There is hardly a person in America who has not heard of glucosamine as a treatment for joint pain, but few people know that there is a vegetarian option.

   Glucosamine is an aminosaccharide that helps create cartilage from compounds called "aggrecan" and "proteoglycans". Most glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish. However, KAL has created a vegetarian version manufactured from a fungal fermentation process. It is available with and without MSM, a form of sulfur that is necessary for joints and tissue, and enhances the efficacy of glucosamine.

    Research on the healing powers of glucosamine is inconsistent, although most studies show some benefit. You can find claims that it will:

• lower inflammation and help reverse autoimmune reactions
• preserve joint health
• reduce joint pain and tenderness
• protect and repair gut lining
• fight irritation to the stomach, bladder and intestines
• treat inflammatory bowel disease and leaky gut syndrome
• rebuild tissue and stronger bones following fractures or injuries

    Yep! All that.

    In his book, "Healthy Joints for Life," Dr. Richard Diana gives a synopsis of current research into the efficacy of supplementing glucosamine, and ultimately recommends glucosamine for his patients. He says he has witnessed the benefit in his own patients.

   Peter and I both supplement glucosamine with MSM. Neither of us experience joint pain. Peter was starting to have some discomfort in his knees before he started taking the supplements 10 years ago. He also added other anti-inflammatory supplements, so it's hard to say how much is due to the glucosamine. Thanks to my tendency to be inconsistent with supplements, I do notice that I have more energy for physical activity when I am supplementing glucosamine.

   From my limited survey of existing research, I would suggest that glucosamine can be one component of many for joint health. It's not going to heal arthritis or other issues, but it can help. Like all supplements and medications, supplementing glucosamine does not work for everyone. But many studies have found that using glucosamine daily for 6 to 8 weeks improves symptoms. It's not expensive and it won't hurt you, so it's worth a try.