Glucosamine / chondroitin sulfate

Main functions:

• Used in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
• Prevents joint destruction.
• Restores tendons, ligaments, cartilage.

Theoretical foundations

Glucosamine, an amino sugar synthesized in the body, plays an important role in the maintenance and repair of cartilage. Glucosamine is believed to stimulate cartilage cells to synthesize glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are the building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamines have been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the activity of proteolytic enzymes that promote cartilage breakdown. Chondroitin is also present in cartilage and is made up of repeating glucose molecules.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements restore damaged cartilage and stop the progression of osteoarthritis. Interest in glucosamine and chondroitin was sparked by Jason Theodorakis's books "The Arthritis Cure" and "Maximizing the Arthritis Cure."

Research results

Interest in glucosamine as a treatment for arthritis began in the early 1980s. Although studies were short-term, many patients reported feeling relief from pain and freedom of movement after taking 1.5 grams of glucosamine per day, divided into doses.

To compare the suitability of using glucosamine instead of ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), a study was conducted on 40 patients with unilateral osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were given either 1.5 g of glucosamine sulfate or 1.2 g of ibuprofen for eight weeks. During the first two weeks, the ibuprofen group experienced a decrease in pain, but an exacerbation occurred during the following six weeks.

The glucosamine sulfate group showed progressive improvement throughout the period. The researchers reported that the differences in the two treatments were not statistically significant.

Further research is needed to determine the long-term symptomatic benefit of glucosamine, as well as whether glucosamine can stop or slow the process of cartilage breakdown and stimulate cartilage growth.

Supplements have been shown to be most effective in early or mild arthritis and have little effect in severe or advanced arthritis. Glucosamine does not appear to be able to repair cartilage if there is not enough (or none) of it in the joints. There is no evidence that glucosamine slows the effects of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs. Preliminary animal studies suggest that glucosamine may even protect against the long-term catabolic effects of some anti-inflammatory drugs.

Recommendations

Most studies on these compounds have been short-term. Arthritis is a chronic disease with periods of remission. Long-term, controlled studies are needed to prove the benefits and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The Arthritis Foundation warns that those considering these supplements should be well informed about the positive and negative effects of taking supplements. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation advises patients to consult with their doctors about incorporating these supplements into their treatment plan. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends not abandoning proven treatments for supplements. Methods that can help relieve arthritis pain and help manage the disease include weight management, exercise, appropriate medications, joint protection, heat and cold therapy, and (if necessary) surgery.

The Arthritis Foundation also reminds that some animal studies have shown that glucosamine increases blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics who take glucosamine (an amino sugar) should measure their blood sugar levels more often than usual. Chondroitin is similar to heparin, so caution should be exercised before taking it, especially if you are already using blood thinners or daily aspirin.