Glucosamine + Chondroitin Sulfate

Indications

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. 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. 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.

Pharmacology

Though 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.

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 (13Trusted Source).

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.

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.

Another 2015 study also found that combined glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were comparably effective as celecoxib.

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.

Dosage & Administration

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. However, it’s best to first consult a healthcare professional, who can provide recommendations tailored to you and your health.

Side Effects

Common side effects of chondroitin and glucosamine may include:
  • nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
  • stomach pain, gas, bloating;
  • hair loss; or
  • puffy eyelids.

Precautions & Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. You should not use this product if you are allergic to chondroitin and glucosamine; or if you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
  • asthma;
  • an allergy to shellfish (oyster, crab, shrimp);
  • diabetes;
  • high blood pressure, high cholesterol;
  • prostate cancer; or
  • bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

Therapeutic Class

Stimulation of Cartilage formation

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Available Brand Names