People often take dietary supplements as a way to address what ails them. Two supplements – glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – are popular among people with osteoarthritis as a remedy to relieve pain and improve functioning. Studies looking at the effects of these two supplements on osteoarthritis have been mixed, however, with some studies showing improvement in pain and functioning and others showing no improvement.
One large study evaluating the effects of the glucosamine and chondroitin on reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis found that people with moderate to severe pain did experience improvement when the supplements were used in combination. The doses used in the study were: glucosamine 1500mg (500 mg three time a day) daily, and chondroitin 1200 mg daily (400 mg three times a day). In the same study, use of the supplements individually, and in people with mild pain, did not show improvement greater than when a placebo was used.
The results of this study are considered preliminary, and further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these two supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis. While this study looked at the effects of these supplements on knee osteoarthritis, there is promising research emerging on the use of these supplements in osteoarthritis in general.
What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and How Do They Work?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural components of cartilage – the connective tissue that helps hold joints together. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage and eventually the bone of the affected joint are destroyed which leads to pain and limited functioning. The theory behind using supplemental glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is that they might help modify and improve the actual structure of cartilage, thereby strengthening the joint. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce symptoms by reducing pain, but glucosamine and chondroitin are used to improve the structure of the cartilage. Further research is needed, however, to understand the exact way in which these supplements affect joints.
The bottom line is that use of these supplements helps relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and that they might reduce the need for conventional medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs. Use of these supplements for other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, has been evaluated. But so far there isn’t enough scientific evidence to recommend their use for these conditions.
Note the Side Effects
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate might interact with other supplements or drugs and cause adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal side effects and increased risk of bleeding. The American College of Rheumatology recommends that, to ensure safety and avoid drug interactions, it is important to talk with a doctor before using these supplements – especially when used in combination with other drugs or supplements. It is also important to talk with a doctor about healthy lifestyle behavior changes, such as exercise and weight loss, that might also help improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. |
