Two popular supplements on the market are glucosamine and chondroitin, but why take glucosamine and chondroitin? Keep reading to find out.
If you want to manage your joint pain with supplements, taking the popular glucosamine and chondroitin may help. However, while they enjoy widespread use, some studies show mixed results when it comes to their effectiveness. Should you take glucosamine and chondroitin for your joint pain? Keep reading to find out.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Explained
Your body contains cartilage, which is a main connective tissue that protects and cushions the ends of your bones. Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring compounds that reside in your cartilage.
People who take these supplements usually do so because they have osteoarthritis, a disease that wears down their cartilage, leading to pain and decreased mobility. Glucosamine and chondroitin are supposed to help with arthritis pain by acting as natural anti-inflammatories and reducing your cartilage’s deterioration.
Are These Supplements Effective?
While these are popular joint pain supplements, there is a mixed reaction when it comes to their effectiveness. For example, the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO) says that pharmaceutical-grade glucosamine and chondroitin may be used as part of knee osteoarthritis treatment.
In contrast, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Arthritis Foundation, and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) strongly discourage the use of these supplements due to a lack of evidence in available studies. Moreover, effectiveness can depend on the type of supplement and manufacturer, as pharmaceutical-grade versions may be more effective than over-the-counter varieties.
While the two can be taken separately, they are usually taken together. According to a 2015 two-year double-blind, randomized study, there were no differences in pain or joint space narrowing (a sign of cartilage deterioration) after taking these supplements by themselves or combined.
However, a 2018 analysis show that there was a significant improvement in pain when the compounds were taken together. Ultimately, more research is necessary to reach a firm conclusion in regard to the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin. Moreover, most studies have shown that these supplements are safe for most people. Always talk to your doctor before adding a supplement to your routine just in case you have any allergies or the supplement interacts with a medicine you’re currently taking.
Taking Supplements
If you decide to take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, then it’s a good idea to get an effective and safe supplement like Joint Health Support by Elements of Health Care. In addition to containing glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, it also contains Boswelia extract, turmeric, quercetin, methionine, MSM, and bromelain.
Together, they fortify cartilage, reduce inflammation and swelling, lubricate joints, and help with joint gap increase (and less rubbing). If you’re ready to support your joint health the way it’s meant to, then talk to your doctor about glucosamine and chondroitin and take Joint Health Support.