Is there a connection between glucosamine and cholesterol?
glucosamine has many common names and can be found in many different products designed to alleviate the painful effects of osteoarthritis. It is derived from sea animal exoskeletons (crustaceans) or can be synthesized. Glucosamine is a hydrochloride or sulphate salt used to create half the subunit called keratin sulfate. This keratin sulphate, which is found in ties, synovial fluid and tendons, is what osteoarthritis lacks. Although it is still undetermined, if there is a causal link between glucosamine and cholesterol, the studies have indicated that concerns can be founded.
Laboratory studies on mice have seen a higher incidence of LDL levels in mice, which also received a compound, indicating a possible connection between glucosamine and cholesterol. Two studies of man brought similar results. The specific results of these studies have shown that the way it reacts in the body increases the level of insulin person due to impaired insulin production. Increased insulin levels (hyperinzulinemaIE) contributes to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides often associated with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Glucosamine must still obtain the FDA approval as a treatment of osteoarthritis and many other studies must be shown before the connection between glucosamine and cholesterol levels is proven.
those who are the highest risk of cholesterol affected by glucosamine are those with hyperlipidemia (abnormally high fat or blood lipid concentration) or hyoerinsulinemia. It has been shown that the use of glucosamine disrupts the production of insulin in otherwise healthy individuals. Diabetics should be aware of an increase in blood glucose levels that may result from adding glucosamine supplementation in the diet. For individuals without disturbed insulin production, more insulin -to -be in the body is automatically produced for compensation, while the diabetic would have to compensate for the hypoglycaemic agents, such as insulin, sulphonylum or metformin.
While it is still uncontrolled, if there is actually a causal link between glucosamine and cholesterol levels, regular cholesterol screening is generally recommended for those who use it. Further concern is that the use may increase blood pressure levels due to an increase in insulin levels. If cholesterol or blood pressure increases after a few months of using a glucosamine supplement, the physician may recommend that the supplement stop, and the score may be necessary. Screening should be done every six months to detect any change in cholesterol when using a supplement.