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Association of habitual glucosamine use with risk of cardiovascular disease: prospective study in UK Biobank

BMJ 2019; 365 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1628 (Published 14 May 2019) Cite this as: BMJ 2019;365:l1628

Rapid Response:

Re: Association of habitual glucosamine use with risk of cardiovascular disease: supports the use of glucosamine as a nutritional agent

This study supports the use of glucosamine for preventing and treating cardiovascular problems in nutritional therapy. Theoretically, in cases of glucosamine deficiency, whether due to diet or underative enzyme activity, dietary supplements can be expected to improve the structure of tissues containing glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans. These tissues include the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid, mucous membranes, structures in the eye, blood vessels, and heart valves.

Notably, glucosamine is present in the proteoglycan aggregates which are important for the elasticity of cartilage. Cartilage is found in the heart, aorta and arteries and so is crucial for cardiovascular function. Two questions:

1) Is there a relationship between joint problems and disorders of similar tissues such as the cardiovascular system?
2) Should glucosamine be classified as a nutrient or an anti-inflammatory agent?

Competing interests: No competing interests

17 May 2019
Michael K MCMULLEN
herbalist
11300 Limoux, France