Arthritis has become so common in the United States that it is considered a normal condition related to aging. Osteoarthritis is the "wear and rear" type and the most prevalent, affecting nearly 30 million Americans. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly prescribed for arthritic pain, although they cause many negative side effects. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are natural alternatives that are meant to reduce arthritic pain and slow its progression with far fewer side effects.
Glucosamine
Within animals, glucosamine is synthesized by specialized cells in joint capsules called chondrocytes and then used to produce glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are combined with collagen to form cartilage and connective tissue. Cartilage acts as a "shock absorber" for weight-bearing joints. Glucosamine and its derivatives also promote viscosity within joints, which provides lubrication and deters friction and tissue damage. Glucosamine supplements come in many forms, although the sulfate type is the most common and most studied. Many human and animal studies have found that glucosamine sulfate is most effective for treating mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, especially of large joints such as the knee and hip, as cited in "Human Biochemistry and Disease." Benefits include reduced pain and inflammation and improved joint mobility.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is also a natural ingredient of cartilage. The main property of chondroitin is that it absorbs water and keeps cartilage hydrated and spongy. Another role may be to deactivate certain enzymes that can erode cartilage, which leads to fissuring and loss of elasticity. Chondroitin sulfate is the most common form, and many studies indicate that it is also effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, including less pain and joint stiffness, and a reduced rate of cartilage erosion, which is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. Chondroitin can be taken by itself, but it is often combined with glucosamine in tablets, capsules or liquid supplements. Further studies have shown that there doesn't seem to be a synergistic effect if the two are taken together.
MSM
MSM, or methylsulphonylmethane, is the source of most organic sulfur in the body. Properties of MSM include stimulating cell walls to become permeable and enabling toxins, free radicals and unwanted material to be efficiently flushed out, blocking parasites from attaching to the mucous membranes of the lungs and digestive system, and anti-inflammatory effects in damaged tissue, as cited in "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition." It is the effects on inflammation that have lead to MSM being added to glucosamine supplements for use against arthritis. Glucosamine with MSM may be more effective at reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which entails more inflammation and disfiguring within joints. Furthermore, although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions is unknown, it may be triggered by toxins within joints that MSM can help flush out.
Combining Supplements
The recommended dosage of glucosamine sulfate is 1,500 mg daily divided into three doses, whereas 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulfate is recommended, also divided into three doses. The recommendation for MSM is up to 2,000 mg per dose three times daily. Combining glucosamine with either chondroitin or MSM in supplements may result in getting less-than-optimum amounts of each or too much of one. Glucosamine sulfate is usually derived from the exoskeletons of shellfish, which might cause serious allergic reactions. By contrast, both chondroitin and MSM have no known toxicity issues. Some supplements contain all three compounds together, although their interactions have not yet been studied.
References
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- "Nutritional Sciences"; Michelle McGuire; 2007
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