Individuals turn to joint supplements as organic substances to reduce symptoms of deterioration of joints in the body or osteoarthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wear on the joints causes the cartilage that pads the surface of the joints to wear out and the bone surfaces to rub together, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. Major joints affected include knees, hips, hands and the lower and upper back. Joint supplements contain a variety of ingredients.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine precedes the formation of a particle called glycosaminoglycan. The glycosaminoglycan constructs and repairs cartilage in joints in the body. A number of research studies, reported in the 2009 issue of Health Technology Assessment, document that a dosage of 4500 mg per day provides enough glucosamine to reduce arthritis symptoms. Since glucosamine comes from shellfish, individuals with allergies to seafood or seaweed should avoid consuming this product. Allergies appear to be the only adverse effects from glucosamine.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin happens to be the most abundant supply of glycosaminoglycan in the body. Chondroitin provides resiliency to the cartilage, which is the ability of the cartilage to bounce back after movement. In the review by Leeb and colleagues in the Journal of Rheumatology in January 2000, chondroitin proved to be a safe and effective treatment of osteoarthritis. The review supports the use of 1200 mg of chondroitin per day to produce a structure-modifying effect.
Hyaluronic Acid
The synovial fluid in joints contains hyaluronic acid. As with glucosamine and chondroitin, glycosaminoglycan contains hyaluronic acid. This acid lubricates the joint, and the cartilage and bone float in the fluid. The substance increases the viscosity or thickness of the fluid. An April 2006 article in Cochrane Database Systems Review indicates that hyaluronic acid injections into the joint reduce joint pain. The investigators Kalman et al., in the January 2008 issue of Nutrition Journal, presented a study showing the positive effect of oral hyaluronic acid at a dosage of 80 mg per day.
Methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, appears as an ingredient in some joint supplements. This substance, present in some fruits, tomatoes, corn, tea, coffee and milk, comes from algae or seaweed. The supplement comes in 500-mg tablets for administration three times a day. The researchers Kim et al., in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in March 2006, report that the main action of MSM comes from the anti-inflammatory effects.
Tips on Using Supplements
The Food and Drug Administration advises consumers to check with their doctor before starting supplements to ensure underlying diseases or other drugs react positively with supplement intake. Consumers might consider checking the research claims and even contacting the manufacturer to substantiate the claims on a product.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis.
- "Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews": Viscosupplementation for treatment of Osteoarthritis.
- "Health Technology Assessment": The Clinical Effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
- "Journal of Rheumatology": A Meta-analysis of Chondroitin Sulfate in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis.
- "Nutrition Journal": Effect of a Natural Extract of Chicken Combs.
