If you're looking for a supplement that may ease your joint pain, glucosamine might be worth a try. Some studies show it gives relief for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, and it may work for other joints, too. Glucosamine is a natural chemical compound in your body.
But it also comes in the form of a supplement. There are two main types: hydrochloride and sulfate. The glucosamine in your body helps keep up the health of your cartilage -- the rubbery tissue that cushions bones at your joints. But as you get older, your levels of this compound begin to drop, which leads to the gradual breakdown of the joint. There's some evidence that glucosamine sulfate supplements help
counteract this effect, although experts aren't sure how. Some people have also used glucosamine to try to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease,
asthma, allergies, chronic venous insufficiency, sports injuries, temporomandibular joint problems
(TMJ), and long-term low back pain. So far, though, there's not much scientific evidence that it works for those problems. In most studies on treating osteoarthritis, the typical dose was 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate, three times a day. Ask your doctor what they
recommend for you. Some experts suggest you take it with meals to prevent an upset stomach. Although glucosamine sulfate supplements are often manufactured from the shells of shellfish, there aren't any natural food sources of glucosamine. On the whole, glucosamine seems to be a fairly safe
supplement. Side effects are generally mild. You're more likely to get them if you take high doses. They may include things like: Risks. If you have a shellfish
allergy, be cautious about using glucosamine because you could have a reaction. Also, check with your doctor before taking supplements if you have diabetes, kidney disease,
heart disease, bleeding disorders, or high blood pressure. Interactions. Check with your doctor before you use glucosamine if you take other medicines, including heart drugs,
blood thinners, and diabetes drugs. Also, glucosamine isn't recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, because there
isn't enough evidence yet about whether it's safe for those groups. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two popular supplements said to help manage joint pain. Despite their widespread use, though, research on glucosamine and chondroitin has showed mixed results. In fact, some studies have shown they’re not effective. This may leave you wondering whether you should take glucosamine and chondroitin or if you’re better off without them. This article discusses the uses, potential benefits, side effects, and recommended dosage of glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two naturally occurring compounds within your cartilage. Cartilage is a main type of connective tissue in your body. One of many important purposes of cartilage is to protect and cushion the ends of your bones, which is why it’s found within your joints (1, 2). In people with osteoarthritis, this cartilage is wearing down, which can cause the bones to rub together. Over time, this can lead to pain and decreased joint mobility, commonly in the knees, hips, hands, and spine (1, 2). Glucosamine and chondroitin, typically taken combined in a single supplement, are said to relieve arthritis pain by acting as natural anti-inflammatories and slowing down the deterioration of cartilage. With upward of 3.6% of the global population living with this debilitating condition, many people use or have tried using combined glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to alleviate osteoarthritis pain (2). Summary Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are controversial, since many experts don’t agree on their effectiveness. Both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Arthritis Foundation, and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) all strongly discourage these supplements due to a lack of evidence and a high risk of bias in available studies (3, 4). Contrarily, the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO) suggests that pharmaceutical grade — or crystalline — glucosamine and chondroitin can be used as a first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis (4). These mixed recommendations may partially stem from the fact that the manufacturer and type of the supplements can result in different study results. For example, pharmaceutical-grade varieties appear more effective compared with over-the-counter options (4, 5). Summary There are many studies available on the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain, though they have conflicting conclusions on the effectiveness of the supplements. GlucosamineGlucosamine has been extensively studied for its role in osteoarthritis pain management. In a 2017 analysis in 1,625 people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine supplements did not significantly improve osteoarthritis pain or function compared with a placebo (6). On the other hand, a 2018 analysis showed small improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain with regular use of glucosamine sulfate, though the authors suggested that higher-quality data is needed (7). Also, a 2-year cohort study found a 36% reduction in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use when taking 1,500 mg of crystalline glucosamine daily (8 ). In the same study, 1250 mg/day of glucosamine hydrochloride, 1,200 mg/day of chondroitin sulfate, 100 mg/day of diacerein, 300 mg/day of avocado-soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), and a placebo didn’t change NSAID use (8). Finally, a 2 1/2-year study in 407 women with overweight ages 50–60 found 1,500 mg/day of glucosamine sulfate to significantly decrease the risk of knee osteoarthritis compared with a placebo, suggesting that it may work as a preventive therapy (9). ChondroitinChondroitin has also been well studied as a remedy for osteoarthritis symptom management. A 2017 double-blind, randomized