Evidence supporting the use of: Shellfish Exoskeleton
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Shellfish exoskeletons are a primary source of chitin and its derivative, chitosan, as well as glucosamine—an amino sugar that is a common component of dietary supplements marketed for joint health and cartilage repair. Glucosamine, typically extracted from the shells of shrimp, crab, and lobster, is believed to play a role in the maintenance and repair of cartilage. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have investigated glucosamine’s efficacy in the management of osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. Some evidence suggests that glucosamine sulfate can provide modest pain relief and may slow joint space narrowing in osteoarthritis of the knee, although results are mixed and some studies show no significant benefit over placebo. There is less direct evidence that shellfish exoskeletons, as a raw product, are used for cartilage damage; it is specifically the extracted compounds (primarily glucosamine) that are employed. The quality of evidence ranges from moderate to low, with some regulatory bodies (such as the European Medicines Agency) acknowledging its use for mild to moderate osteoarthritis, while others (such as the American College of Rheumatology) recommend against its routine use due to inconsistent evidence. In summary, while direct use of shellfish exoskeleton is not standard, their derivatives—especially glucosamine—are scientifically investigated and moderately supported for cartilage-related conditions, but the overall evidence remains inconclusive and is rated here as 3 out of 5.

More about Shellfish Exoskeleton
More about Cartilage Damage

Other health conditions supported by Shellfish Exoskeleton

Arthritis
Broken Bones
Cartilage Damage
Inflammation
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Shellfish Exoskeleton

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.