Glucosamine And Chondroitin Benefits

A common dietary supplement and an essential component of the body’s cartilage is chondroitin. Because of its structural composition, taking chondroitin will help to prevent cartilage from being broken down, and in cartilage destruction, chondroitin will enhance quick repair. Chondroitin is a nutritional supplement scientifically called chondroitin sulfate.

Several studies have been done to research the importance and chondroitin benefits to health in different parts of the world, especially its benefits for osteoarthritis and other inflammatory health diseases. Clinical evidence has proven that is good for reducing pain (1).

Chondroitin sulfate is a very good compound for joints, hence, the use of chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis is one of the major health benefits it supplies to the human body. Chondroitin sulfate is also useful in the treatment of cataracts.

It can be used in combination with other chemical agents such as hyaluronic acid and manganese ascorbate. Other compounds that can be combined with chondroitin effectively are glucosamine and collagen peptides.

Aside from the use of chondroitin sulfate for joint diseases. It is also useful in the management of other disease entities in the body. The health benefits of chondroitin and many more will be discussed in this article (2).

Chondroitin Benefits: With And Without Glucosamine

The combination of chondroitin with glucosamine has given better and synergistic benefits to health than when either of them is used isolatedly.

Glucosamine is a compound naturally produced and secreted by the human body, and like chondroitin, glucosamine also exists in cartilage, hence, they aid cartilage production and cartilages repair when destroyed by stimulating the secretion of fats and protein component required for the repair to take place.

Glucosamine is not a common nutrient seen in foods, but it is always available as a supplement in form of tablets, capsules, and even in topical forms. The use of glucosamine benefits confers a lot of health benefits, especially a combination of chondroitin with glucosamine, which helps in the management of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (3).

How Chondroitin With Glucosamine Works

One popular thing about chondroitin and glucosamine is the fact that they are chondroprotective. This simply means they ease every pain that has to do with cartilage and joints generally.

One of the other many chondroitin glucosamine benefits is that they possess anti-inflammatory properties which help in pain reduction and in the prevention of cartilage degeneration at joints in other to keep the structure of the cartilage in proper check.

Also, chondroitin with glucosamine helps to enhance water absorption of the cartilage in other to maintain and retain its elasticity (4).

 Glucosamine And Chondroitin Benefits For Health

The are several chondroitin glucosamine benefits to health according to a lot of research. Below are some of the health benefits of combining chondroitin with glucosamine:

1. 1. Joint pain

Studies done in several regions of the world, including the united states have revealed that glucosamine is a very good compound in reducing joint pain. In like manner, studies have also backed up the advantages of using chondroitin sulfate for joint pain as well.

This claim of the effectiveness of glucosamine as an agent to relieve joint pain necessitated its availability not just as a supplement but also in form of medicinal substances in the united kingdom and other places in Europe.

The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in supplements has also proven to be useful in relieving pain in patients presenting with osteoarthritis.

Patients who are reactive or allergic to other pain relievers such as NSAIDs as celecoxib can get recommendations of chondroitin and glucosamine supplements, and has worked fine for such people in relieving the symptoms as a result of arthritis or other inflammatory knee diseases.

2. Inflammation

Aside from joint inflammation, other people who suffer from chronic inflammation in other areas of the body will also benefit from chondroitin glucosamine benefits. Inflammatory diseases linked to health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and chronic heart diseases have been managed using chondroitin and glucosamine supplements.

Studies reveal that people who regularly use glucosamine supplements record mild levels of inflammation, and may never go into chronic inflammation.

3. Bone health

Studies have revealed that the use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have helped to reduce the incidence rate of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and in women with osteoporosis, the use of glucosamine has also helped to slow down the progress rate of osteoporosis and prevent early complications.

Glucosamine also helps to strengthen the bone by reducing bone weakness, hence, the reason for its recommendation to patients at risk of osteoporosis such as post-menopausal women, patients on steroids, and other high-risk patients (3).

4. Osteoarthritis

In osteoarthritis, there is cartilage tissue degeneration at the joints which manifests majorly as pain and swelling. Chondroitin and glucosamine, on the other hand, have cartilage-protecting properties which help to avert the effects of osteoarthritis on the joints.

