Your body produces glucosamine and chondroitin, which are distributed in the cells of your cartilage and other connective tissue. Various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, cause your connective tissue and cartilage to break down, reducing the cushioning between your bones and joints. Glucosamine chondroitin is a dietary supplement sold to treat arthritis conditions and other joint problems.
Adult Dosage
Glucosamine is commonly combined with chondroitin and an alternative or complementary treatment. When combined as a complementary therapy to traditional joint treatments, it may allow you to lower the dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, you take to reduce swelling and pain. The standard daily dosage for adults over 18 years of age is 500 mg of glucosamine with 200 to 400 mg of chondroitin, 2 to 3 times per day. If you are taking glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis, the recommended dosage is 500 mg three times per day of glucosamine and 200 to 400 mg three times per day of chondroitin. You can also take 1500 mg of glucosamine once per day along with 1000 to 1200 mg of chondroitin per day.
Dosage for Children
Since glucosamine chondroitin is typically used for arthritis or joint problems, not enough scientific evidence is available to recommend its use in children under the age of 18. Glucosamine is often combined with methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, in standard supplements. MSM may be linked to autism and should not taken by children, warns MayoClinic.com.
Dosage Effectiveness
Glucosamine and chondroitin are effective in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis and provide some benefits in osteoarthritis in general. Further studies are needed to assess the benefits and risks of long-term usage of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, according to Thomas E. Hyde, D.C in an article published in the April 2005 issue of "Spine Health."
Precautions
Glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements that are not strictly regulated by the FDA. The quality, ingredients and strength of dosage can vary among manufacturers. Glucosamine may increase your risk of bleeding and interact with other drugs or supplements, cautions the MayoClinic.com. Some glucosamine products are made from shrimp, crab or other shellfish. If you have an allergy to shellfish, consult with your doctor before taking glucosamine.
References
- eMedTV; Glucosamine and Chondroitin Dosage; K. Monson, PharD; October 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Glucosamine Dosing; August 2011
- Drugs.com; Chondroitin and glucosamine; December 2010
- Arthritis Today; Supplement Guide: Glucosamine;
- The Pet Arthritis Resource Center; A Guide to Glucosamine Products for Pets
- NICAM; NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study; October 2008
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