A brand-new study is raising some serious red flags about glucosamine — the popular joint supplement millions of older adults take every day. Rally breaks down what the latest research says about glucosamine and brain health, why it matters specifically to us older adults, and what you should do right now if you’re taking it. Plus — five non-prescription alternatives worth talking to your doctor about.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Hey there, Beautiful People. Rally Preston here. Hey I’m seventy one now. Yeah my younger friend said I shouldn’t be driving or podcasting at this age. Well, he’s not my friend – anymore. I said you know what? I could do both at the same time. One hand on the wheel, the other hand holding the mic – what could go wrong? I haven’t seen him since.
Anyway, Welcome back to the Silver Beast Podcast. And happy Monday to you. Do you know what they call people who love Mondays? Retired. Yeah that joke is probably older than me.
So anyway, this episode is more of a newsy type. This is gonna be important for a lot of us I think, all kidding aside.
So there’s a brand-new study out. Hot off the press. And it’s about a supplement a lot of us have been taking for years for joint pain.
And that’s glucosamine.
Yeah, you know it. The joint pill. Maybe you’ve taken it, or still do. I used to – quite awhile back.
Well it turns out, glucosamine may not be as harmless as we thought.
And it has nothing to do with our joints. This is about what glucosamine could be doing to our brains.
So let’s look at the latest on glucosamine.
Oh now first, I did an earlier episode, and I mentioned glucosamine in that one. It was the one where I said something like: now that I’m older – I feel everything’s finally clicking for me…and of course I meant my knees, my back, my neck. Hilarious, as you can imagine. But in that one, I did mention glucosamine. I basically said: if it’s working for you, well, keep going.
And I want to walk some of that back today. Because this new research flags glucosamine specifically.
So here’s what’s up with glucosamine now.
So researchers at the University of Florida looked at health records for thousands of patients. Some had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment — essentially early memory and thinking problems. And those can sometimes lead to Alzheimer’s. Other patients they studied already had a full-blown Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Now here’s what came out of this research that got everyone’s attention…
People with mild cognitive impairment who were taking glucosamine. Well, they were 25% more likely to progress to full-blown dementia. That’s compared to people not taking glucosamine.
A 25% greater risk for the glucosamine-takers, so yeah, this is, or could be, a big deal.
And for those people who already had that Alzheimer’s diagnosis? Their risk of death was also 25% higher if they were taking glucosamine.
So let me qualify this study a bit. It’s observational. It just shows a connection with glucosamine and brain problems — now not a definitive cause. So it’s not a sure thing. And clinical trials need to verify this new information.
But if I were you, I wouldn’t wait on the definitive proof. I’d say stop taking glucosamine immediately.
So if you want a little more info on how a joint supplement could affect the brain – here’s the short version:
It turns out glucosamine crosses something called the blood-brain barrier. It gets into the brain. And in a brain that’s already shows early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s — glucosamine may be making things worse.
And as you might guess, glucosamine is taken mostly by older adults. Yeah us. So as a group, we’re the ones most at risk for Alzheimer’s – just statistically speaking.
Now — you might be thinking: Oh boy, I’ve been taking glucosamine for years… Am I in trouble?
Well, first, don’t panic. No need for that. But me, personally, I’d stop taking it. And then I’d for sure talk to your doctor. Just bring this up at your next appointment. Or you can call now and ask. Just get your doctor’s take on this new study.
Alright. So let’s say you stop taking glucosamine. Don’t want to chance it. Or your doctor says, yeah, you better stop.
Now what?
Your joints still hurt. That hasn’t changed.
I’m in the same boat. Have osteoarthritis in my right shoulder joint. Very painful sometimes.
Well — I’ve got some maybe good news. There are some decent alternatives to glucosamine that may help those joints.
Now this isn’t medical advice here. That’s your doctor’s job. What I want to run through here are some supplements that have some research behind them for joint pain. And of course, these don’t have FDA approval to treat anything, ok, so just keep that in mind.
OK, let me go through some of the supplement alternatives to glucosamine and this will just be real quick.
Alright, option one: Collagen peptides.
