More than five million people in the U.S. take glucosamine annually, largely to support joint health and ease arthritis pain.¹

Recent findings indicate this low-cost compound may provide a stunning range of additional benefits.

In two large observational studies, scientists have found a link between glucosamine use and reduced risk of death from any cause.^2,3

These same studies also found that people taking glucosamine had lower rates of several age-related chronic diseases including:

• Cardiovascular disease,^4,5
• Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,^6,7
• Type 2 diabetes,⁸ and
• Certain types of cancers,⁵

In addition, glucosamine use was linked to lower risk of death from major causes such as heart disease, cancer, respiratory, and digestive disorders.³

Glucosamine and Joint Health

Glucosamine is a compound that acts as a precursor or building block for cartilage, the tissue that protects and cushions the ends of bones at the joints.⁹

It is commonly taken to maintain joint health and prevent or reduce the severity of osteoarthritis.⁹

Clinical trials have confirmed glucosamine’s effectiveness in arthritis, whether taken alone or with chondroitin, another nutrient often used for joint health.¹⁰ For example, a systematic review of studies found that taking glucosamine long-term significantly reduced pain in those with knee osteoarthritis compared to a placebo.¹¹

Reduced All-Cause Mortality

Though glucosamine is usually taken for joint health, scientists conducting large observational studies made a striking discovery: Its use is associated with a reduced risk of overall mortality.

One population study following 77,510, individuals (ages 50-76) in Washington State over five to eight years found that regular users of glucosamine, with or without chondroitin, had an 18% lower risk of death from any cause than those who did not use glucosamine.¹²

In another large study, analysis of data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that those taking glucosamine and chondroitin had a remarkable 27% lower risk of all-cause mortality, after controlling for multiple other factors that could affect risk of death.²

A large observational study evaluating the effect of glucosamine on mortality was conducted using data from the UK Biobank and followed approximately 495,077 individuals for an average of about 9 years. The analysis revealed a 15% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality among glucosamine users compared to non-users.³

Lower Disease Risk

Studies have also found that glucosamine use was associated with a lower risk of many specific disorders and causes of death.

For example, in the Washington state study, those taking glucosamine had a 13% lower risk of death from cancer and a 41% lower risk of death from respiratory diseases.¹²

In 2025, another analysis of glucosamine supplementation data was published, this one also from the UK Biobank. Over 52,500 glucosamine users were compared to the same number of non-users and followed for nearly 14 years. Regular glucosamine use was associated with an 8-27% lower risk of seven different age-related chronic diseases.⁵

In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study, regular glucosamine users were 58% less likely to die of cardiovascular causes compared to non-users.²

These findings align with other large observational studies. The UK Biobank study and related analyses have shown that regular glucosamine use is linked to lower mortality and a reduced risk of several chronic diseases:

• 18-22% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality^,3-5
• 26% lower risk of respiratory disease and mortality,³
• 26% lower risk of digestive system disease mortality,³
• 18% lower risk of coronary artery disease,⁴
• 17% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes,⁸
• 16% lower risk of developing any type of dementia, including 16% lower risk of Alzheimer’s and 26% lower risk of vascular dementia,^6,7,13
• 9% lower risk of stroke,⁴ and
• 6% lower risk of cancer mortality.³

How Glucosamine Works

Glucosamine’s role in building cartilage has been well understood for years. But the link to reduced mortality and disease risk in observational studies led researchers to evaluate its other effects in the body.

Animal studies found that glucosamine may work in a number of ways to exert anti-aging effects, including:^14,15

• Activating AMPK. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that acts as a master regulator of cellular metabolism. In preclinical studies, glucosamine has been shown to help activate AMPK and increase mitochondrial biogenesis—a pathway associated with improved metabolic health and longevity.^15,16
• Improving blood glucose levels. Elevated blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases and contribute to accelerated aging. In aging mice, glucosamine intake has been shown to lower blood glucose levels, which may reduce metabolic diseases associated with aging.¹⁵
• Mimicking a restricted calorie diet. Restricting calorie intake activates pathways in our metabolism that have anti- aging effects. In animal models, glucosamine intake mimics some of the effects of calorie restriction, which has been linked to longer lifespan in rodents.^14,15
• Enhancing mitochondrial health. The mitochondria are the powerhouses that supply the energy each cell needs to function optimally. Declining mitochondrial function is a major hallmark of aging. In animal models, glucosamine helps boost mitochondrial function.^15,16
• Improving protein balance. Animal studies indicate that glucosamine helps cells maintain an optimal, healthy balance between protein synthesis and breakdown.^15,17

In both worms and mice, adding glucosamine or its related nutrient acetylglucosamine to the diet has been shown to slow aging and extend lifespan.^15,17

In a clinical setting, a 28-day randomized controlled trial found that 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine along with 1,200 mg per day of chondroitin lowered levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) by 23% in healthy overweight adults.¹⁸

These studies support the idea that glucosamine may provide benefits beyond joint health. Population studies suggest it could have broader, body-wide effects, but clinical trials are needed to confirm its impact on mortality and disease risk.

Summary

Glucosamine is commonly used to help support joint and cartilage health. Clinical trials have found long- term use may help reduce pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis.

Scientists have also found an association between glucosamine use and a lower risk of death in large observational studies.

Several different observational studies have also shown that people taking glucosamine have a reduced risk of death due to specific illnesses like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases, along with a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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