If you knew a supplement could possibly make you live longer, would you start taking it? Who wouldn’t? A recent study shows that taking Glucosamine, a popular arthritis supplement, could help lengthen lifespans.

The study is still in the early stages and has so far only been tested on laboratory mice and worms. When the supplement was given to aging mice, scientists found that it lengthened their lifespan by 10%. When it was given to the worms, they responded in a similar way.

Swiss researchers believe that their epidemiology studies also show that the supplement could do the same for humans. They conducted epidemiological studies that involved more than 77,000 participants. The studies related to medications and products that could reduce death rates and Glucosamine proved to have an effect.

Professor Michael Ristow, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, who led the new research, said,

“Unlike with our longer living mice, such an association is no definite proof of the effectiveness of glucosamine in humans, but the chances are good.”

“Since unlike with most other potentially lifespan-extending drugs there are no known relevant side effects of glucosamine supplementation, I would tend to recommend this supplement.”

The supplement can also mimic a metabolic state of a low-carb diet in the body, allowing those who take it to lose weight without eating less. Ristow even admitted to taking the supplement himself after finding out about its many benefits.

Because humans are so different from worms and rodents, more studies are needed to determine exactly how much the supplement can help lengthen lifespans and any other benefits it could have for humans.

The supplement is safe to use but can react with certain types of medications. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or medications.

Image via Wikimedia Commons