This raises the possibility that taking glucosamine and chondroitin might make your joints feel worse than doing nothing. Does this spell the end of people taking glucosamine, chondroitin, or both? While the evidence of benefit is certainly not compelling, some studies have found that these supplements provide modest benefit and people who feel it is helping them may not care so much about individual studies.
Even if a treatment is not effective on average, there may be folks who, for whatever reason, get real relief from it. And, even if the benefit is from the placebo effect, the benefit is real and that is hard to give up on.
In general, glucosamine and chondroitin are thought to be safe. However, as with any medication, there are potential risks.
In this latest trial, people taking the glucosamine-chondroitin combination reported diarrhea and abdominal pain more often than those taking the placebo did.
While study results are mixed, glucosamine sulfate might be worth a try. When taken in appropriate amounts, glucosamine sulfate appears to be safe. Oral use of glucosamine sulfate can cause:. Because glucosamine products might be derived from the shells of shellfish, there is concern that the supplement could cause an allergic reaction in people with shellfish allergies. There's some concern that glucosamine might raise eye pressure.
If you have glaucoma, talk to your doctor before taking glucosamine supplements. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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The information provided in this brochure does not replace the advice and guidance given by your doctor. If you have any questions about this supplement, please ask your physician. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are naturally occurring substances found in the connective tissues of the body, including the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints.
Glucosamine sulfate functions are the primary building block for proteoglycans, large molecules in cartilage that give it viscoelastic buffering properties.
When taken orally, glucosamine sulfate is absorbed readily into the system and can be traced to cartilage as soon as four hours after consumption. Similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine sulfate has been shown to have unique anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, in some laboratory tests, the glucosamine supplement demonstrated a protective effect on the cartilage as well. These studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate may inhibit the breakdown of cartilage associated with osteoarthritis and may have the potential to help build-up cartilage. Glucosamine hydrochloride, another form of glucosamine, is available as a nutritional supplement and is considered to be as effective as the sulfate form although there are fewer completed studies to review.
This hydrochloride form of glucosamine is more available for absorption into the body; therefore, a smaller dose delivers an equivalent amount in the system. Chondroitin sulfate is a larger molecule also found in cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate has been studied much less extensively, but early results show that it also seems to work as an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain. Some laboratory studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may slow cartilage breakdown associated with osteoarthritis and even stimulate cartilage growth.
Many patients who suffer from osteoarthritis may benefit from the positive effects of taking this supplement. The painful symptoms of osteoarthritis may appear when cartilage becomes worn, and exposed bones begin to rub together.
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