Glucosamine and Chondroitin are used to treat osteoarthritis which is the most common form of arthritis. It is known to affect over 20 million Americans and is expected to double in the next two decades. Osteoarthritis results in the wearing out of the smooth cartilage surfaces of the joints, causing joint pain, deformity and swelling. Most medical therapies treat joint pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis by prescribing analgesics and cyclooxygenase-2- selective Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Though these drugs have proved to be quite effective in the past, there are several issues pertaining to the safety of their use, particularly in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.
The use of joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is being considered in a big way for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These dietary supplements are considered to be safe and efficient substances used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Several studies have shown significant benefit from the two substances in the treatment of the ailment. However, questions are being raised on the safety and prolonged use of the medication.
Glucosamine: This is a precursor to a molecule called glycosaminoglycan used in the repair of cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate: It is a glycosaminoglycan that is available in abundance in the cartilage and enables the cartilage to return to its original form after undergoing all the wear and tear.
Mechanism: Glucosamine and chondroitin are two substances that make the similar type of cartilage found within joints. Cartilage is undergoing constant wear and tear in the process of disintegration and reconstruction. It needs for the building blocks of cartilage to be present in enhancing the process of reformation of the cartilage. The two substances when used together increase the number of cartilage building blocks thereby aiding recuperation. It is believed that the oral consumption of the two elements might accelerate the formation of new cartilage by providing more of the essential building blocks. But research is yet to determine if this is a fact or a myth. Some studies indicate that no building blocks are enhanced by ingestion of the two substances.
A number of studies have pointed out that patients experience more reduction in pain when on glucosamine and chondroitin as compared to those receiving a placebo. It is also believed that this joint supplementation combo has few side effects and its use will be favored by majority of patients if there is noticeable reduction in the discomfort caused by pain.
Benefits of Glucosamine: Glucosamine comprises of sugar and amine which is a derivative of ammonia containing nitrogen and hydrogen. It is naturally found in the body’s cartilage and provides the building blocks needed to enhance the process of repair and build the cartilage, keep cartilage tissue lubricated and maintain its slippery nature by producing synovial fluid, the jelly – like substance that cushions and lubricates the joints. With age, the body’s ability to covert glucose and glutamine to glucosamine decreases, resulting in the breakdown of cartilage giving birth to ailments such as osteoarthritis. Thus, we can conclude the following:
- Glucosamine enhances cartilage growth
- It is used to treat and slow the spread of osteoarthritis
- It reduces pain and aids in improving mobility
Glucosamine Chondroitin has come into being a major dietary supplement used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It is supposed that this combination supplement stops further deterioration of the cartilage cushioning the body’s joints and aids in its overall maintenance. It has been used in treating osteoarthritis of the hips and knees and has also showed traces of relief in symptoms pertaining to other forms of arthritis as well, such as lower back and jaw.
Side Effects: They include gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation or diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and headache.
The main sources of the supplement are crabs, lobsters, shellfish, shrimp and other sea fish. Before consuming any dietary supplement it is essential for you to consult a medical practitioner in order to help you determine whether you require it or not. This will also enable you to decide if intaking it is safe for you or not as you must keep in mind your present medical condition and make a note of any possible ailments you might be suffering from such as diabetes, allergies, hart disease, digestive disorders, kidney infections etc. before consuming the product. Little information is available regarding the safety of the product in human beings during pregnancy. Hence, its consumption must be avoided in pregnancy, nursing period and childhood.
Digg 
Delicious
reditt
Stumble Upon
