Glucosamine is an amino sugar that the body produces and distributes in cartilage and other connective tissue. Chondroitin sulfate is a natural complex carbohydrate found in and around the cells of cartilage that helps retain water. According to the MayoClinic.com, clinical research studies have found that, together, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can treat people with osteoarthritis by improving symptoms, potentially reserving or stopping the degenerative process associated with osteoarthritis. However, additional research needs to be conducted to confirm these findings and to obtain a proper dosing regimen for the combined supplements.
Dosing
People taking glucosamine alone should take 1,500mg daily, given as 500mg three times a day. Chondroitin sulfate should be taken three times daily at 400mg increments to total 1,200mg per day. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate combined doses are the same as when they're taken alone, 1,500mg of glucosamine and 1,200mg of chondroitin daily. These recommended dosing amounts are based on prevailing scientific literature; you should consult a health care provider before you begin a new medication regimen.
Evidence
Medical experts support the use of chondroitin sulfate and its common partner agent, glucosamine, for improving symptoms and potentially stopping the degenerative process of osteoarthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons agrees, stating that recent evidence shows these nutritional supplements relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and have anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, tested the six-month effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. GAIT found that participants who took combined glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements for moderate-to-severe pain had statistically significant pain relief when compared to the placebo group, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Side Effects
Glucosamine has been documented in clinical research studies as being generally well tolerated for 30 to 90 days, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, side effects have included upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, sun sensitivity, and nail toughening.
Chondroitin sulfate appears to be well tolerated up to three years; however adverse side effects have been reported. Chondroitin sulfate may cause headache, motor uneasiness, euphoria, hives, rash, photosensitivity, hair loss, breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal pain, and increased risk of bleeding.
Warnings
People with shellfish allergies should avoid taking glucosamine supplements, as they're manufactured and produced from shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Some researchers suggest that glucosamine supplements do not contain enough shrimp allergen to trigger allergic reactions, but caution is still warranted.
The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may cause temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as palpitations. There have also been reported cases of asthma exacerbations from glucosamine and chondroitin products.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Glucosamine; Nov.5, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Chrondroitin Sulfate; April 1, 2011
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Question and Answers: Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthitis Intervention Trial Primary Study
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate
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