Glucosamine and chondroitin are both present in the cartilage of human and other organisms, including sea cucumbers and shark cartilage. Both are important lubricants within joints and integral to the makeup of healthy cartilage. Dietary supplements of glucosamine are prepared from oyster and crab shells. Chondroitin is usually derived from cow or shark cartilage. Preparations are made by extracting choindroitin from animal cartilage, most commonly from bovine trachea.
Are glucosamine and chondroitin supplements effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis? Two clinical trials, one in US and one in Europe, have shown that glucosamine can reduce pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. The US study by the National Institute of Health, called GAIT (for Glucosamine/ Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) found that patients with severe knee pain taking 1,500 mg of glucosamine had a more than 65-percent reduction in pain, but those taking a combination of glucosamine and 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate had an almost 80-percent reduction in pain, compared to a 54-percent response among those taking placebo. The European study, called GUIDE (Glucosamine Unum In Die "once a day" Efficiency) showed that 1,500 mg a day of powdered glucosamine sulfate may have more ability to control knee osteoarthritic pain than acetaminophen or placebo.
Adverse reactions to glucosamine and chondroitin have been mild and infrequent. People who are allergic to shellfish might be at risk for reactions to glucosamine. And people with diabetes, or at risk for developing it, should be cautious when using glucosamine. Chondroitin is a very large molecule and studies show that only 8 to 18 percent of an orally ingested dose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Benefits from chondroitin are usually delayed. They may take up three months to appear after the product started. However, there is also a lingering effect of up to three months of benefit after the product is stopped.
Published by Teresita C. Tayanes on February 15, 2007 03:25 AM
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