Food sources of glucosamine are quite limited, and in fact, there are very few natural food sources that contain significant amounts of it. The primary source is the shells of shellfish, including shrimp, lobster, and crabs. These shells are rich in glucosamine, which is a compound found in the cartilage of animals. However, glucosamine is not typically found in high quantities in the meat or flesh of these shellfish, but rather in their exoskeletons. To obtain glucosamine for supplements, manufacturers harvest these shells and extract the compound to create the synthetic version used in over-the-counter products. Since glucosamine is not commonly found in plant-based foods or other animal products, most people who wish to increase their glucosamine intake typically turn to supplements rather than relying on food alone.
