Glucosamine and chondroitin are a natural part of the cartilage that helps cushion your bones and joints. Your body produces both substances naturally, but some people take extra glucosamine and chondroitin to treat arthritis symptoms. There are many different kinds of arthritis, so you must know what types of arthritis glucosamine and chondroitin treat before considering these popular supplements. As always, check with your doctor before taking any new supplements.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine occurs naturally in different parts of nature. There are different kinds of glucosamine, but most supplements come from the shells of shellfish and other sea creatures. For vegetarians and people with seafood allergies, synthetic glucosamine supplements are available. Glucosamine is sometimes combined with other products, such as chondroitin, to achieve a more therapeutic effect. Chondroitin increases the elasticity of damaged cartilage and may help prevent further damage by protecting the joint capsule. In addition, combining glucosamine and chondroitin may help increase protective enzymes that help rebuild joint cartilage, resulting in less pain and inflammation.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in America and a leading cause of physical disability. Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis, affecting 27 million people in the United States as of 2011. Oftentimes, osteoarthritis occurs because of wear and tear on the joints due to aging. Cartilage that normally absorbs shock during movement becomes damaged, resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness. In 2010, a promising study known as GAIT was performed at several universities across the United States. Results confirmed that glucosamine and chondroitin provide symptomatic relief equal to some prescription arthritis drugs. More research is needed, but current research shows that glucosamine and chondroitin help ease the symptoms of arthritis in some people.
Other Types
There are many kinds of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common. Like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, also causes pain, stiffness and swelling. However, RA is caused by an immune system malfunction that causes the body to attack its own connective tissues. Surprisingly, results from a 2007 Japanese study showed that glucosamine may also help the pain and stiffness of RA. Glucosamine and chondroitin may also help other kinds of arthritis. According to MedlinePlus, glucosamine supplements may be beneficial for arthritis of the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that keeps your jaw in alignment. Research is ongoing, so talk to your doctor about available arthritis treatments.
Precautions
Although glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances, they still contain compounds that can trigger adverse reactions. For example, people who are allergic to seafood or shellfish should not take glucosamine without a physician's direction. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can also cause elevated blood sugars in some people, which can be dangerous for diabetics. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should also avoid glucosamine supplements unless otherwise directed by a physician, because glucosamine may increase the effect of these medications. As always, discuss new supplements with your physician.
References
- MedlinePlus; Glucosamine sulfate; January 2011
- PubMed Health; Osteoarthritis; David C. Dugdale III, M.D.; October 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: NIH Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study; October 2008
- "Rheumatology International"; Effects of Glucosamine Administration on Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; January 2007
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT); June 2010
