Glucosamine
is the building block of proteins called glycosaminoglycans which are not only
major components of the cartilage which covers and lubricates all of our joints,
but also of our tendons and ligaments, nails, skin and mucous membranes.
Continuous maintenance and renewal of cartilage and these other tissues
maintains flexibility and mobility of our joints, and elasticity of skin despite
the everyday wear and tear they receive as a result of our hectic lifestyles.
Glucosamine and
chondroitin – what are they good for?
Most of the studies on glucosamine and/or chondroitin have assessed the effects
of these agents in the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, because of their
broad beneficial effects on joint cartilage, they may also be effective in
treating other problems as well. These include:
Sports injuries
Many sports injuries involve damage to soft tissues in an around one or more
joint. Taking glucosamine and/or chondroitin after an injury may speed healing,
and may also reduce the risk of the development of full-blown osteoarthritis in
the long term.
Temporomandibular joint pain
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where the lower jaw hinges with
the skull just in front of the ear. Pain in the joint may be caused by a variety
of issues including teeth grinding (bruxism) at night and misalignment of the
joint. Persistent pain in this area may be a sign of degeneration of the
cartilage in the TMJ. In one study, individuals with osteoarthritis of the TMJ
who took 1500 mg of glucosamine and 1200 mg of chondroitin daily for 12 weeks
experienced a general reduction in pain and tenderness in the TMJ, and took less
painkilling medication as a result.
Back pain
The spine is made up a column of bones which are called the ‘vertebrae’.
Between the vertebrae lie discs of spongy material (known as ‘intervertebral
discs’), which act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to bend and twist
more easily. Each intervertebral disc is composed of a hard outer layer with a
soft jelly-like centre. As we age, one or more discs can start to break down,
usually causing pain and a degree of immobility. Glucosamine is the basic
building block in sort of tissue of which intervertebral discs are comprised.
Long term supplementation with glucosamine may therefore help to heal damaged
discs and help prevent further degeneration.
Is glucosamine sulphate safe?
There have some reports that glucosamine may be unsuitable for diabetics. These
concerns have stemmed from research in which glucosamine was infused in large
doses into the veins of rats. Similar problems have not been identified in human
studies. A review of several glucosamine studies in published in the Annals of
Pharmacotherapy in 2005 concluded that glucosamine sulphate produced no more
adverse health effects than placebo (inactive or ‘dummy’ medication).
How long should I take glucosamine and chondroitin for?
While glucosamine and chondroitin can help to actually regenerate joint tissues,
this process takes time. Usually, individuals start to feel real benefit from
the use of these natural agents within 2 – 3 months. However, the full effect
may not be seen for 6 months or more. Once a good, sustained response has been
achieved, it is usually possible to reduce the dose. Taking about 750 mg and 600
mg of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate respectively per day represents in
the long term is likely to prevent a recurrence of pain and stiffness in joints
previously affected by osteoarthritis or injury.
RESEARCH
UPDATE
Proof that
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Works!!
A recent
large trial of over 1500 people called the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis
Intervention Trial (GAIT) it was found that the supplementation of 1500mg
glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin per day for 24 weeks resulted in a
significant reduction in moderate and severe pain. N Engl J Med (2006)
Effervescent
Ultra Glucosamine and Chondroitin
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Key Benefits
