Chondroitin and glucosamine work together to build strength and relieve swelling in your joints. Both supplements are available over the counter in capsule, liquid or tablet form. Chondroitin is derived from either shark cartilage or the cartilage in the windpipe of cattle or pigs. Glucosamine is made from ground shrimp and crab shells. Because these supplements originate from natural animal sources, they have been shown to have positive effects in your body. Consult your physician to see whether chondroitin and glucosamine supplementation is right for you.
Reduce Swelling and Inflammation
Don't exceed more than 1,200mg chondroitin and 1,500mg glucosamine per day. Do not take the entire dosage at once. Take one pill two to three times per day, depending on the dosage. Chondroitin and glucosamine have anti-inflammatory effects in your body. Adding these supplements to your diet can reduce chronic swelling and inflammation, the Pain Clinic says.
Study Result
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine gives details about a study conducted in 2002 in which the subjects' pain levels were improved from chondroitin and glucosamine supplementation. You may experience a reduction in moderate to severe pain when you add these supplements to your diet.
Build Cartilage
Chondroitin and glucosamine are derived from natural cartilage found in animals. The Pain Clinic reports that each of these supplements are part of a complex polysaccharide group called glycosaminoglycans or GACs. The cartilage in your body also contains GACs. Your body utilizes some of the GACs from chondroitin and glucosamine supplementation to help strengthen and build cartilage in your joints.
Heal Injuries
Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend chondroitin and glucosamine supplements if you're recovering from an injury to a bone, ligament, tendon or joint. Knee surgery patients may see the most benefits from these supplements, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chondroitin and glucosamine are often provided to athletes who are recovering from an injury or who recently had surgery. Adding these supplements to your diet may help increase flexibility in your joints and lessen your time in physical therapy.
Digestive Health
The Mayo Clinic reports that early studies have shown glucosamine can be an additional therapy for bowel diseases. If you suffer from and inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, you may benefit from glucosamine supplementation. Adding chondroitin supplements to your diet may help your overactive bladder. In addition to this, chondroitin is believed to relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammation of the bladder.
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