I'm having a little trouble with my knees. I've started taking Glucosomine and it seems to be helping a bit.
Any one else take it?

Thea

I've taken it and have noticed a difference. It does take a few weeks to feel the effects and you need to be religious about taking it. My knees are starting to bother me again as I'm running more, so I have to go and get some myself. It can be expensive though. What brand are you using? I usually take some stuff I get at GNC, cheaper than Whole Foods.

Anyone else have brands they recommend?

I've been taking Schiff brand... can get it at one the local wholesale stores... at a fairly good price.

Stop by the pharmacy section in your grocery store... I found a 2 for 1 deal (4 month supply).

I've noticed a difference in my left knee... it used to give me alot of problems on the run.

I think it has helped, though I started focusing more on my cycling and strength workouts at the same time. So I can't be 100% sure.

Most articles I read about weak knees suggested working on strength and a few that talked about supplementing with glucosamine.

I'm going to continue taking them as I build muscle strength in my legs. Neither is going to hurt!


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I got one called Osteo Bi-Flex.. but will go to Sam's this week and pick up a couple big bottles. Don't know what brand they are but their cheaper at Sam's. A friend of mine who's a runner, gets hers there.
I had a friend, years ago, who also took it.
I think my knees are getting stronger because of the runs also. but think the glucosomine does help.
I'm glad to see others use it also.

Thea

here's some info from the inservice we had at the clinic last monday... a doctor came in and spoke about his arthritis clinic, and glucosamine came up...

there are some supplements that offer glucosamine and chondroitin together, this MD believes that glucosamine is the vital supplement, not chondroitin

brands that he liked were natrol and thorn (i think these were just glucosamine, not sure though)

and in general for supplements, he said anything made in germany (they have very strict standards for nutritional supplements there... here there are very few) or anything that says "GMP" on the label (that means it was made with "good manufacturing principles")

i don't take glucosamine, but i've heard good things about it... good luck! keep those knees happy and healthy!!

:) annie

I have been taking glucosamine regularly since having an ACL reconstruction. Their is a great deal of evidence that glucosamine alone, without chondroitin is the important ingredient. The benefits shown so far are reduction in pain (primarily for those with osteoarthritis) and some evidence of cartilage re-building. I agree with a previous comment that finding products with "GMP" on the bottle is very important, otherwise you may be paying a lot for a bottle that may not even have glucosamine in it! In any case, my knee has held up quite well, maybe in part due to glucosamine...

Awesome, thanks for all the insight gang.

I started taking it two weeks ago (with chondroitin) and I can already feel a 100% turnaround with the one knee that was having trouble. I can get 110 pills for $17 at our local grocery store. I know it isn't a placebo effect either - my knee would swell up like a balloon before and now it doesn't at all. No pain just swelling up. My knees feel stronger than ever and my running times are showing it. I was getting really nervous about the training season coming up too. This was going to be my last ditch effort before going back to the ortho. SOOOOOO glad it worked!!!
Tri-me31

Hey all, I have worked with Glucosamine for many years now with my clients (health and wellness consultant, certified herbalist and applied kinesiologist) Chondroitin, in oral form, is not absorbable by the body. In fact, the body produces chondroitin when you ingest glucosamine. So when you buy the 2 together, you are kind of wasting your money. The thing you want to look for on the label is Glucosamine Hydrochloride (most brands are Glucosamine Sulfate, not as powerful). Also, another key ingredient to look for is Cetyl Myristoleate (CM Complex) That makes the effect of Glucoasmine about 1000X more awesome. Do an internet search to see the results of CM. You will be amazed. Not only does this compound lubricate the joints, it actually helps to replenish synovial fluid which in turn helps to rebuild broken down cartilage.

The only company that sells bona fide US pharmacopia standard gels with this compound is one that I am in business with. Hope that all helps.

Has anyone taken Glucosamine to help with achilles pain?

After my last ACL reconstruction (that's right I've had more than one) my Dr. told me to take it. I can't say that I noticed any thing due to the pain and swelling post op. But he also told me to stop after 3 months and save my money, he said there is no evidence it helps past that time period. Just some info.