There can be very few people who haven’t heard the words
glucosamine and chondroitin in relation to joint health, but what
exactly are they and how do they work?
These products are some of the most popular nutritional
supplements in the UK. Numerous research studies testify to their
popularity and effectiveness. Most studies indicate that a mixture
of Glucosamine and Chondroitin (pronounced Kondroytin) are the most
effective.
Glucosamine in its natural form exists in all of our joints and
muscles, playing a role in the everyday mobility and smooth working
of cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It is a major building block
of the complex proteins called glycosaminoglycans that in turn form
part of the structure of cartilage. It is essential for the
production of new cartilage and the synthesis of the joint’s
oil (synovial fluid), helping to make it thicker and more
cushioning. It strengthens the jelly-like centre of intervertebral
discs and is also needed for healthy formation of nails, tendons,
skin, eyes, bone, ligaments and mucous membranes.
Glucosamine sulphate is a substance that is naturally made in the
body from a sugar (glucose) and an amino acid (glutamine). Larger
quantities are needed when damaged joints are healing and, as
production of glucosamine is normally a slow process, it is often
in short supply. It is therefore frequently taken orally as a
nutritional supplement.
Research
Glucosamine sulphate can improve joint symptoms associated with
sports injuries and arthritis by at least 40% and often up to 70%
compared with an inactive placebo. A landmark clinical trial
compared the effects of glucosamine sulphate (1500mg once daily for
three years) versus placebo on the long-term progression of knee
osteoarthritis in 212 patients. Those taking placebo showed
progressive narrowing of the knee joint space over the 3 year trial
period, while those taking glucosamine sulphate showed no
significantloss of joint space. Those receiving glucosamine
sulphate enjoyed significant improvements in pain and disability,
which was sustained for the three year duration of the trial; in
contrast, those taking placebo experienced a significant worsening
of symptoms.1
Glucosamine sulphate appears to be at least as effective in
reducing joint pain as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers
such as ibuprofen. In a study involving 178 people with
osteoarthritis of the knee, those taking glucosamine 1500mg daily
for four weeks showed improvements similar to those seen with
ibuprofen 1200mg daily, but with less side effects.2
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulphate is closely related to glucosamine and is
usually combined with it for additional benefit. It supplies
building blocks for making structural substances known as
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in joints. It attracts water into joints,
which act as a shock absorber as well as a nutrient transport
system. Chondroitin sulphate inhibits enzymes that break down
cartilage, while stimulating those involved in the production of
structural substances such as proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and
collagen. However chondroitin is a very expensive ingredient,
costing roughly four times as much, gram for gram, as glucosamine,
so many people forsake this ingredient - on the grounds of cost -
and buy glucosamine on its own missing out on the benefits of
chondroitin.
Reference:
1Long-term effects of
glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised,
placebo-controlled clinical trial, Jean Yves Reginster, Rita
Deroisy, Lucio C Rovati, Richard L Lee, Eric Lejeune, OL Bruyere,
Giampaolo Giacovelli, Yves Henrotin, Jane E Dacre, Christiane
Gossett: Lancet 2001; 357: 251-5. 2
Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulphate versus ibuprofen in
patients with knee osteoarthritis, Qiu GX, Gao SN, Giacovelli G,
Rovati L, Setnikar I.: Arzneimittelforschung. 1998 May; 48(5):
469-74.
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