Fixit: Glucosamine may have side effects

Q I take glucosamine for my joints. I heard that diabetes is a risk with glucosamine. Is that true?

A Ask your doctor or health care provider. Glucosamine is considered a supplement, and isn't regulated like conventional medications.

According to Mayoclinic .com, in most human studies glucosamine sulfate has been well tolerated for 30 to 90 days. Possible side effects include upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, sun sensitivity and nail toughening. Based on several human cases, temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as palpitations, may occur in those taking glucosamine/chondroitin products. Based on animal research, glucosamine theoretically may increase the risk for formation of cataracts.

It remains unclear if glucosamine alters blood sugar levels. Several human studies suggest that glucosamine taken by mouth has no effects on blood sugar, while other research reports mixed effects on insulin. When glucosamine is injected, it appears to cause insulin resistance. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia and in those taking drugs, herbs or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a health care provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Because glucosamine can be made from the shells of shrimp, crab and other shellfish, people with shellfish allergy or iodine hypersensitivity may have an allergic reaction to glucosamine products. However, some research suggests that there is not enough shrimp allergen in glucosamine supplements to trigger reactions in patients who are allergic to shrimp. Nevertheless, caution is warranted. A serious hypersensitivity reaction, including throat swelling, has been reported with glucosamine sulfate. There are reported cases suggesting that glucosamine/chondroitin products exacerbate asthma.

Get a rise out of it Q When a recipe calls for both baking powder and soda, what is the main purpose of each of these ingredients?

A Both baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that cause batters to rise when baked. The leavener enlarges the bubbles that are created in the batter when ingredients are creamed. When a recipe contains baking powder and baking soda, the baking powder does most of the leavening. The baking soda is added to neutralize the acids in the recipe, increase tenderness and provide some leavening.

When using baking powder or baking soda in a recipe, make sure to sift or whisk them together with the other dry ingredients before adding to the batter. Otherwise, they can create pockets in the baked goods, leaving large holes.

From Joy of Baking

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears every day except Friday.