|
Arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects
1 in 3 adults. With ever increasing interest in
overcoming discomfort from osteoarthritis, several
anticipated studies have shown that Glucosamine and
Chondroitin work even better than pain killers.
Is there a role for Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
By: Dr.Phil Hariram
Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been aggressively promoted
as safe and effective treatment. The adverts are
everywhere and the Sunday tabloid is likely to have a full
page spread on the benefits of
glucosamine and chondroitin. Is it just hype or is there evidence that
these two items are useful treatment?
Glucosamine is an amino acid sugar produced by the body and
present in cartilage. There are no serious side effects
with glucosamine. It is extracted from shells of shellfish
so if you are allergic to shellfish be aware of this. If
you are a diabetic, remember that glucosamine is an amino
acid sugar and can impact on your blood sugar level.
Chondroitin is a carbohydrate compound and is present in
cartilage. It gives the cartilage elasticity. Articular
surface of joints are protected by cartilage (articular
cartilage) and this cartilage is a tough smooth gristle
that reduces friction and protects the underlying bone from
wear. Damage and wear of the cartilage is seen on an x-ray
as loss of joint space. Cartilage contains both
glucosamine
and chondroitin.
Chondroitin is available as chondroitin sulfate, obtained
from cows' cartilage. There are no serious side effects of
chondroitin. Reported side effects are increased intestinal
gas and loose stools. It should not be given to children or
taken by women considering pregnancy or who are pregnant.
It may potentiate the effects of anti-coagulants.
The rationale for the use of chondroitin and glucosamine as
treatment of arthritis is that these two drugs, according
to some, will improve the health of affected articular
cartilage. Both chondroitin and glucosamine are
manufactured by the body.
---Sidebar---
The "GAIT" Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis
Intervention Trial - Glucosamine Effectiveness (13
Universities - United States Study) included
Highlights: After five years of recruiting,
testing and analyzing, this trial excitingly
reports, “Combination glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate is effective in treating moderate to
severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis.”
Read more about this study at
Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center |
Your family doctor is not likely to recommend glucosamine
or chondroitin as an arthritis treatment because there is
no clear evidence that they confer greater benefits over
placebo in arthritis treatment.
Both Chondroitin and
glucosamine are considered supplements
and therefore the manufacture is not regulated. When
purchasing these products make sure you purchase from a
reputable company and check the label. The quality of the
product will vary from one manufacturer to another.
A qualitative assessment of various trials was done by T.E.
McAlindon et al. to evaluate the benefits of glucosamine
and chondroitin products for osteoarthritis of the knee
and/or hip. The studies were randomized, double blind,
placebo controlled of four weeks duration. Fifteen studies
reached the criteria and were included in the analysis.
Conclusions: Trials of
glucosamine and chondroitin products
for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip showed moderate to
higher effects but there were quality issues and possible
bias suggesting that benefits were exaggerated. They
concluded, however, that some degree of benefits appears
probable.
A trial by H. Muller-Fassbender et al. in 1994 compared
glucosamine sulfate to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the
knee. The result showed that glucosamine was as effective
as ibuprofen but without the potential serious side effects.
Recent trials confirm the real
benefits of Chondroitin and glucosamine, some
arthritis patients swear by them. If you are considering
taking them, use them for three months before making a
decision on their efficacy. They are much safer than NSAIDs
and COX2 inhibitors.
Dr.Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner. He has
spent 27 years treating patients with osteoarthritis. His website is at
http://www.arthritissage.com
Joint Support - glucosamine with herbs targets discomfort in joints and muscles due to arthritis. Age and an active
lifestyle can wreak havoc on joints, cartilage and muscles. Protect and cushion
your joints and
muscles with a specially formulated blend of cartilage building
glucosamine, flexibility-enhancing MSM and herbs.
Notice: Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
See Also:
Herbal Nutrition Articles Skin Care, Weight
Loss, Targeted and Herbal Nutrition Solutions.
Multivitamin
22 essential vitamins and herbs for overall good health.
Herbal Enhancers - Fortify yourself everyday.
Herbal Nutrition Store
All your herbal nutrition needs in one place.
Click Here To Bookmark This Page
Become an Herbalife Independent Distributor
Home |
Catalog |
Classifieds |
Contact us |
Subscribe |
Store | Policies |
Shipping & Returns

Herbal Nutrition Articles
Joint Support
Total (Appetite) Control
LiftOff Energy Drink
Herbal Concentrate Green Tea Mix
F2 Multivitamin Complex
|

Herbal Catalog
Herbalife the leader in herbal nutrition. Scientifically formulated to
provide the nutrition you need for a healthy lifestyle.
Read
More... |
|
|