Although there are several types of arthritis, the most common among older adults is osteoarthritis. In this disorder, wear and tear on joints causes thinning of cartilage, a cushioning substance that separates bones and helps joints move smoothly. When cartilage breaks down, bones may touch each other as they move, causing inflammation, tenderness and pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two supplements that may be taken separately or in combination to help relieve the discomfort of arthritis. Consult your doctor to discuss whether taking these compounds is appropriate for you.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound made by your body. It is found in the fluid inside your joints, where it becomes incorporated into new cartilage. Glucosamine also regulates the activity of cartilage-producing cells, stimulating them to make more cartilage. The compound also helps lubricate the surface of cartilage, making it slide more easily when you move. Finally, glucosamine may protect cartilage from damage caused by certain drugs, including steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a compound either extracted from natural sources such as shark cartilage or manufactured synthetically. Chondroitin is one of the natural building blocks that your body uses to produce new cartilage or restore existing cartilage. Although its mechanism of action is not well understood, taking chondroitin sulfate may maintain the fluid in your joints, helping them function more smoothly when you move.
The Evidence
A number of clinical trials have been conducted to determine whether taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, either individually or in combination, improves the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Although some results are inconclusive, MayoClinic.com reports that the balance of evidence suggests these supplements are beneficial and may relieve arthritis pain, especially in the knee. In a study published in 2006 in "The New England Journal of Medicine," a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin tended to improve knee pain, but only in subjects whose pain was moderate to severe. More research is still needed regarding the possible benefits of these supplements.
Recommendations and Precautions
Glucosamine and chondriotin sulfate are available either separately or in combination as standardized preparations from most pharmacies and health food stores. The usual dosing regimen is 200 to 400 mg of chondroitin and 500 mg of glucosamine, two or three times daily. Although both compounds are generally considered safe, do not take either if you have diabetes or if you take blood-thinners or other prescription drugs. Discuss their use in detail with your doctor before adding them to your regimen.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Osteoarthritis
- MayoClinic.com: Chondroitin Sulfate
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and the Two in Combination for Painful Kee Osteoarthritis; D. Clegg et al.; 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Chondroitin Sulfate
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Glucosamine
