Glucosamine Studied in Lung Health

Glucosamine plays a role in lung health, according to a recently published study. Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the cartilage and fluid around joints and has been shown to help balance inflammation in the body. Research indicates that suboptimal lung health is often associated with inflammatory imbalances.

Adults between 50 and 76 years of age were asked to complete a questionnaire that included information regarding intake of glucosamine and chondroitin in the preceding 10 years. The subjects were categorized into 3 groups: those individuals who did not take glucosamine or chondroitin; low use of the supplements defined as less than 4 days per week or less than 3 years’ duration; or high intake of the supplements defined as 4 or more days per week for 3 years’ or longer duration. The subjects were also evaluated for lung health.

The results of the study showed that high intake of glucosamine resulted in enhanced lung health. In fact, there was a 23 percent reduction in the likelihood of developing suboptimal lung health in the subjects with the highest intake of glucosamine. Tobacco smoking and aspirin intake did not alter the association.

The researchers concluded that this study supports that glucosamine is an attractive candidate for supporting lung health.

Reference:

Brasky TM, Lampe JW, Slatore CG, White E. Use of glucosamine and chondroitin and lung cancer risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort. Cancer Causes Control. 2011 Jun 25. Published Online Ahead of Print.