Glucosamine
2-Amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose
Also known as: Glucosamine sulfate, Glucosamine hydrochloride, 2-Amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose, Chitosamine, D-Glucosamine
Evidence Strength: MODERATE
This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 2.5/10). The classification is based on mechanistic and clinical evidence: glucosamine is believed to support the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which are essential….
Safety Profile
Common Adverse Effects
- Nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- heartburn
- headache
Serious Adverse Effects
- Allergic reactions
- elevated blood sugar
- liver enzyme alterations
Contraindications
- Shellfish allergy
- diabetes
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- People taking Warfarin
Interactions
| Drug / Nutrient | Interaction Mechanism | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | increased bleeding risk — monitor INR closely. Antidiabetic drugs: potential alteration in blood sugar control — adjust medication as needed. Diuretics: possible interaction affecting electrolyte balance — monitor electrolytes. | Monitor |
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Chemical Class
- Amino sugar
- Biological Class
- Nutraceutical
- Natural Source
- Chitin from shellfish exoskeletons
- Scientific Name
- 2-Amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose
- Chemical Formula
- C6H13NO5
- CAS Number
- 3416-24-8
Mechanism of Action
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
| Indication | Evidence Level | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| General | Moderate | Clinical trials on glucosamine have shown mixed results, with some studies indicating moderate efficacy in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms and others showing minimal benefit. The evidence is stronger for glucosamine sulfate compared to glucosamine hydrochloride. Long-term studies suggest potential benefits in slowing cartilage degradation, but more high-quality trials are needed to confirm these findings. |
Pharmacokinetics
Recommended Dosage
| Condition / Use | Typical Dose |
|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | 1500 mg per day in divided doses. Joint pain: 1200-1500 mg per day. Cartilage support: 1000-1500 mg per day. |
Dosage ranges are based on clinical studies and commonly used supplement formulations. Individual requirements may vary.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in cartilage, commonly used in dietary supplements for joint health.
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Glucosamine is generally considered safe for most adults, but caution is advised for individuals with shellfish allergies, as some formulations are derived from shellfish. Diabetic patients should monitor blood glucose levels, as glucosamine may affect insulin sensitivity. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use.
- USA/FDA — Approved
The available scientific evidence for Glucosamine indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 9/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 9/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 მარ 2026, 12:00
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWStructural and Immunological Insights into the Lipooligosaccharide of the Marine Bacterium Kangiella japonica KMM 3897. ↗Filshtein AP et al.. Structural and Immunological Insights into the Lipooligosaccharide of the Marine Bacterium Kangiella japonica KMM 3897.. Mar Drugs. 2025. PMID:41003314.PMID 41003314 ↗Journal Mar DrugsYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41003314/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWNear-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma. ↗Llaguno-Munive M et al.. Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma.. J Imaging. 2023. PMID:37888319.PMID 37888319 ↗Journal J ImagingYear 2023Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37888319/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPhosphate buffer-catalyzed kinetics of mutarotation of glucosamine investigated by NMR spectroscopy. ↗Rivlin M et al.. Phosphate buffer-catalyzed kinetics of mutarotation of glucosamine investigated by NMR spectroscopy.. Carbohydr Res. 2022. PMID:35561477.PMID 35561477 ↗Journal Carbohydr ResYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35561477/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW(68)Ga-labeled dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles for PET/CT dual-modality imaging and immunotherapy of tumors. ↗Li C et al.. (68)Ga-labeled dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles for PET/CT dual-modality imaging and immunotherapy of tumors.. J Mater Chem B. 2022. PMID:35451446.PMID 35451446 ↗Journal J Mater Chem BYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35451446/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAdsorption of Uranium, Mercury, and Rare Earth Elements from Aqueous Solutions onto Magnetic Chitosan Adsorbents: A Review. ↗Michailidou G et al.. Adsorption of Uranium, Mercury, and Rare Earth Elements from Aqueous Solutions onto Magnetic Chitosan Adsorbents: A Review.. Polymers (Basel). 2021. PMID:34578037.PMID 34578037 ↗Journal Polymers (Basel)Year 2021Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34578037/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWChitosan-based nanodelivery systems for cancer therapy: Recent advances. ↗Narmani A et al.. Chitosan-based nanodelivery systems for cancer therapy: Recent advances.. Carbohydr Polym. 2021. PMID:34420724.PMID 34420724 ↗Journal Carbohydr PolymYear 2021Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34420724/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWGlucosamine Displays a Potent Caloric Restriction Mimetic Effect in Senescent Rats by Activating Mitohormosis. ↗Kumar R et al.. Glucosamine Displays a Potent Caloric Restriction Mimetic Effect in Senescent Rats by Activating Mitohormosis.. Rejuvenation Res. 2021. PMID:33478352.PMID 33478352 ↗Journal Rejuvenation ResYear 2021Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33478352/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSynthesis of a new deoxyglucose derivative modified near-infrared fluorescent probe for tumor diagnosis. ↗Sun C et al.. Synthesis of a new deoxyglucose derivative modified near-infrared fluorescent probe for tumor diagnosis.. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2017. PMID:28499871.PMID 28499871 ↗Journal Biochem Biophys Res CommunYear 2017Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28499871/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWRecent Advances Toward Robust N-Protecting Groups for Glucosamine as Required for Glycosylation Strategies. ↗Aly MR et al.. Recent Advances Toward Robust N-Protecting Groups for Glucosamine as Required for Glycosylation Strategies.. Adv Carbohydr Chem Biochem. 2016. PMID:27816106.PMID 27816106 ↗Journal Adv Carbohydr Chem BiochemYear 2016Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27816106/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWGlucosamine. ↗Glucosamine.. 2006. PMID:30000928.PMID 30000928 ↗Year 2006Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000928/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Glucosamine. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Glucosamine
A score of 2.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
1 jurisdiction has active restrictions or advisories. Regulatory signals are recorded as Safety Signals and raise the S component.
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.