Usage of Glucosamine while breastfeeding is not recommended because it affects the health of the infant. Generally Glucosamine is not safe for children below 18 years. So it is always best to consult doctor before taking any kind of medication while breastfeeding.

Glucosamine is a substance which is extracted from the shells of shellfish to make dietary supplements. A synthetic form is made in laboratories as well. Glucosamine plays an important role in building cartilage, and numerous patients take it as a supplement to treat arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is naturally found in the fluid around the joints, in animal bones, bone marrow, shellfish, and fungi.

This substance comes in a number of forms. The different forms are glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine. Although they are similar, these variants can have myriad effects when used as dietary supplements. In some dietary supplements, glucosamine may be combined with other substances, such as chondroitin sulfate, MSM, or shark cartilage. Chondroitin is an ingredient similar to glucosamine and can be found naturally in joints. Some say that the combinations in these supplements help, but few of the researchers argue that the scientific proof is lacking. Till date, most studies into the potential health benefits of glucosamine focus on glucosamine sulfate. When you are buying these supplements, it is advisable to do so from reputable outlets.

Is Glucosamine Safe While Breastfeeding?

Any food or drug that is taken by the mother passes to her infant when she feeds her baby. Hence, if you are taking Glucosamine, then it is best to consult your medical practitioner before continuing the same. We suggest this is because Glucosamine is not safe for children below eighteen years of age and certainly not safe for infants.

Breastfeeding moms not only have to be cautious about a healthy and nutritious diet but also the supplements they intake regularly. This is because a few of these supplements not only reduce the flow of the milk but will probably also having an adverse effect on the baby. Keep in mind this fact and make sure that your baby is not adversely affected by glucosamine in any way. In case you see this supplement negatively impacting your baby, immediately stop taking it and consult your doctor. Remember, both your life and your baby’s life is important.

Benefits of Taking Glucosamine

It Relieves Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine improves the symptoms and decreases the structural progression in osteoarthritis when compared to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs as well as placebo. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the symptom-modifying and joint space narrowing effects in osteoarthritis patients. In some of the studies, osteoarthritis patients were given a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for 6 months and had a decrease in pain, stiffness, functional limitation and joint swelling. It is also a nutritional supplements used by athletes with osteoarthritis. The administration of Glucosamine in athletes with acute knee injury demonstrated a significant improvement in knee flexion and extension after twenty eight days when compared to the placebo.

Exerts An Anti-Inflammatory Action

This substance inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines. It decreases the inflammatory cell activation in animals. Glucosamine is used for treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Children with chronic inflammatory bowel disease are usually given N-acetyl glucosamine orally and show a clear improvement in their symptoms.

Reduces The Risk Of Lung Cancer

Some of the studies have revealed that there was the greatest reduction of lung cancer associated with high use of Glucosamine. This is probably because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the expression of inflammatory genes and inhibits cell proliferation through inhibition of the transcription factor.

Read More: Preventing Breast Cancer – 21 Lifestyle Changes Every Woman Should Be Aware Of

It Supresses The Formation Of Fat

The administration of this substance inhibits fat accumulation and infiltration the inflammatory cells into the lesion. It modulates endothelial cell activation, and may exhibit an anti-inflammatory action on atherosclerosis.

It Is An Anti-Oxidant

Glucosamine hydrochloride has shown considerable superoxide/hydroxyl radical scavenging ability that actually helps protect cells from oxidation.

It Is Good For The Skin

These compounds have been reported to have several beneficial effects on the skin and the skin cells. It has been shown to quicken wound healing, improve skin hydration and decrease wrinkles. Additionally, it also inhibits tyrosinase activation, which in turn inhibits melanin production and is therefore useful in the treatment of disorders of hyperpigmentation. An anti-aging neck and décolletage cream containing N-acetyl glucosamine delivered significant firming and smoothing effects with reduced hyperpigmentation in women seeking rejuvenation.

Read More: Top 7 Annoying Pregnancy Skin Issues and Remedies

Side effects of Taking Glucosamine

These arthritis supplements are usually well-tolerated. However, there are side effects that can occur. The most commonly reported side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin are as follows:

• Nausea.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Increased intestinal gas.