Glucosamine is derived from shellfish, while chondroitin is made from bovine or shark cartilage, and both natural substances are most often used to help treat joint problems like osteoarthritis. You'll likely find that glucosamine and chondroitin are frequently packaged together in supplements. Before you take chondroitin and glucosamine, consult your doctor to discuss the potential health risks and proper dosage.
Relieves Joint Pain
Glucosamine and chondroitin are primarily used for reducing joint pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis, states the University of Michigan Health System. The supplements may also ease joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in the hips or knees, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Taking glucosamine and chondroitin together relieved knee pain in a 2006 study reported in the "New England Journal of Medicine." Glucosamine taken alone could be equally effective as taking ibuprofen at easing pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a 2001 study reported in the "Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics." Likewise, a 1998 study published in "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" discovered that taking chondroitin sulfate alone reduced knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Talk to your doctor before taking glucosamine and chondroitin for joint pain, because you might need to reduce your dosage of pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Rebuilds Cartilage
Taking glucosamine and chondroitin may also help to rebuild cartilage in your joints, further helping to treat joint conditions like osteoarthritis. An extensive clinical trial published in "Arthritis & Rheumatism" in 2008 found that taking glucosamine and chondroitin either together or singularly helped to prevent cartilage loss in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because glucosamine is made from the shells of aquatic animals, you shouldn't take the supplement if you're allergic to shellfish, warns the University of Michigan Health System. To help treat osteoarthritis or restore joint cartilage, 500 mg of glucosamine alone or with chondroitin can be taken three times per day, states the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Before taking these supplements, ask your physician about the dosage that's right for you.
Treats Bladder and Cardiovascular Conditions
Taking 400 mg three times daily of chondroitin alone or with glucosamine may relieve your overactive-bladder symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Irrigation of the bladder with chondroitin may also ease interstitial cystitis symptoms. Chondroitin is sometimes also recommended for reducing high cholesterol and treating or preventing atherosclerosis, but medical research supporting these uses is minimal. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, two Japanese studies in 1970 and 1979 did find that taking chondroitin sulfate appeared to treat atherosclerosis. Also, a study found that chondroitin could relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis, according to a 2006 publication of "Issues in Emerging Health Technologies."
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