Glucosamine, a popular supplement for managing arthritis symptoms, has been found to extend the lifespan of aging mice, suggesting a possible application in humans. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study investigated the effects of feeding 10 g/kg of D-glucosamine to mice that were 100 weeks old (equivalent to 65 human years). Here’s what the researchers discovered:

• Glucosamine extended the lifespan of the mice by nearly 10% compared to the control group—equal to about 8 additional years of human life.
• Glucosamine appeared to extend the lifespan of these mice by mimicking the effects of a low-carb diet, even though the mice receiving glucosamine ate the same diet and the same amount of carbs as the control group.

These findings are consistent with two other recent epidemiological studies that tracked more than 77,000 people and found an association between glucosamine and reduced mortality in humans. However, people with glaucoma or diabetes should be sure to consult their healthcare practitioner before supplementing with glucosamine, as it may raise eye pressure, and there is also some theoretical evidence that glucosamine might contribute to insulin resistance (although this has not yet been confirmed in humans).

Source: Nature Communications