glucosamine

[Islandhome]

I recently saw a mention of a relationship between glucosamine sulphate and increased IOP and possible glaucoma risk. I had never heard this before so turned to ‘dr google’ where I read that there has been a lot of research into this and it is not recommended for use by over 60s because of increased Glaucoma risk. I have never been asked if I take this. I have taken a high dose for the last 30 years and have credited it with the fact that I am still keeping knee replacement at bay but am obviously now concerned. I would rather the arthritis got worse than lose my sight! Does anyone have any information about this? I have stopped taking it immediately but am I worrying unnecessarily?

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi there. There is some research showing a link between glucosamine and increased IOP. Unfortunately, there is no conclusive answer to this question. Clinical trials/further studies are needed. I would say that from the early-stage research that we have to draw conclusions from, it would be safer to avoid it. However, if you find that this helps with your arthritis I would speak to your consultant about this. They might think that it would be ok for you to take. This decision would also depend on treatments that you might have had, how advanced your glaucoma is etc.

[Islandhome in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thank you for replying. As I have taken high doses for 30 years I think I will stop a while and see what happens. I was surprised to read it as no one at the hospital or opticians ever asked.

[JustAmanda in reply to Islandhome]

You may find that turmeric, which reduces inflammation, helps. I take Holland & Barrett’s 600mg with black pepper - because the pepper is said to aid absorption. I’ve not heard of any negative side-effects of turmeric.

[Islandhome in reply to JustAmanda]

Thank you, I am going to start with turmeric. To be honest, I am far more concerned about eyes than knees so I am hoping cessation of glucosamine will help. I just feel it should be more widely known in case there is substance to it.

[JustAmanda in reply to Islandhome]

I guess there’s a lot less regulatory research around non pharmaceutical supplements. I imagine it’s because they fall in a different category, but organisations such as ZOE are beginning to look at some of these interactions.

[Redshoes15]

Hi Islandhome

I also took glucosamine for years to protect my joints (I have an arthritic knee). My glaucoma has progressed requiring 2 operations and I now wonder whether this was the cause of my increased IOP. I no longer take it and try to protect my knee with physio, diet and orthotic insoles in my trainers.

[Islandhome in reply to Redshoes15]

I am just so surprised that no medical person has ever mentioned it. I agree with Kieran it appears more research is needed (as with everything) but all the studies I have now looked at say they saw a significant rise of 2 to 3 in IOP and that residue of it was found to be blocking parts of the mesh. Also not recommended for over 60s because of increased risk of glaucoma. I don’t usually take much notice of Dr Google but this is enough for me. My knees will have to takes their chances!

[Pete_uk]

I took glucosamine for many years to help my aching knees after long hikes but was told by a nutritionist that there might be a link between it and uveitis which I suffer from so had to stop taking it.

[Lovemy2woofs]

if you haven’t already , you could try Golden paste , you can make it yourself , its just organic tumeric, coconut oil and black pepper, you can put it in a jar and keep in fridge. Tumeric has helped a lot of people with joint pain . If you use facebook there is a group you can join for both people and pets : Tumeric support group for people and pets .

More info on it here : healthandenergyfoods.com/tu...

[Islandhome in reply to Lovemy2woofs]

Thank you, yes I will be looking at alternatives. Turmeric was first on the list but I hadn’t thought of making it into a rub, I will look for the Facebook group. Thanks again.

[Wellingtonwearer]

Thanks for sharing this information Islandhome. I have taken Glucosamine for several years but will now stop.

[Sodalover]

I also took it for years and have stopped some time ago. I did try turmeric for about 12 months but didn’t really feel any benefit. I’m now taking PEA which has made a huge difference to my joint pain, I highly recommend it.

[Islandhome in reply to Sodalover]

Thank you I will give it a try.

[Islandhome in reply to Sodalover]

could you tell me what strength you take please?