Glucosamine, a natural amino monosaccharide, is necessary for the synthesis of proteoglycans in the matrix of human articular cartilage. The molecular formula is C6H13NO5 and the molecular weight is 179.2. It is formed by the substitution of a hydroxyl group of glucose by an amino group, and is easily soluble in water and hydrophilic solvents. It is usually present in polysaccharides of microbial, animal origin and conjugated polysaccharides in the form of N-acetyl derivatives (such as chitin) or as N-sulfate and N-acetyl-3-O-lactic ether (muramic acid).

The reason why glucosamine can improve joint problems is mainly related to the repair and regeneration of articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the tissue between bones that wears out over time with exercise, which can lead to pain and even inflammation over time. Due to joint repair, daily supplementation is sufficient, but the opportunity to directly supplement glucosamine in daily life is relatively small, because it mainly exists in shrimp shells and crab shells and is rarely eaten. When you get older, glucosamine is lost, and the articular cartilage wears out, and the natural articular cartilage is more difficult to repair, so the elderly are more prone to joint problems.

The selection of glucosamine mainly revolves around the content and formula. According to the recommended content of nutrients released by my country, the daily supplementation of glucosamine should be between 1200mg and 1500mg, and there are fewer opportunities to eat daily, so it is necessary to supplement at least 1200mg of glucosamine. At the same time, glucosamine now also contains other ingredients that can replenish cartilage, such as chondroitin. A 3:2 ratio of glucosamine and chondroitin works best. In addition to paying attention to the content, glucosamine products also need to look at the product formula. The second generation of glucosamine, which contains chondroitin. Chondroitin combined with glucosamine can enhance the effect and stimulate the secretion of joint synovial fluid. In this era, it is also called glucosamine chondroitin. The third-generation glucosamine, which is based on the addition of bone collagen, that is, type II collagen, is the most important matrix of articular cartilage, and it is also very helpful for joint repair. The third generation of glucosamine is also known as glucosamine collagen chondroitin.