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Glucosamine and chondroitin are two dietary supplements popularly used to treat osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a condition in which the normally smooth cartilage surfaces of the joints become damaged from frequent wear-and-tear, hence it is nicknamed "wear-and-tear arthritis". Also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis causes the loss of cartilage and degradation of the joints. The main symptom of osteoarthritis is severe pain or stiffness in the joints, and also sharp aches or spasms in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding it.
Scientists have debated whether glucosamine and chondroitin are effective treatments for osteoarthritis. The theory behind the usage of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint care and repair is that the increased intake of these two molecules will help increase the rate of forming new cartilage, thus improving mobility and flexibility to the joints. Glucosamine is mainly used in the formation and reparation of the cartilage while chondroitin is responsible for the durability and sturdiness of the cartilage.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two molecules that make up the cartilage found in our joints. They are often used in joint supplements to act as the building blocks for cartilage repair. Cartilage acts as the cushion and support between the bones in a joint, so if the cartilage is damaged, it results in sharp pains in the joint and bone.
Glucosamine, also known as chitosamine, is a natural substance that comes from the outer shells and covering of shellfish. Glucosamine is necessary for glycosaminoglycans, which is a major component of joint cartilage. The sugar protein is believed to develop and repair cartilage, keeping it lubricated for better mobility and flexibility.
Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance formed of sugar chains. It can be found in organic sources such as from the cartilage of sharks or cows, or be man-made in a lab. It is a gelatin-like substance that can be obtained by boiling cartilage in water. Cartilage is a connective tissue that is composed of cells surrounded in a matrix of chondroitin. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a necessary component to the structure and support of cartilage. Its tightly packed structure enables it to provide resistance to compression.
Glucosamine and chondroitin can be taken in tablets, capsules, powder or liquid form, and are usually found in combination with each other or with other dietary supplements. It is widely used for joint care, repair and support, and treatment for people with osteoarthritis or other inflammatory joint disorders or joint pain.
Although there has been no evidence that the increased consumption of glucosamine and chondroitin have increased their number in the cartilages of the joints, there have been some studies that have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin were able to provide relief from pain in the joint and bone. However, clinical trials of glucosamine and chondroitin as a medical treatment for osteoarthritis and joint health support have been unsuccessful in reaching a conclusion the effectiveness of the two nutritional supplements.
Studies have concluded in mixed results. A two-year study measures the space between knee joints of patients given the glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, a sugar placebo, and Celebrex. After 18 months, there were no results of a reduction in cartilage loss. However, a follow-up study in 2006 called GAIT (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) funded by the National Institutes of Health, published in the 2006 New England Journal of Medicine, had a group of patients who experienced significant pain relief after taking the two supplements.
Despite the lack of solid evidence of its effectiveness, glucosamine/chondroitin treatments are still one of the best-selling supplements for arthritis and joint pain.
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