What are glucosamine & chondroitin?

Numerous research studies testify to the effectiveness of glucosamine (pronounced glue-koe-sam-een) and chondroitin (pronounced kon-droy-tin), so it´s not surprising that so many people use one or a combination of both to help care for their joints. They can help relieve both the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, whilst also acting to protect the joints from further degeneration.

Glucosamine sulphate in its natural form exists in all or our joints and muscles, aiding the everyday mobility and smooth working of cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Glucosamine is a major building block of glycosaminoglycans, complex proteins that form part of the structure of cartilage, and is therefore essential for the production of new cartilage in the joints. Glucosamine is also needed for the synthesis of synovial fluid - a vital cushioning substance that protects the joints from the damaging effects of friction.

The natural production of glucosamine is a slow process and the body needs large amounts when damaged joints are healing, which is why it is helpful to take a supplement. Healthspan´s glucosamine products help ensure your body doesn´t suffer from a short supply.

Studies have shown that glucosamine sulphate supplementation can improve joint symptoms associated with sports injuries and arthritis by at least 40% and often up to 70%. A landmark clinical trial compared the effects of 1500mg glucosamine sulphate 2KCl taken once daily over a period of three years versus an inactive placebo on the long-term development of knee osteoarthritis in 212 patients. Those taking a placebo showed a progressive narrowing of the joint space over the trial period, while those taking glucosamine recorded no significant loss of joint space at all. They also enjoyed considerable and sustained improvements with regards to pain and disability; those taking the placebo, in contrast, experienced a significant worsening of symptoms. So resounding, in fact, were the findings that when the report of the trial was published the authors noted that glucosamine could be a ´disease-modifying agent in osteoarthritis´.

Glucosamine also appears to be at least as effective in reducing joint pain as ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller. In another study, osteoarthritis sufferers given a daily dose of 1500mg glucosamine were compared against others given 1200mg ibuprofen: parallel improvements were seen for both groups over the four weeks, but the glucosamine group reported fewer side-effects. Interestingly, two weeks after the trial treatment had stopped, it became clear that glucosamine had a better residual therapeutic effect - in other words, compared with ibuprofen, glucosamine offers longer-term pain relief.

Chondroitin sulphate is also a major building block of glycosaminoglycans (a structural component of cartilage). It works well with glucosamine and are often combined in supplements for additional benefit. Chondroitin attracts water into joints, which acts as a shock absorber as well as a nutrient transport system. A further role is to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage, whilst stimulating others needed for constructive regeneration. Chondroitin also helps to raise blood levels of hyaluronan, a sticky gel that binds joint tissues firmly together, making joints structurally stronger and more resistant to damage.

Several comprehensive clinical studies have found that chondroitin actively improves joint repair, helps prevent new erosion and loss of joint space as well as significantly easing joint pain. Chondroitin sulphate has also been tested against the pain-killing anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac: of the 146 people with osteoarthritis who participated, those taking chondroitin enjoyed pain reduction for up to three months after the treatment finished, whereas those on diclofenac experienced an immediate return of their previous symptoms.

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