qiita_sid_13732
Impact of Glucosamine Supplementation on Gut Health
Background: Glucosamine (GLU) is a natural compound found in cartilage and supplementation with glucosamine has been shown to improve joint heath and has been linked to reduced mortality rates. GLU is poorly absorbed and may exhibit functional properties in the gut. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of glucosamine on gastrointestinal function, and changes in fecal microbiota and metabolome. Methods: Healthy males (n = 6) and females (n = 5) (33.4 ± 7.7 years, 174.1 ± 12.0 cm, 76.5 ± 12.9 kg, 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2, n = 11) completed two supplementation protocols that each spanned three weeks separated by a washout period that lasted two weeks. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, participants ingested a daily dose of GLU hydrochloride (3,000mg GlucosaGreen®, TSI Group Ltd., USA) or maltodextrin placebo. Study participants completed bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaire in addition to provide a stool sample that was analyzed for fecal microbiota and metabolome at baseline and after the completion of each supplementation period. Results: GLU significantly reduced stomach bloating and showed a trend towards reducing constipation and hard stools. Alpha diversity of the bacterial communities in the fecal contents was significantly decreased following GLU consumption compared to baseline values. GLU supplementation significantly reduced individual and total branched-chain amino acid, and total amino acid excretion, with no glucosamine being detected in any of the fecal samples. GLU had no effect on fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. Conclusion: GLU supplementation provided functional gut health benefits and induced fecal microbiota and metabolome changes.