investigations with results indicating pain reduction due to glucosamine intake are of low quality, as their findings are not reliable. The difference between placebo and glucosamine is not detectable, which is why they do not confirm the claims and experiences of the company that produced the supplement. The research was performed on animals, which prevents an accurate determination of the effect on humans; studies were conducted on mice, rabbits, and dogs (Nagaoka 106). It was aimed at confirming the deed of the supplement, but no meaningful influence on animals could be detected. Hence, the independent investigation did not support the positive results of the company’s study. It was not detected relief of pain and retardation of degeneration of the knee joint.
I gathered the data for the report from a sample of academic sources of selected areas. Therefore, it can be considered that the information provided is sufficient to maintain its validity. At the same time, I will not apply the supplement, especially for body recovery, because there are doubts about its effectiveness. Thus, it is essential to provide additional information to accurately indicate the supplement’s effects on the athlete’s body to determine its viability accurately.
Hence, its usage aids athletes in eliminating potentially harmful bacteria from the body, reducing pain, and removing inflammation. Although, despite the fact that this substance is actively applied in modern sports medicine, its effectiveness is not sufficiently confirmed. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a doctor and trainer before accepting glucosamine. This will ensure that the athlete’s health is observed, and the supplement will be changed if it is ineffective.
Works Cited
Malla, Hima Bindu, et al. “Nutritional Status of Athletes: A Review.” International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education, vol.2, no.2, 2017, pp. 895-904.
Ma, Qinyuan, and Xiuzhen Gao. “Categories and Biomanufacturing Methods of Glucosamine.” Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol.103, no.19, 2019, pp. 7883-7889. Web.
Nagaoka, Isao, et al. “Chondroprotective Action of Glucosamine, a Chitosan Monomer, on the Joint health of Athletes”. International journal of biological macromolecules, vol. 132, 2019, pp. 795-800. Web.
Nagaoka, Isao. “Joint Health of Athletes and the Chondroprotective Action of Glucosamine”. Juntendo Medical Journal, vol. 63, no. 2, 2017, pp. 104-114. Web.