Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that glucosamine chondroitin may provide relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis and other chronic health conditions. This degenerative joint disease affects about 27 million Americans, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The pain associated with this condition affects the quality of life, making a treatment like glucosamine chondroitin sound promising. However, the research is mixed, and not all uses have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reduced Osteoarthritis Pain
While its effects have been widely studied in Europe, the Glucosamine-Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the first large-scale U.S. study. The study found that those with moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain received the greatest benefit from glucosamine chondroitin supplementation. Those with mild pain experienced no significant pain relief.
Improved Mobility
The effects of glucosamine chondroitin are not limited to humans. This supplement is prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of joint stiffness in dogs and cats. A 2010 study published in the "Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine" found that glucosamine chondroitin supplementation significantly improved the mobility of cats with feline degenerative joint disease. This disease, like osteoarthritis in humans, causes the breakdown of cartilage and is associated with age or injury to the joints.
Reduced Joint Swelling
A 2008 study published in the journal, "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage," found that these supplements significantly improved knee swelling in the study participants. While the evidence is unclear regarding its role to reverse osteoarthritis, glucosamine chondroitin does appear to offer ways to treat the symptoms of this painful condition.
Osteoarthritis sufferers may depend upon aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat their symptoms. However, concerns exist because of possible effects on gastrointestinal system. Glucosamine chondroitin may provide relief without these additional health concerns.
Antibacterial Activity
Another effect of glucosamine chondroitin may have applications in the food industry. A 2009 study in the journal, "Clinical Rheumatology," found that glucosamine chondroitin showed antibacterial activity against E. coli, a bacterial disease caused by eating undercooked meat or contaminated water, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. However, while glucosamine chondroitin was effective for bacteria, it had no effect on fungus.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Taking glucosamine chondroitin can cause some unwanted side effects. Gastrointestinal upset may occur in sensitive individuals, warns the Drugsite Trust. Both glucosamine and chondroitin contain sugars; Diabetics should consult a physician before taking these supplements.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Questions and Answers: NIH Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study
- "Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine"; Evaluation of a Therapeutic Diet for Feline Degenerative Joint Disease; B. Lascelles et al; May 2010
- "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage"; Potential Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate on Joint Swelling: A GAIT Report; M. Hochberg and D. Clegg; September 2008
- "Clinical Rheumatology"; Glucosamine Sulfate--Environmental Antibacterial Activity;A. Rozin; October 2009
- American Academy of Family Physicians: E. coli Infection
Member Comments