Magnesium and glucosamine

mickmac

Does anyone have any experience of taking either magnesium or glucosamine supplements?

Have they made any difference to you?

I have read that magnesium is good for recovery and helps sleep and that glucosamine has been linked to the preservation of healthy knees in the more "ahem" mature individual?





(To possibly pre-empt some questions: I have a good, balanced diet with (by and large) more fruit, veg and meat than breads and starchy things. I eat breakfast. I sleep as much as I can but sometimes that isn't very much. I exercise regularly doing mostly kickboxing and weight lifting, neither of which I am very good at but both of which I enjoy.)

Khannie

There is some evidence that glucosamine is useful and there is some evidence that glucosamine is useless.

I have heard that athletes tend to have low magnesium levels. I take a magnesium supplement sometimes myself. I'm not religious about it because I haven't really noticed any difference taking it versus not taking it.

They're both very cheap so you're not wasting big money one way or the other.

InTheTrees

My nephew is on glucosamine because of breaking his ankle so I thought I'd try it too.

My non scientific opinion is that it did help with general creakiness and stiffness after running.

But one of the side effects is nausea and I got it pretty bad. One morning I even threw up so that was the end of it for me.

The Davestator

I think magnesium is great for sleeping better. Take a good few about 45 mins before bed.

The type is important- it should end in 'ate'

Jarren

I don't know much about glucosamine(i used and had no effect) but having said that I used a fish oil for my bones/ joints before and I am very happy with the results.

From the magnesium point of view I would recommend to read http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75

Regards
J

Carl Sagan

I take both. I'm not really sure if the Glucosamine is doing anything but my dad started taking it a while ago and said it's effective.

I only take Magnesium along with Zinc, so I can't really comment on any effects being attributed to Magnesium alone, but I have noticed much better sleeping on the nights I take them and more vivid dreams.

InTheTrees

I should add as regards Glucosamine, that i'm in my upper 40's so stiffness and creakiness is something I deal with.

if you're younger than 40 I wouldnt have thought there's much use for it unless you're dealing with a specific injury.

EileenG

My parents swear by glocosamine, but they both say that you have to be taking it for about three months before you see results.

Most breastfeeding women do not get enough magnesium, which is why they so often get chocolate cravings (cocoa is a good food source). I suspect most athletes don't get enough either.

cc87

AFAIK there is evidence to support the use of glucosamine to improve the condition of joints if there is a problem but no evidence that it will prevent deterioration of the joint. But IMO for what it costs you might as well take it.