Medications alone may not fully control your symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks synovial tissue, the tissue that lines most of the body's joints. Flareups result in joint pain, swelling and deformity over time. Glucosamine and chondroitin is an over-the-counter supplement that may improve your symptoms when taken in addition to your medications.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring forms of sugar that are believed to help the body repair damaged joint cartilage to improve joint movement and flexibility. Although widely used, the combined supplement has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Not all supplements are formally tested for safety, and its effectiveness in improving symptoms has not been proven. A glucosamine and chondroitin supplement is taken multiple times per day for a few months. If you have diabetes, glucosamine and chondroitin may elevate your blood sugars. Because of the risks, ask your doctor if taking glucosamine and chondroitin is safe to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Effects of Rheumatoid Labs
In 2007, Nakamura and colleagues developed a study to determine the effects of glucosamine for rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty-one patients were divided into two groups. The first group took glucosamine for 12 weeks and other group took a placebo. Both groups continued prescribed medications for rheumatoid arthritis. They found that glucosamine did not affect the erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein, which are markers of inflammation or disease activity. However, MMP-3, an additional inflammatory marker, did decrease.
Effects on Tissue Lining
The journal of "Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry" reports that glucosamine and chondroitin may have a positive effect on the synovial lining of joints. In this study by Matsuno and others, 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given glucosamine and chondroitin for three months. After three months, properties of the synovial lining were assessed, including protein concentration and other molecules related to tissue health. Positive results were seen in patients with osteoarthritis, but no improvements were noted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Effects on Symptoms
Although glucosamine and chondroitin did not have significant effects on lab values or tissue properties, the patients in Nakamura's study did report an improvement in pain symptoms. If you can effectively reduce your pain in rheumatoid arthritis, you will be better able to complete your activities of daily living. Your mood, sleep and ability to cope with the disease will improve. Discuss the possibility of taking glucosamine and chondroitin with your doctor to improve your overall quality of life.
References
- "Rheumatology International"; Effects of Glucosamine Administration on Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; Nakamura et al.; 2007
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry"; Effects of an Oral Administration of Glucosamine-Chondroitin-Quercetin Glucoside on the Synovial Fluid Properties in Patients with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis; Matsuno et al.; 2009
- Drugs.com: Glucosamine and Chondroitin
