From the Research
The recommended dose of glucosamine for treating cervical spondylosis is typically 1,500 mg taken once daily or divided into three 500 mg doses throughout the day, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Considerations
- Glucosamine should be taken with food to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.
- For optimal results, consistent daily use for at least 2-3 months is generally needed before benefits may become apparent.
- Glucosamine sulfate is often preferred over glucosamine hydrochloride as it may have better absorption and efficacy.
- Some formulations combine glucosamine with chondroitin (typically 1,200 mg daily), which may provide additional benefit.
Important Notes
- While glucosamine is commonly used as a complementary treatment for degenerative joint conditions, scientific evidence for its effectiveness specifically for cervical spondylosis is limited.
- The supplement works by potentially providing building blocks for cartilage repair and may have mild anti-inflammatory properties.
- Before starting glucosamine, consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have diabetes, shellfish allergies (as some products are derived from shellfish), or are taking blood-thinning medications, as interactions may occur.
Study Support
- A study published in 2022 1 analyzed the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of osteoarthritis, providing insight into the potential benefits of glucosamine for joint health.
- Another study from 2018 2 demonstrated the efficacy of glucosamine hydrochloride tablets in treating cervical spondylosis, although the specific dosage was not specified.
- Older studies, such as those from 2002 3 and 1999 4, also explored the use of glucosamine and chondroitin in treating osteoarthritis, but their findings may not be directly applicable to cervical spondylosis.
- A study from 2014 5 investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating cervical spondylosis, but this is not directly relevant to glucosamine dosing.