Glucosamine is an over-the-counter supplement often used to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. With claims of decreasing pain and repairing joint damage, it is easy to understand why so many people turn to glucosamine supplements. However, its effectiveness has been variable. Despite this, it remains one of the most commonly used arthritis supplements today.
Effects of Glucosamine
There are several forms of glucosamine, but the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, reports that the two most common types are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine supplements often contain a combination of glucosamine types, and may also contain other ingredients. These commonly include chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane, also called MSM. Glucosamine works in a few different ways. Because it can stimulate the cells that produce cartilage, it may help repair joint damage caused by arthritis. In addition, it can reduce pain and inflammation. The AAFP reports that glucosamine is the most commonly used arthritis supplement on the market, and one of the most thoroughly researched.
Glucosamine and Cartilage
Glucosamine has the potential to repair cartilage damage, a common side effect of osteoarthritis, or OA. Cartilage lines the surfaces inside the joint, helping reduce friction. Worn cartilage can cause pain, and can limit joint mobility. Because glucosamine may stimulate cartilage-producing cells, it can potentially help the large joints in the body repair the damage caused by OA. According to the AAFP, glucosamine also has the potential to slow the natural progression of osteoarthritis.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Glucosamine also has anti-inflammatory effects, or the ability to reduce pain and swelling in and around arthritic joints. While the AAFP reports that some of its reviewed studies showed variable effects, most of their research supported the use of glucosamine for osteoarthritis pain relief. In addition, Arthritis Today reports that glucosamine can be as effective as some anti-inflammatory medications commonly used for OA. These include such NSAIDs as ibuprofen and naproxen. However, they caution that glucosamine may take longer to be fully effective.
Glucosamine and Other Supplements
While most of the research on glucosamine's effectiveness has involved glucosamine sulfate, it is often manufactured in combination with other supplements. These include other types of glucosamine, as well as the popular supplement chondroitin. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, glucosamine combined with chondroitin shows more promise for people with moderate to severe osteoarthritis than glucosamine used on its own.
Glucosamine Warnings
Even though glucosamine is available without a doctor's prescription, it can still cause side effects. According to the AAFP, its side effects are comparable to those of other pain-relieving OA medications. However, people who are taking blood thinners should take caution when it comes to glucosamine, as the two can interact. In addition, people wishing to add glucosamine to their osteoarthritis treatment regimen should first talk to their doctors.
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