Now, collagen is a protein that’s actually in your cartilage. And supplementing with it — the hydrolyzed kind — may help your body produce more of it on its own. Early research shows collagen peptides can reduce joint discomfort and improve function. So that one I think, the collagen peptides, is worth a conversation with your doctor.
Alright, option two alternative to glucosamine is Omega-3 fatty acids.
Now, fish oil. I’m sure you’re aware of it. And here’s why it may help…omega-3s are powerful natural anti-inflammatories. They can help calm joint swelling. And the research says they may actually help slow cartilage damage over time. This one has some real science behind it. So, omega-3 fatty acids…look into that one.
Alright, option three: Turmeric, and specifically curcumin.
Now, we’ve talked about turmeric before – that was in an episode on brain health. But it’s also great for joints. It targets the same inflammatory pathways as over-the-counter pain relievers. But with fewer stomach issues. And the trick here is to pair turmeric, or curcumin, with black pepper. Black pepper really helps your body absorb the curcumin. Now many supplements already combine the two, curcumin and black pepper. So maybe look into that one.
Alright, option four alternative is called Boswellia.
You might not have heard of this one. It’s an extract from the frankincense tree. And it’s actually well-researched for joint stiffness and mobility. It’s been shown to reduce inflammation pretty effectively. And definitely one to ask your doctor about – boswellia.
Now option five alternative to glucosamine is called – I’m going to try it: Methylsulfonylmethane. Yeah, that’s why it just goes by MSM, right? You can’t pronounce it.
And despite its name, it’s actually a natural occurring sulfur compound. It’s supposed to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
That’s what I’ve got for just regular supplements if you want to try and switch out the glucosamine.
And the other thing about joints is, you want to keep moving them. And I know personally it’s a pain. But don’t torture yourself doing it. Just go easy on them. What you want is low-impact movement. Like swimming. Walking. Water aerobics. Gentle stretching. Movement really is medicine for your joints. I know I sound like a broken record here on this. But I keep saying it because it’s true. It works, movement works, or at least it’ll help. Keep moving those joints.
Alright — let’s wrap this up with your Silver Beast Action Steps.
Step one: Check your supplements – see if you’re taking glucosamine.
Now I take quite a few supplements – half of them I probably couldn’t tell you what exactly they’re for now. But check if you’re taking glucosamine. Might be a combo supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin. That combo’s pretty common. So in light of this new study, maybe take glucosamine out of your rotation for those supplements. It’s your call, of course, but I would think about it.
Alright, step two: Talk to your doctor before you do anything.
Even though I went through a few alternatives here, it’s best to check with your doc first. You need to ask a pro if a new supplement is right for you, in your particular case. Maybe it’s fine, maybe not – but just let your doctor weigh in on this. And of course, there may be prescription medications better suited for you. You know, just again, ask your doc.
And step three is do a little more research on your own on these glucosamine alternatives.
That’s what I’d suggest. You can look at collagen peptides, omega-3s, turmeric with black pepper, Boswellia, and MSM. You can kind of research these online yourself first. Find out a little more. That way you’re better prepped to talk to your doctor before moving forward. That just makes sense.
Alright, step four is – you’re going to hate it – but keep moving.
Whatever’s going on with your supplement situation for your joint pain — you’ve got to keep those joints moving as best you can. So again, gentle, low-impact movement is still one of the best things you can do. Don’t let this stuff about the supplement glucosamine get in the way of that. Keep doing it, keep moving those joints, you know, just go easy on them. Point is, don’t stop moving.
Look. I know this episode wasn’t the most fun.
Red-flagging a supplement a lot of us take isn’t cool, and I know it.
But this is brand new research that just came out. And a lot of glucosamine users haven’t heard this yet.
So just wanted to make you aware real quick. It’s better than not knowing, right?
Now it’s your choice to keep taking glucosamine or not, of course – but at least you have the latest info on it. And to me, that’s what’s important.
OK, check your supplements for glucosamine, and if you’re taking it now – you know, at least I’d say check in with your doc, right away. Start there.
Alright, this is Rally Preston. Hey, I thank you so much for joining me today, and I’ll catch you next time right here on The Silver Beast Podcast. Take care!