Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Many people use the Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement in order to improve their osteoarthritis condition. Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage wears out due to the rubbing of exposed bones, which makes the joints sore. To provide relief from it people undertake drug therapy, but medicines also have side effects. Moreover such medication has not been proven to stop the progression of this disease. Recent studies show that millions of Americans are suffering from this disease and to stay away from major side effects, many of them try new dietary supplementation and opt to supplement with Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate.

What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are naturally found substances within the human body. Chondroitin sulfate is a part of larger protein molecules known as proteoglycan. This protein helps in cartilage elasticity. Glucosamine is present in the form of an amino sugar. Medical science believes that it plays some role in the formation and damage repair of the cartilages.

How the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplement is Produced

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement is available as a dietary supplement. It is produced by extracting these elements from animal tissue. Chondroitin is extracted from the cartilage of animals and Glucosamine is extracted from the tissue of animals, such as lobster, crabs, etc.

How do they work?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate may act as a pain relief supplement but there has not been any intensive research that reveals reduction in cartilage damage.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate have both shown some pain relief of mild osteoarthritis, just like pain relief by aspirin or ibuprofen. People usually take them because they have little to no side effects and because of the possibilities of it slowing down cartilage damage.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Usage

In general, the Chondroitin sulfate is taken up to 1,200 milligram each day where as Glucosamine is taken up to 1,500 milligram each day. Time duration for its usage ranges from 6 to 8 weeks.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Side Effects

The side effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate supplement may include softened stool and intestinal gas.

It is usually recommended that pregnant women and children not take glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar level before they take this supplement. Bleeding may occur if used with a blood thinning medicine such as aspirin.

What do I look for?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are available as dietary supplements, which mean that they are unregulated and the amount of these may vary.