Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative disease that often affects the elderly. While prescription or over-the-counter pain medications can help to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, they do not help in slowing the degenerative process. Glucosamine sulfate is a nutritional supplement that has been studied and promoted for the maintenance of healthy joints. Although recent findings have yielded conflicting clinical results, glucosamine remains widely available as an over-the-counter supplement for joint health.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is characterized by a slow deterioration of joint cartilage and loss of synovial fluid. Although osteoarthritis can affect many joints, it is most commonly found in the hip and knee. The loss of joint cartilage can cause patients to experience symptoms including severe pain, inflammation and loss of mobility. Unfortunately, treatment with medications typically only involves symptom management. This has led to interest in glucosamine as a potential treatment to slow deterioration of joint cartilage.
How Glucosamine Sulfate Works
Glucosamine sulfate is a precursor of glycosaminoglycans, a major component of synovial fluid and the cartilage matrix. Research has also yielded speculation that glucosamine sulfate may promote proliferation of chondrocytes, cells responsible for synthesizing joint cartilage and may also inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage. According to MayoClinic.com, the appropriate dose of glucosamine chondroitin is 1,500 mg per day, as a single dose or split into multiple dosing times.
Glucosamine Evidence
Multiple clinical studies had previously yielded data that supported the use of glucosamine and chondroitin in slowing the rate of joint-cartilage deterioration. However, the National Institutes of Health published a study in 2006 that examined the effects of glucosamine in patients with osteoarthritis. The Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, followed patients for four years and found that there was no difference in joint-cartilage loss or pain in patients taking glucosamine and chondroitin versus patients taking a placebo. Further clinical trials are needed to determine of glucosamine has benefits for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine Safety Considerations
Glucosamine sulfate may cause an allergic reaction in patients who are allergic to shellfish. In addition, there have been reported cases of kidney inflammation in patients taking glucosamine supplements. Since glucosamine sulfate is classified as natural supplements, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not regulate them as strictly as prescription medications. As a result, some products on the market may lack potency or contain impurities. Since glucosamine sulfate can also exacerbate bleeding disorders, patients taking medications that can increase the risk of bleeding should consult a physician before use. Patients should speak to a physician with concerns regarding osteoarthritis and also prior to using glucosamine supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Glucosamine
- "Journal of Pain and Palliatative Care Pharmacotherapy"; The NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT); National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Jan. 2008
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplementation to Treat Symptomatic Disc Degeneration: Biochemical Rationale and Case Report; Blitterswijk Wim J, van de Nes Jos CM, Wuisman Paul IJM; Jun. 2003
- Arthritis Disease Center: Osteoarthritis
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