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Glucosamine - any long term effects?

JanM
May 21st, 2008, 09:33 PM
I'm just curious if there are any known long term effects from taking glucosamine - does anyone know of any?

Bobby has been on it now for about 2 weeks or so and I see no adverse effects at all - all positive ones but I do wonder about the long term..

Dr Lee
May 21st, 2008, 10:32 PM
Glucosamine is a cartilage precursor. It is not a medication but a nutriceudical, or nutritional supplement. It is commonly extracted from cow cartilage. For this reason there are not the normal concerns regarding long term effects as there are with many prescription medications. Some pets and people can have mild stomach irritation if eaten on an empty stomach. Also if there are beef allergies, this can make it worse.

Also glucosamine works better if it is combined with chondroitin and MSM (similar type of compound).

Also Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils), especially those with EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) can be very helpful as well.

Good luck. :pawprint:

JanM
May 22nd, 2008, 09:24 AM
Thank you very much! It is a relief to know I don't have to worry about any long term effects.

and thank you for the info on fish oils - I've been giving him 500 mg per day of Salmon Oil.

I do appreciate your helpful response!