More than 20 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oil are all popular supplements that might help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. Though they are used for a common purpose, and may have some overlapping effects, such as reduction of inflammation, swelling and pain, the supplements have unique biochemical structures and are autonomous supplemental products.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage --- a spongy yet tough tissue that separates and cushions bones within joints --- deteriorates and allows bones to rub one against the other. Made of collagen, protein and sugar, cartilage absorbs the shocks and friction created by physical movement. Because of joint stress, injury and normal wear and tear, collagen requires constant repair.
As you age, you become far more vulnerable to osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, hands, hips and spine. Symptoms including stiffness, swelling, inflammation, limited range of motion and pain. As the joints become more painful to move, people limit movement. Their muscles atrophy, and they experience muscular weakness and lowered endurance.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino sugar, a component of a carbohydrate that is used as building material for body tissues rather than as a source of energy like most carbohydrates. It is produced in the body, ingested in food you eat and used to form proteoglycans, a rope-like compound that threads through collagen tissues, holding them together and attracting water to lubricate and bring nourishment to the collagen. Glucosamine therefore assists in the maintenance and repair of damaged cartilage. Glucosamine consumed orally as a supplement might be effective at slowing the progression of osteoarthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other regimens, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and pain medications, treat symptoms and have significant side effects. Glucosamine improves pain symptoms and, for some people, might also improve the course of the illness, according to a review of research published in the March 2000 "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Chondroitin
Chondroitin, a type of sulfate, is a major constituent of cartilage. Chondroitin attracts water molecules into spaces in the cartilage. The water helps disperse nutrients throughout the cartilage and also gives the cartilage a spongy texture so it acts like a shock absorber. Chondroitin also neutralizes enzymes that can damage cartilage. As a supplement, chondroitin is often combined with glucosamine. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that research results on the effectiveness of chondroitin supplements for treatment of osteoarthritis are mixed.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains two essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which promote anti-inflammatory reactions from the immune system. Your body can't synthesize these fatty acids, so you must obtain them from food or supplements. Fish oil functions like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, but without the varied adverse side effects that typically accompany NSAID use. When taken in therapeutic dosages --- enough to provide about 2.7 g of EPA and DHA daily --- fish oil reduces pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, reports rheumatologist Leslie Cleland in the December 2005 "Arthritis Research & Therapy."
References
- "Arthritis Research & Therapy"; Fish Oil: What the Prescriber Needs to Know; Leslie Cleland, et al.; December 2005
- The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center; How Does Glucosamine and Chondroitin Work; Richard Stenlake
- "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage"; Glucosamine Sulfate Compared to Ibuprofen in Osteoarthritis of the Knee; H. Muller-Fassbender, et al.; March 1994
- "The Journal of the American Medical Association"; Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Treatment of Osteoarthritis; A Systematic Quality Assessment and Meta-Analysis; T. McAlindon, et al.; March 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chondroitin
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glucosamine
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