Glucosamine is not just a dietary supplement that helps arthritis and joint health.  A recent study released Tuesday in Nature Communications suggests it may also be able to extend human lifespan by 10%, when regularly consumed.

The 10%-extended lifespan was observed in aging or old mice.  In round worms, the lifespan was extended by 5%.  It remains unknown whether glucosamine can really help humans.

Scientist from Germany and Switzerland found that glucosamine extends the lifespan by mimicking a low-carb diet.  Specifically, glucosamine was found to help the breaking-down of fatty acids and amino acids. 

This life-extending effect was not seen in animals when they were given antioxidants, which were thought to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals like reactive oxygen species or ROS, which would otherwise contribute to aging.

The study suggests that free radicals may actually play a positive role in longevity. Or the evidence of the study also suggests that it may be questionable that free radicals contribute to aging.

Calorie restriction has also been found to have a life-extending effect.