Glucosamine Chondroitin Introduction

Glucosamine is an aminopolysaccharide (a combination of an amino acid - glutamine and a sugar - glucose). Glucosamine is concentrated in joint cartilage where it is incorporated in longer chains known as glycosaminoglycans and finally into very large structures known as proteoglycans. The proteoglycans function to attract water into the joint space for lubrication of the cartilage during movement.

Glucosamine sulfate is a synthetic version of a compound the human body makes to stimulate the growth of cartilage. The theory is that these compounds rebuild cartilage and reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Glucosamine is found naturally in the body. It stimulates the formation and repair of articular cartilage. Over-the-counter supplements come from animal sources. Chondroitin sulfate is another natural substance found in the body. It prevents other body enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint cartilage. The type sold in health-food stores and pharmacies is derived from animal products. 

Glucosamine Chondroitin and Glucosamine Sulfate supplements are used to help fight osteoarthritis and joint pains. (Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of cartilage in your joints.) Glucosamine and chondroitin are both found naturally in the body, and help to repair and from cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate helps draw water into your cartilage. and making it more elastic.

Glucose and an amino acid combines to form glucosamine. Glucosamine sulfate is a building block of cartilage, and is used by people affected by arthritis, and also athletes with joint pain problems. In a lot of joint supplements, you'll see on the label names such as Glucosamine Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate etc...

Glucosamine and chondroitin are building blocks of connective tissue and are key components of the joints.

When to take glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or both: The popular idea that GS is clinically "preferred" over CS, or that CS is "not necessary,"1 has not been examined (let alone supported) by appropriate comparative research. An analysis of controlled clinical trials evaluated the independent effects of GS and CS in the treatment of OA.2 The authors concluded that the overall efficacy in trials of CS for people with OA exceeded the overall efficacy of GS for people with that condition. However, more than one-third of CS supplements have been reported to contain less than 40% of the amount of CS listed on the label.3 Moreover, no single clinical trial has compared the effects of the two supplements.

Many people with osteoarthritis take combinations of CS and GS or glucosamine HCl. This practice may be based on the suggestion, made in a best-selling book,4 that GS and CS in combination have stronger effects than either supplement alone. Although this idea may sound appealing, and may be harmless, it is based only on anecdotes and hypotheses. The theory that GS and CS work synergistically in the treatment of osteoarthritis remains unproven. To date, no clinical trials have compared glucosamine/chondroitin combinations with either of the supplements taken individually.

There are several ways in which Glucosamine Chondroitin can benefit your health: 

Relieve osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness and swelling. The millions of Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis have cartilage that has dried out and gradually broken down over time, cracking and flaking off. When joints are deprived of this cushioning, painful stiffness and inflammation can develop. Glucosamine Chondroitin helps to prevent these symptoms by protecting and reinforcing cartilage. Studies indicate that some arthritis sufferers experience improved range of motion after taking Glucosamine Chondroitin. Others report increased overall mobility. And several studies suggest that Glucosamine Chondroitin may be as effective in easing arthritic pain and inflammation--and not nearly as irritating to the stomach--as the NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) typically recommended for osteoarthritis. 

Slow and possibly halt osteoarthritis-related damage to joints. Glucosamine Chondroitin appears to protect and strengthen the cartilage around joints, particularly in the knees, hips, spine, and hands. In so doing, it may help to prevent further joint damage. And while it can do little to actually restore cartilage that has completely worn away--or reverse joint damage that has already occurred--Glucosamine Chondroitin appears to slow the development of mild to moderately severe osteoarthritis. Traditional NSAIDs prescribed for arthritis, in contrast, actually impair the body's cartilage-building capacity. 

Speed healing of strains and sprains. Because it helps to reinforce the cartilage around joints, Glucosamine Chondroitin may hasten the healing of acute joint injuries, such as sprained ankles or fingers. The same is true of muscle injuries such as strains. In strengthening joints, Glucosamine Chondroitin may also help to prevent future injury. 

Control back pain. By helping to reinforce cartilage, Glucosamine Chondroitin is believed to strengthen the tissue supporting the spinal disks that line the back. Back pain resulting from either muscle strain or arthritis may therefore improve with Glucosamine Chondroitin. The supplement may also speed healing of strained back muscles in this way. Pain in the upper spine and neck may similarly respond to Glucosamine Chondroitin.

Promote healthy aging. As the body ages, the cartilage supporting and cushioning all the joints tends to wear down. Glucosamine Chondroitin may help to postpone this process by giving cartilage a boost, protecting and strengthening it overall. The complications of osteoarthritis, a largely age-related disorder, are therefore also less likely to occur.