Glucosamine and Chondroitin Information

Glucosamine Benefits and Side Effects

Help for Arthritis Sufferers

This site provides reliable information about
glucosamine and chondroitin
as well as other
non-prescription treatments for arthritis sufferers.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is
an amino sugar that is believed to help form and repair the cartilage between
bones and joints.

A glucosamine product is also sold as a dietary supplement. It is produced
by extracting the glucosamine from shellfish. The dietary supplement is
thought to reduce arthritis symptoms by helping to rebuild cartilage. More
specifically, it is thought to help relieve some of the symptoms associated
with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.

Typically, glucosamine is often sold in a formulation with chondroitin
and sometimes with other anti-oxidants.


Is Glucosamine Safe?

Glucosamine is thought to be safe; however, it is not specifically approved
for treatment in humans. It has been used as an arthritis treatment in veterinary
medicine for a number of years. Neither the Arthritis Foundation nor the
American College of Rheumatology recommend glucosamine for human treatment
at this time.

The sale and distribution of glucosamine is not regulated by the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA). Further, the FDA has not approved its use
as an arthritis treatment. The FDA does not monitor this product for quality.

Is Glucosamine Effective?

The answer is a qualified yes. A few clinical trials have been conducted
and the results suggest that glucosamine is effective, at least to some
degree.

Some patients report pain relief after taking glucosamine. And several
studies suggest that cartilage damage is slowed by taking glucosamine. For
example, a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted
by Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic concluded:

“Long-term treatment with glucosamine sulfate retarded
the progression of knee osteoarthritis, possibly determining disease modification.”

In another review, conducted for the Journal of American Medicine, researchers
concluded:

“Trials of glucosamine and chondroitin preparations for
OA (osteoarthritis) symptoms demonstrate moderate to large effects, but
quality issues and likely publication bias suggest that these effects are
exaggerated. Nevertheless, some degree of efficacy appears probable for
these preparations.”

 

Additional Glucosamine Studies

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is in the midst of conducting
a clinical trial to evaluate glucosamine and chondroitin. Results are expected
late in 2005. For additional information, see the NIH website:


What is the Most Useful Form of Glucosamine?

Generally, glucosamine is distributed in one of three forms:

  • Glucosamine HCl
  • Glucosamine sulfate potassium
  • Glucosamine sulfate sodium

Some manufacturers identify their product as being “pharmaceutical
grade” and claim it makes their brand superior to other brands.
Some manufacturers deliver the product in a liquid form and claim the liquid
is be better absorbed by patients than tablets.

We are unaware of any clinical trials to substantiate these claims.

What Are the Side Effects of Glucosamine?

Side effects are usually mild. The most common complaints are gas and softening
of the stool.

Cautions

  • Consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.
  • Children, pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should not
    take these supplements.
  • Glucosamine is an amino sugar. Diabetic patients need to check their
    blood sugar level frequently when taking this supplement.
  • Glucosamine is derived from shellfish. If you are allergic to shellfish,
    consult with your doctor before taking this supplement.

Disclaimers

This information is provided for research purposes only, and is not
intended to replace your physician’s medical advice. Seek out the advice
of a qualified medical professional before taking any over-the-counter supplements.