Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplements

Glucosamine chondroitin supplements have been used in the past and is being used for treatment of osteoarthritis. About 27 million people in the United States itself live with osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative condition associated with severe pain, joint debilitation and limited mobility. This wear and tear disease involves degeneration of joint cartilage and formation of bone spurs within various joints. The smooth cartilage surfaces begin to wear out. Different factors conducing to this condition are obesity, trauma to joints and repeated occupational usage. Then again, people above the age of 60 also develop this widespread type of arthritis. Glucosamine chondroitin sulfate supplements have been widely touted for their osteoarthritis healing properties. But how can these supplements help treat osteoarthritis?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are produced naturally in the body and together make up the type of cartilage present in our joints. Glucosamine is an amino sugar, found in the body in the form of glucosamine sulfate, whose primary function is to promote formation and repair of cartilage tissue. Chondroitin sulfate, on the other hand is a complex carbohydrate (important structural component of cartilage) that promotes water retention, thereby maintaining elasticity in the cartilage cells. It also prevents enzymes from breaking down the cartilage.

As a person gets older, the body loses its capacity to produce adequate amounts of glucosamine. This deficiency of glucosamine in the body conduces to cartilage destruction and deterioration, thereby, ultimately leading to osteoarthritis. Thus, glucosamine supplementation is required. Glucosamine supplements are obtained from shellfish shells. Chondroitin, available in the form of chondroitin sulfate supplements is obtained from cow, shark, and beef cartilage.

People with osteoarthritis are seen to take these supplements to alleviate the pain and as an alternative to pain killers. Apparently, glucosamine chondroitin repairs damaged cartilage, alleviates inflammation and eventually bring relief from joint pain. Some research even revealed that taking these dietary supplements will help increase the quantity of cartilage-building blocks within any joint.

Then came another breakthrough with regards to osteoarthritis treatment. Research revealed that by adding MSM, an anti-inflammatory agent to the glucosamine chondroitin sulfate mixture, people with inflammatory diseases showed much more positive results. Thus, came along another variation in these supplements; glucosamine chondroitin MSM supplements.

The Supplement's Effectiveness

Both, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are considered to be supplements to treat osteoarthritis by the medical industry. They were recommended by doctors to relieve pain caused in mild osteoarthritis, however, there is no scientific evidence that these supplements alleviate joint pain. They are also touted for their benefits in healing skin problems, asthma and bursitis. Check the reviews for different brands, because some provide very little amount of chondroitin in them. However, one recent revelation about these supplements is that they do not relieve osteoarthritis pain.

Side Effects of these Supplements

These supplements are generally safe and do not conduce to any detrimental side effects. Nausea, heartburn, upset stomach and diarrhea are some possible side effects. In rare cases, side effects as severe as liver damage, strokes, heart attacks and stomach ulcers can occur, as a result of ingesting these supplements. Some people may even be allergic to these supplements and can be affected by reactions such as swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or even difficulty in breathing. People who are allergic to these supplements should refrain from taking them.

Even if you come across some of the best glucosamine chondroitin supplements, do not take them unless you consult a doctor. People suffering from osteoarthritis should consult their doctor and work on managing arthritis pain through exercise, eating right and taking pain relieving medicines.