study in 604 participants with knee osteoarthritis compared the effects of taking 800 mg/day of chondroitin sulfate, 200 mg/day of a popular NSAID known as celecoxib, and a placebo on osteoarthritis pain management (10). After 6 months, chondroitin sulfate led to similar pain scores as celecoxib and significantly lower scores than the placebo. Thus, the authors concluded that chondroitin sulfate may be an effective pain remedy for those with knee osteoarthritis pain (10). In a 2014 review of 43 studies on the use of chondroitin for osteoarthritis, chondroitin taken alone or with glucosamine showed significantly lower pain scores — with a 10% mean difference — compared with a placebo. However, the overall quality of studies was low (11). In the same review, the supplement was not found to improve joint mobility or function compared with a placebo (11). Glucosamine and chondroitin togetherThough the two can be taken separately, glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly taken as a single supplement. This combination has been more extensively studied. A 2015 2-year double-blind, randomized study showed no differences in pain or joint space narrowing — a sign of cartilage deterioration — after taking either 1,500 mg/day of glucosamine sulfate, 800 mg/day of chondroitin sulfate, a combination of both, or a placebo (12 ). Similar results were observed in a 2018 analysis, where combined glucosamine and chondroitin didn’t significantly improve pain or stiffness. Meanwhile, chondroitin alone led to minor improvements in pain (13). On the other hand, another 2018 analysis observed a significant improvement in pain scores when glucosamine and chondroitin were taken together, while no improvements were found when the supplements were taken separately (14). Similarly, a 2015 sponsored study showed that combining 1,500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride with 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulfate effectively reduced knee osteoarthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling compared with 200 mg of the osteoarthritis NSAID celecoxib (15). Another 2015 study also found that combined glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were comparably effective as celecoxib (16). Ultimately, no firm conclusions can be made on the effectiveness of glucosamine, chondroitin, or the two combined as a treatment for osteoarthritic pain or stiffness. Due to the large inconsistency in results and quality of available research, continued research is needed. Summary Most studies have shown that both glucosamine and chondroitin are safe to use for most people and no serious side effects have been reported. Only mild side effects like stomach upset, nausea, and headache have been observed (13, 17). However, keep in mind that glucosamine is commonly derived from chitin — a compound found in shellfish. Therefore, those with a shellfish allergy should read the label carefully and opt for varieties made from cows or pigs (17). Glucosamine may also be made from a fungus or fermented corn. And due to the animal origin of some ingredients, the supplements may not be suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian dietary pattern. Finally, it’s postulated that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may affect blood sugar levels, reduce insulin sensitivity, and interact with anticoagulant medications likes Warfarin. That’s why you should consult a healthcare professional before trying them (17). Summary Due to the conflicting data on the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin, no standard recommendations are available. That said, studies that have observed improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms routinely used dosages of 1,500 mg glucosamine sulfate and 1,200 mg chondroitin sulfate, which can be obtained over the counter (14, 15, 16). However, it’s best to first consult a healthcare professional, who can provide recommendations tailored to you and your health. Summary Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain. Their use remains controversial, however, due to conflicting research. While some studies have shown that taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may reduce pain and stiffness, others have found that they provide no benefits. The supplements are considered safe for most people, except for those with shellfish allergies, with diabetes or metabolic disorders, or taking anticoagulant medications. If you’re interested in trying glucosamine and chondroitin, speak with a healthcare professional first to determine whether it’s right for you. Can you get glucosamine chondroitin in liquid form?NOW Liquid Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM combines three of the best known nutrients available for the support of healthy joints in a convenient liquid form. Scientific studies have demonstrated that Glucosamine and Chondroitin can promote normal joint mobility and comfort.
What does glucosamine chondroitin do for the body?Glucosamine and chondroitin protect cells called chondrocytes, which help maintain cartilage structure. In theory, these supplements have the potential to slow cartilage deterioration in the joints, and to reduce pain in the process.
Who should not take glucosamine chondroitin?Glucosamine is extracted from a substance in shellfish. The effects of these supplements on a growing child or developing baby are not yet known. For that reason, glucosamine and chondroitin are not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, women who are nursing, and women who could become pregnant.
What is the best time of day to take glucosamine chondroitin?The best time to take your glucosamine supplement is… the same time each day, no matter what time that is. With most glucosamine supplements, it is suggested by some experts that you take it with your meals to support digestive health.
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Life-line liquid glucosamine with chondroitin
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