Osteoarthritis and Supplements
Glucosamine Chondroitin Combo Relieves Symptoms of Damaged Cartilage
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 21 million Americans age 25 and over have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by deterioration of the cartilage that lines and cushions the joints and can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. While prescription medications can relieve the pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by osteoarthritis, these medications do not repair the damaged cartilage and there are serious side effects from prolonged use of these types of medications. Because of prescription medication's side effects, some osteoarthritis suffers may want to consider two dietary supplements that have been shown to provide relief.
Combining Glucosamine and Chondroitin
A study released in 2006 called the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) showed that when participants were given both glucosamine and chondroitin, the combination did not help those with mild arthritis knee pain any more than a placebo did. However, for people with moderate to severe pain, the combination helped them greatly, with approximately 80 percent of participants getting relief and reporting very few side effects. Since a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin were given to participants, it is unclear from the GAIT study if chondroitin alone has any effect on the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.
Around the same time the results of the GAIT study were released, the results of another study called The Glucosamine Unum-in-Die (Once a Day) Efficacy (GUIDE) Trial were released. The GUIDE study compared the use of glucosamine sulfate versus acetaminophen over a 24-week period. The GUIDE study results showed that the glucosamine supplement was more effective in relieving discomfort and improving mobility than acetaminophen, a popular over-the-counter pain reliever.
What is Glucosamine
Glucosamine is found naturally in the body and is needed by the body to perform the normal building up and breaking down of cartilage, stimulate the repair process of damaged cartilage, and also helps to protect the joints. Glucosamine is not found in food, so it has to be taken in supplement form. Glucosamine supplements are made from chitin, which is the processed shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. There are also vegetarian forms of glucosamine available. Glucosamine has no known side effects.
What is Chondroitin
Chondroitin is also found naturally in the body and helps protect cartilage from enzymes that can damage it, stimulates the production of new cartilage, and also fights inflammation. Chondroitin has virtually no side effects when used for short periods of time, although some people may experience mild stomach upset. There are no food sources of chondroitin, so it must be taken in supplement form as well.
Glucosamine can take anywhere from three to six weeks before offering relief, while chondroitin takes anywhere from two to four months to start working. While there are many glucosamine and chondroitin products on the market, some do not contain the amount of glucosamine and/or chondroitin stated on the bottle. To ensure safety and efficacy, it's important to choose quality supplements by a reputable manufacturer.
As always, check with a medical professional before taking glucosamine, chondroitin or any new dietary supplements.
