Cartilage is a connective tissue that connects and cushions your joints. Glucosamine is a natural compound made up of sugar chains that plays a major role in building healthy cartilage. Chondroitin, a sugar protein, is another major component of healthy cartilage. Chondroitin helps keep cartilage healthy by absorbing water into the cartilage and blocking enzymes that could break the cartilage down. Scientific studies propose that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may be effective in treating osteoarthritis.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage over a prolonged period of time. Eventually, those with osteoarthritis experience a loss of cartilage in certain areas. Without the cushion and protection of cartilage, those with osteoarthritis experience severe pain in the joints. Studies published in the "Journal of International Medical Research" and the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis, relieve joint swelling and stiffness and improve function in hip and knee joints.
A separate study published in the "Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy" found that while glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may be helpful for moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee, they are not significantly beneficial for other types of osteoarthritis.
Considerations
Most of the studies done on the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin have found that the supplements must be used for at least two to four months before any significant improvement can be seen. After you stop taking the supplements, improvement will generally last for at least three months, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dosage
Glucosamine is available as glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that glucosamine hydrochloride is the most readily absorbed form of the supplement. The general dosage recommendation for adults is 500mg three times a day or 1,500mg once per day for 30 to 90 days.
Chondroitin is usually sold as chondroitin sulfate. The general dosage recommendation for the treatment of osteoarthritis is 400mg three times per day or 600mg two times per day.
Precautions
Glucosamine supplements are usually made from cow cartilage. If you are a vegetarian, there are supplements available that are made from algae. Chondroitin supplements are usually made from chitin, which is a compound found in the hard outer shell of shellfish, such as lobster, shrimp and crabs. If you are allergic to shellfish, it is important that you check labels and make sure that you find a supplement that is not made from chitin.
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