Glucosamine and chondroitin are two dietary supplements commonly used to treat arthritis symptoms, including swelling and pain. Often available as a combination supplement, glucosamine and chondroitin can be purchased over-the-counter, without a doctor's prescription. However, they may not be effective for everyone. Before taking glucosamine and chondroitin, it is important to understand how they work.
Function of Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a substance that comes from shellfish skeletons, though it can also be manufactured synthetically. It is the most commonly used arthritis supplement, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP. Glucosamine works by stimulating the cells that create cartilage in the body, meaning it can potentially repair damaged or worn cartilage in arthritic joints. While glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are the most common, the AAFP reports that most glucosamine supplements contain a combination of several types.
Function of Chondroitin
Chondroitin is another supplement commonly used by people who have arthritis. According to the AAFP, chondroitin may have a pain-relieving effect, and can potentially slow the progressive joint degeneration caused by arthritis. Spine Health adds that chondroitin can also act and an anti-inflammatory, reducing joint swelling and pain. While it is effective on its own, it is most often combined with other supplements. In addition, the AAFP suggests chondroitin is best used as a supplement to other arthritis medications.
Considerations
Many people are familiar with glucosamine and chondroitin as a single supplement, as they are often sold as a combination supplement. Studies from AAFP's review of both of these supplements' effects were varied: some found little difference between glucosamine on its own and the combination supplement, while others found that glucosamine and chondroitin were more effective when taken together.
Effects on Arthritis Pain
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are most useful for people with moderate to severe arthritis pain. In 2006, a study called the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Trial thoroughly researched the two supplements, finding that the combination was not as effective for people with milder forms of the disease. However, this does not mean that glucosamine and chondroitin cannot be used by people with less than moderate arthritis pain. Spine Health suggests that many people benefit from using glucosamine not as the sole treatment for their arthritis pain, but as an additional treatment.
Supplement Safety
While the AAFP reports that both glucosamine and chondroitin are just as safe as many other arthritis medications, they do have a few warnings for those taking it for the first time. First, they may interact with blood thinning medications. Additionally, both come from animal sources, meaning they can potentially trigger allergies or carry disease. However, the AAFP reports that no cases of either have been reported to date. Anyone interested in taking glucosamine chondroitin for pain relief should first discuss its use with their doctor, who can help weigh their potential benefits versus any possible complications.
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