Arthiritis & Glucosamine Chondrotin

Arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by degradation of the cartilage, which covers the joint and provides cushion. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 27 million Americans. It often occurs to the joints of the hand, knee, hip, and spine but can affect any joint. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is the second most common form, is induced by systematic inflammation and generally affects multiple joints. Arthritic patients often experience pain, swelling, stiffness and functional loss of the joint.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an aminosugar found naturally in the joint. It is part of the cartilage matrix and the synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. Ranked after fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine is the second most popular natural product sold in the United States, according to the statistics from the National Institutes of Health. It is most commonly used for osteoarthritis, but its applications in other conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel syndrome have been explored. Taking glucosamine, especially in the form of glucosamine sulfate, is believed to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and improve joint function.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is often taken with glucosamine for osteoarthritis. Like glucosamine, it is one of the most used natural products: one in 10 adults reported using chondroitin in the past 30 days, based on the findings of the 2007 National Health Interview Survey. Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in the joint. It helps to absorb water and provides strength to the cartilage. It also protects the cartage from degradative enzymes. The natural chondroitin is highly sulfated so chondroitin sulfate is used in the supplements. Chondroitin is believed to provide the same benefits as glucosamine for arthritis.

Evidence for Effectiveness

Numerous studies have looked at the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for arthritic patients. Most studies suggest reduced pain and joint improvements when these supplements are used together or independently. The degree of pain relief is comparable to over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

However, the largest multi-centered trial of glucosamine and chondroitin for knee arthritis, known as the GAIT trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, failed to demonstrate significant pain reduction by either glucosamine or chondroitin, or both, when compared with the placebo. The study did find a significant improvement for those with moderate to severe arthritis when glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are taken together, suggesting the combined treatment may benefit a subgroup of arthritic patients.

Dosing

Glucosamine can be taken three times a day at 500 mg or once a day at 1,500 mg. Chondroitin is normally taken twice a day at 600 mg or three times a day at 400 mg. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are slow-acting and may take more than four months of supplementation to work. Most research is done using glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Other forms of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may not provide the same benefits.

Contraindications

Glucosamine and chondroitin are not for everyone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised not to take the supplements because of unknown safety. Diabetic patients may need to monitor the blood glucose more closely when taking glucosamine as it may increase blood glucose level. Glucosamine supplements are commonly prepared from the shells of shellfish. People allergic to shellfish should take precaution when using glucosamine. Chondroitin is contraindicated in prostate cancer patients because it can cause the spread or recurrence of the cancer.