Glucosamine Facts Every Bodybuilder Should Know
Anyone who is into muscle-building, whether professionally or as a personal fitness program, would be served well by learning a few glucosamine facts to see why this nutrient should be part of his daily nutritional intake. Glucosamine in itself is not necessarily a nutrient that has anything to do with muscle building. It serves, however, to address an important component of any healthy workout – the joints. There are glucosamine facts detailed in various materials online and offline that muscle-building aficionados can turn to for valuable information. Here is a short rundown on some of these glucosamine facts:
Glucosamine is a combination of sugar and the amino acid glutamine. This amino sugar component is naturally found in the human body as well as in the shells of crustaceans like shellfish, crab, and lobsters, in animal bones, and in some fungi. The most known of all glucosamine facts, and the primary source of its popularity, is that it is effective in therapies for osteoarthritis. Although not an essential mineral or vitamin, glucosamine as a nutritional supplement is listed among the most popular adult dietary supplements in the United States, especially among the middle and advance age population.
Glucosamine is primarily used for the formation and repair of tissue and cartilage. It is essentially a joint health supplement intended to stop the degeneration of cartilage, reduce joint pain, and increase joint flexibility. Among the joint problems that have been found to be eased by glucosamine include: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, joint injury or workout recovery, and fibromyalgia syndrome. Although some camps might cast some doubts as to the effectiveness of this dietary supplement, many experts and industry organizations continue to support and recommend the use of glucosamine for maintenance of joint health.
Glucosamine supplements are non-FDA regulated. While it is not necessarily intended as treatment for any condition, this being a widely accepted joint health supplement is one of the glucosamine facts that cannot be disputed. However, since it is not regulated, not all glucosamine supplements in the market are as good as their manufacturers say they are. Trusted and reputable brands are still the best options in glucosamine supplements. These supplements are usually formulated in combination with chondrointin and sulfates – scientific researches showed increased effectiveness when glucosamine is combined with any one of these two components.
Glucosamine as a dietary supplement is available in most health food stores online and offline at affordable prices and in different forms including pills, drinks, and shakes. Since it is not a drug, it could be purchased without a prescription. Some caution, though, should be taken by those who have existing medical conditions, particularly those with heart ailments or are taking anti-coagulants or blood thinning agents – it would be a good idea for people with these medical specifications to consult with their doctors first before supplementing with glucosamine.
Glucosamine supplements are necessary complements to a healthy muscle-building supplementation regimen. Muscle building exercises and workout routines no doubt put undue pressure and strain on the joints. Obviously, overexerting and tiring these joints will significantly affect the quality of the workout. It is therefore important that anyone who is serious about making the most of his muscle-building workouts take serious note of these glucosamine facts and consider supplementing with this important nutrient, particularly after workouts when the joints and muscles are recovering, on a regular basis.
