Glucosamine and chondroitin are two supplements which are often used in conjunction by those who seek relief from arthritis. They are also popular among people who want to promote general joint health throughout their lives but do not necessarily suffer from arthritis. Side effects such as increased cholesterol readings among those who begin using these supplements have recently been reported.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance that is part of the composition of cartilage and synovial fluid. Use of glucosamine can help reduce reliance on anti-inflammatory agents. The European Glucosamine Unum-in-Die, or GUIDE, trial demonstrated that glucosamine alone can reduce osteoarthitis pain more effectively than acetaminophen. The Glucosamine/Chondritin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, determined that glucosamine either alone or with chondroitin is effective in reducing pain in moderate to severe cases of osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is also a compound that occurs naturally in healthy cartilage. Within cartilage, chondroitin absorbs fluid into the connective tissue. It also serves to block enzymes that encourage the body to break down cartilage. Chondroitin is typically used in conjunction with glucosamine with the desired effect of slowing or even reversing the loss of cartilage that occurs in osteoarthritis. However, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, a 2006 study, "showed conflicting and somewhat confusing results." Overall, supplementation did not appear to have a great effect, "although it did appear to lessen pain among those with moderate-to-severe OA of the knee."
Known Side Effects
Glucosamine and chondroitin, when administered together, have been found to have several side effects. The most commonly cited effects are heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. If you are diabetic, glucosamine may increase your blood glucose and may require you to monitor your blood sugar more often. Hives, difficulty breathing, and any swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or face may be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Effects on Cholesterol Levels
There have been several incidents in which supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin have been suggested as responsible for a sudden increase in cholesterol. Most of these accounts have been anecdotal, outside of controlled clinical studies. A January 2001 issue of Dynamic Chiropractic addressed and dismissed such concerns. A similar concern was raised in a 2008 column of The People's Pharmacy, with the response that "Several small studies have not shown any association between glucosamine and chondroitin and elevations in cholesterol. We have heard from many readers like you who noticed an increase while taking such supplements, however."
The FDA Position on Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Ultimately, the FDA has concluded that "a relationship between glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and a reduced risk of OA is not established." That is to say, using glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce your chances of developing osteoarthritis has not been proven to be effective. The combined supplements' efficacy in reducing the pain of existing oasteoarthritis, however, has been demonstrated. The FDA has made no statements upon the possible link between supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin and cholesterol.
References
- Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center: GAIT and GUIDE Study Results
- MayoClinic.com: Glucosamine
- altMD: Natural Arthritis Prevention
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chondroitin
- Drugs.com: Chondroitin and Glucosamine
- Dynamic Chiropractic: Commonly Asked Questions of 2000 - Glucosamine and Chondroitin
