Is Hair Loss One of the Side Effects of Using Glucosamine?

Shedding 50-100 hair strands every day is part of the natural hair growth cycle that includes growth, rest and the fall phases. Hair loss occurs when excessive hair falls out due to any untreated cause. Hair loss is different from hair shedding, as more hair falls out from the follicles, and there is no sign of regrowth leading to baldness. Hair loss in some cases may be reversed by treating the cause, while in others, it can only slow it down. 

Glucosamine is a chemical found in the human body. Glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine supplements are sold. Glucosamine is important as it works as a building block of chemicals that construct ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and fluid enclosing the joints. Glucosamine supplements help increase the amount of cartilage and keep them from damaging. With increased oral intake, side effects to glucosamine can be seen. 

Glucosamine supplements are used to treat the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis 

Orally taking glucosamine sulfate relieves people suffering from osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Glucosamine hydrochloride is also combined with other ingredients to treat the same. 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Glucosamine hydrochloride also reduces pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Joint Pain 

Glucosamine sulphate is also proven to relieve joint pain. The benefits of hip, spine and hand osteoarthritis are yet to be proven. 

Though glucosamine is a useful supplement, its use has several reported side effects, as listed below. 

• Allergy- Glucosamine is derived from shellfish shells and may cause allergies in some predisposed individuals. 
• Diarrhoea- Oral intake of glucosamine may cause mild side effects that include nausea, constipation and diarrhoea. 
• Hair Loss- Hair loss is observed in people who consume glucosamine sulphate, particularly those above 60. This side effect is not common and is rarely seen, and the hair loss can be reversed once the intake of the chemical is terminated. 

• Headache- Other side effects of glucosamine include drowsiness, headache and heartburn.