氨基葡萄糖(葡萄糖氨)和軟骨素是什麼？Glucosamine and Chondroitin: What are They?

葡萄糖氨參與肌腱、骨骼、韌帶以及皮膚和指甲等的生成。身體能從簡單碳水化合物(葡萄糖)和氨基酸(谷氨酰胺)制造葡萄糖氨。關節結構的葡萄糖水平非常高，我們也可以透過補充劑攝取額外葡萄糖氨。隨著年齡增長，人體制造葡萄糖氨的能力逐漸減弱，一些研究人員推測，這是骨關節炎的成因之一。

軟骨素對軟骨組織的生成中起著重要作用，它是一種天然物質。在關節內軟骨素作為一個緩衝劑，有助維持關節軟骨組織健康。也有一定抗炎特性。

研究顯示，服用氨基葡萄糖和軟骨素組合對中度至嚴重關節炎疼痛的緩解效用高達25％。軟骨素和氨基葡萄糖通常一起服用。由於這些補充劑並非速效成分，你可能要連續服用幾個星期後才感覺癥狀得以改善。

如果你每日服用抗凝血劑或阿司匹林，同時服用軟骨素或許會影響藥效。糖尿病患者服用葡萄糖氨前請諮詢藥劑師意見。

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: What are They?

Glucosamine is involved in building tendons, bones, and ligaments, as well as skin and nails. Our bodies make it from the simple carbohydrate glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is found in the structures of the joints in high concentrations, and it’s also available as a supplement. As we age, our ability to produce adequate amounts of this substance diminishes, and some researchers theorize that this is one of the causes of osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin plays an important role in the formation of cartilage, where it is found naturally. In the joints, chondroitin acts as a cushion and helps to maintain healthy joint cartilage. It also appears to have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Research has shown that taking a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin may ease pain by as much as 25 percent for those with moderate to severe arthritis. Chondroitin and glucosamine are usually taken together. Because these supplements are not fast-acting, you may not see improvements for several weeks.

Use caution with chondroitin if you’re taking anticoagulants or a daily aspirin. If you have diabetes, be aware that glucosamine can influence blood sugar levels. As always, consult your pharmacist.