Question

“Nutraceuticals” are products that are believed to have some beneficial effect but are not strictly defined as either food or drug. Why might an individual suffering from osteoarthritis be tempted to consume the nutraceutical glucosamine?

Short answer

Nutraceuticals are food-based formulations of a product, used for the prevention and treatment of disease. Glucosamine is naturally found, in the joints of the cartilages, and increases the proteoglycan in the connective tissue. It is combined with chondroitin and used for the treatment of arthritis. Some studies have shown that glucosamine may give some relief to osteoarthritis patients.Detailed research has been required for these nutraceuticals and also the glucosamine forms.

Step-by-step solution

Nutraceutical’s beneficial effect

Nutraceuticals are formulations of food products and have traditionally been used for many years. Mainly it is used to prevent disease and for treatment. Still, it is not recognized by formal studies.

Nutraceutical glucosamine

Glucosamine is naturally found in the cartilages and in shellfishes. Glucosamine has different forms like N-acetyl glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine and chondroitin are combined and given for arthritis pain. But there are no formal studies done regarding this osteoarthritis.

Nutraceuticals of glucosamine reduce the pain of osteoarthritis slowly. There is no formal study report.