Glucosamine May Provide Gut Health Benefits

Glucosamine plays an important role in making the essential building blocks of many parts of the joints, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid. A recent study suggests that glucosamine may also benefit gut health.

Eleven adults participated in the study. They were given 3,000 mg of glucosamine or a placebo for 21 days. After a two week washout period, they switched interventions. Participants completed bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaires before and after each intervention period. Stool samples were collected before and after each intervention period. 

During the glucosamine intervention, participants saw a significant reduction in stomach bloating, and a reduction in constipation and hard stools. They also saw beneficial changes in microbiota and metabolome. The metabolome includes amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and lipids.

 The study was conducted by researchers from Lindenwood University. The study was published online ahead of print on June 24, 2021 in the journal Nutrients.