They also possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammatory symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function. When chondroitin and glucosamine supplements are being used, they aid in the protection and preservation of chondrocytes which helps to sustain cartilage tissue.

In the osteoarthritis treatment guidelines released in 2019, chondroitin sulfate was recommended for hand osteoarthritis by the American college of rheumatology. Although the national center for complementary health says the use of chondroitin and glucosamine is like using a placebo, it isn’t harmful but there are no clear benefits of it to the treatment of osteoarthritis, and the supplements are not harmful too.

However, several other studies have been done which reveal that chondroitin and glucosamine supplements are useful in relieving pain in osteoarthritis which has in a way rule out the claim by the national center for complementary health.

5. Rheumatoid arthritis

Research done helped to reveal that patients who use glucosamine hydrochloride in rheumatoid arthritis were relieved of their joint pains, however, studies are yet to prove if chondroitin sulfate lead to a reduction in the associated joint edema (5).

Other Health Effects Of Chondroitin Sulfate

From past and recent studies on the health benefits of chondroitin sulfate, results have shown that there are potential chondroitin benefits to human health. Some of the health benefits of chondroitin sulfate are:

6. Cataract

According to research, the eye is shielded during cataract surgery by injecting a solution containing sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate into the eye. The united states Food and Drug Administration has examined a wide range of products combining sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate to be utilized following cataract surgery.

Contrary to other similar therapies, it is unclear if combining chondroitin sulfate with sodium hyaluronic acid solutions assists relieve pressure inside the eye following cataract surgery. Early research suggests that when a cataract is removed, a particular eye solution with chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid can lower eye pressure and enhance general eye health.

The drops don’t seem to be much better than those that only include hyaluronic acid or another substance called hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, though. It is unknown how chondroitin sulfate-only treatments would affect cataract surgery.

7. Bladder inflammation

Some low-quality studies have suggested that bladder inflammation symptoms can be reduced by injecting a chondroitin sulfate mixture into the bladder, alongside or without hyaluronate.

Moreover, a preliminary study suggests that oral administration of the combination drug CystoProtek, which contains chondroitin sulfate, can reduce bladder irritation. Nonetheless, other more reliable studies reveal that putting chondroitin sulfate further into the bladder does not alleviate symptoms.

8. Dry eyes

There is conflicting evidence on chondroitin sulfate’s ability to treat dry eyes. The early study points to a reduction in dry eyes while using the chondroitin sulfate eye drops.

Yet, additional data indicate that chondroitin sulfate-containing eye drops perform less well than tear substitutes. According to additional studies, using a particular eye drop combining chondroitin sulfate and xanthan gum 4 times per day for 60 days did not increase tears but may decrease the intensity of dry eye symptoms.

9. Psoriasis skin disease

According to a preliminary study, consuming chondroitin sulfate for two to three months helps psoriasis sufferers feel less pain and has a positive impact on their skin.

However, other research indicates that in persons with psoriasis and joint osteoarthritis, taking chondroitin sulfate every day for three months does not lessen the severity of psoriasis.

10. Metastatic joint pain

According to a preliminary study, consuming chondroitin and glucosamine in up to three divided dosages daily for twenty-four weeks reduces joint pain and other side effects brought on by medications used in the treatment of breast cancer.

11. Acid reflux

Hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate syrup appear to lessen the severity of acid reflux complaints when used in conjunction with traditional therapies like antacids.

12. Urinary tract infections

According to preliminary studies, women with a history of Urinary tract infections may have a reduction in urinary tract infections after receiving a specific chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronate solution through a urethral catheter every week for four weeks, followed by a monthly infusion for roughly 5 months.

13. Bone and joint disease

This is also referred to as Kashin-Beck disease. Glucosamine solution and Chondroitin may help persons with Kashin-Beck illness feel less discomfort, according to preliminary studies.

Moreover, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are taken together to help prevent the narrowing of the joint space in those with this degenerative disease. However, it is uncertain if consuming chondroitin sulfate alone decreases joint space narrowing.

14. Overactive bladder

According to preliminary studies, administering sodium chondroitin sulfate via a urinary catheter toward the bladder enhances the quality of life for persons with hyperactive bladders (6).

