Glucosamine Chondroitin–Essential Supplement for Healthy Joints

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are part of normal cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. People with osteoarthritis use glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve joint pain.
Glucosamine is a natural component—a form of amino sugar, found in connective tissues and joint cartilage. It has a vital role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity. Each person produces a certain amount of glucosamine but age affects the body’s ability to produce enough. Naturally, glucosamine, also called chitosamine, is found in the covering of shellfish.

An insufficient supply of glucosamine restricts the efficiency of cartilage rebuilding and can delay repair of cartilage and other connective tissues.

Bone of the matter

1.  Glucosamine and chondroitin help rebuild cartilage and lubricate joints. 
2.  Supports the body’s natural ability to support joint tissue and function. They also support body’s natural ability of regenerate cartilage. 
3.  Provides relief from osteoarthritis

Certainly, the duo plays an important role in maintaining joint health integrity. It might come as a surprise, but the latest studies have found that osteoarthritis is No. 1 ailment affecting Indians today. People suffering from osteoarthritis may find relief with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin to ease joint pain. Studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin can help osteoarthritis pain and improve function. Some studies indicate that glucosamine may help as much as ibuprofen in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, with fewer side effects. Research indicates that glucosamine and chondroitin can help restore cartilage.

GAIT Study

Iin the month of February 2006 The GAIT (Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) study funded by the National Institutes for Health (NIH)) evaluated the use of glucosamine and chondroitin in treating and preventing osteoarthritis. This was the first large-scale, multi-center clinical trial in the United States to test the effects of the duo in treating knee ostheoarthritis. The study followed people suffering from knee osteoarthritis for a period of five years. Published study results indicate that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate might be most effective in osteoarthritis patients who had moderate to severe knee pain.

Watch out
• Children, women who are pregnant, and women who could become pregnant should not take these supplements. They have not been studied long enough to determine their effects on a child or on a developing foetus.
• Because glucosamine is an amino sugar, people with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels more frequently when taking this supplement.
• If you are taking chondroitin sulfate in addition to a blood-thinning medication or daily aspirin therapy, have your blood clotting time checked more often. This supplement is similar in structure to the blood-thinning drug heparin, and the combination may cause bleeding in some people.
• If you are allergic to shellfish, consult your doctor before deciding to take glucosamine. In most cases, however, allergies are caused by proteins in shellfish, not chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted.

Archana Darshan

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