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Glucosamine (C 6 H 13 NO 5 ) is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated Proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is part of the structure of the polysaccharides chitosan and chitin , which compose the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other arthropods , cell walls in fungi and many higher organisms. Glucosamine is one of the most abundant monosaccharides . It is produced commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons or, less commonly by fermentation of a grain such as corn or wheat. In the US it is one of the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral, dietary supplements used by adults.
Oral glucosamine is a dietary supplement and is not a pharmaceutical drug . It is illegal in the US to market any dietary supplement as a treatment for any disease or condition. Glucosamine is marketed to support the structure and function of joints and the marketing is targeted to people suffering from osteoarthritis . Commonly sold forms of glucosamine are glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N acetylglucosamine . Glucosamine is often sold in combination with other supplements such as chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane . Of the three commonly available forms of glucosamine, only glucosamine sulfate is given a "likely effective" rating for treating osteoarthritis.