Chondroitin And Glucosamine Dosage: Side Effects

According to the majority of research, chondroitin, and glucosamine are both safe for usage by the majority of people and have not been associated with any negative side effects. There have only been minor adverse effects reported, such as headache, nausea, and upset stomach.

However take into consideration that glucosamine is frequently made from chitin, a substance that can be found in shellfish. As a result, those who are allergic to shellfish should carefully read the label and choose products derived from cows or pigs.

Furthermore, a fungus can be used to make glucosamine. Also, the supplements might not be ideal for people who follow a vegetarian diet because some of the ingredients are derived from animals.

The supplementation of chondroitin with glucosamine may also interact with anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin, lower insulin sensitivity, and impact blood sugar levels. Because of this, you ought to seek medical advice before using them.

Other highlighted chondroitin glucosamine side effects are:

• – Nausea
• – Vomiting
• – Skin rashes and itching
• – Constipation
• – Abdominal discomfort
• – Diarrhea

Side effects pointing to allergic reactions such as rashes on the skin, itching of the body, and swelling in certain parts of the body such as the lips, should be reported to the medical personnel as soon as possible and the medication stopped immediately (7).

Chondroitin And Glucosamine Supplement: Can they reduce pain for osteoarthritis?

Some people assert that the dietary supplement glucosamine chondroitin will lessen knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It functions by keeping the cartilage in the joints in good condition. The tissue that connects the bones is called cartilage. The united states food and drugs association is yet to approve the use of chondroitin and glucosamine supplements for use.

The chondroitin glucosamine supplement is generally available in different processed forms, tablets, capsules, and in granulated forms.

However, the united states FDA suggests that citizens follow the guidelines below while using such supplements:

• – Carefully read the directions on the package’s label.
• – Natural does not guarantee a product is secure for consumption by people.
• – Be on the lookout for items with USP following the component name. This indicates that the maker complied with US Pharmacopoeia criteria.
• – A nationally recognized food or drug company is more likely to manufacture and sell supplements that are subject to stringent regulations. To learn more about the procedure by which the product was created, you can email the company.

The chondroitin and glucosamine supplements should be carefully kept out of the reach of children and should be stored at room temperature of less than or equal to 30 degrees C (7).

Chondroitin Versus MSM for Arthritis

MSM is an acronym for Methylsulfonylmethane. Every cell in the body stores this sulfur molecule. It may come from sources such as animals and plants or be created in a lab. MSM, a superior source of sulfur, enhances joint health by enhancing the body’s ability to generate collagen for collagenous health and membrane-bound flexibility. It also fosters the development of hair, skin, and nails (8).

Natural substances that are found in the joints include MSM and chondroitin. They are used to treat joint inflammation and relieve joint discomfort. Aspirin and ibuprofen are two prominent anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal medications recommended for joint pain and arthritic problems. Arthritis is a prevalent ailment associated with aging nowadays.

Three naturally occurring substances, MSM, Chondroitin, and Glucosamine, are typically prescribed for reducing pain and decreasing the course of arthritis without producing the negative effects caused by other medications because these medications have several side effects. Osteoarthritis is the name for this form of “wear and tear” arthritis. The very potent anti-inflammatory action of MSM explains why it is highly recommended in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

In summary:

• – MSM is an acronym for methylsulfonylmethane, while chondroitin sulfate is seen in the collages in joints
• – MSM is best used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, while chondroitin sulfate is known for its action against osteoarthritis
• – It is recommended that 2000mg of MSM should be used every eight hours, that is, three times a day, while chondroitin sulfate is best used at 1200mg in three divided doses daily (9).

References:

1. 1.https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/chondroitin/
2. 2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-744/chondroitin-sulfate#:~:text=Chondroitin+sulfate+is+a+chemical,in+the+joints+breaks+down.
3. 3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-glucosamine
4. 4. https://www.medicinenet.com/does_glucosamine_chondroitin_really_work/article.htm
5. 5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-glucosamine/art-20362874
6. 6. https://www.rxlist.com/chondroitin_sulfate/supplements.htm
7. 7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19075-glucosamine-chondroitin-capsules-or-tablets
8. 8. https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/msm-vs-glucosamine-whats-the-difference
9. 9. http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/drugs-health/difference-between-msm-and-chondroitin/