Glucosamine and chondroitin are dietary supplements that have the potential to decrease pain for people with arthritis, among other disorders. Because of their healing effects on tissues in the joint, they are some of the most commonly used arthritis supplements available. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular; however, they may not be effective for everyone.
What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are dietary supplements. Because they are not medications, their use is not regulated by the FDA. Still, they are two of the most researched dietary supplements marketed for arthritis pain. Glucosamine comes from shellfish, though it can also be manufactured artificially. Chondroitin comes from animal cartilage. While both have been studied alone for their effectiveness on arthritis joint structure and pain, they are commonly sold as a combination supplement. In addition to arthritis, the Mayo Clinic website reports that the two may also be helpful for other types of pain, including degenerative disk disease and temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.
Joint Repair Effects
Both glucosamine and chondroitin have the ability to repair joint damage caused by arthritis and other degenerative diseases. When a person has a degenerative condition like arthritis, the joint's protective surfaces, called cartilage, often wear away or are damaged in some way. Glucosamine and chondroitin can stimulate cartilage cells to produce more cartilage tissue, which can help repair joint damage and slow down the progression of the disease.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Both glucosamine and chondroitin act as anti-inflammatory agents, and have the potential to decrease joint swelling like NSAIDs. In fact, glucosamine has been compared to NSAIDs for its pain control effects. As joint swelling diminishes, the joint becomes less crowded and irritated. In addition to improving joint mobility, this anti-inflammatory effect also provides pain relief.
Do They Work?
For some people, yes. No medication or supplement is 100 percent effective, but glucosamine and chondroitin have shown much promise when it comes to treating arthritis pain. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that the two are most effective at treating moderate to severe arthritis pain; however, MayoClinic.com reports that glucosamine has also been proven to benefit people with mild to moderate arthritis pain of the knees. As far as its effect overall on mild arthritis pain, there has been little difference between it and a placebo. The Mayo Clinic site also reports that glucosamine can reduce other types of pain, such as that caused by TMJ or fibromyalgia; however, this is based primarily on theory.
Supplementing Safely
While the AAFP reports that both glucosamine and chondroitin are generally safe, they can interact with blood thinners and should be used cautiously by those who take them. In addition, MayoClinic.com warns that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and therefore their contents and effectiveness are not guaranteed. Before taking any dietary supplement, you should first talk to your doctor.
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