Generally safe Glucosamine sulfate might provide some pain relief for people with osteoarthritis. The supplement appears to be safe and might be a helpful option for people who can't take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While study results are mixed, glucosamine sulfate might be worth a try.
Some but not all studies found evidence that chondroitin might help, but the improvements may be too small to make a difference to patients. There is little evidence that glucosamine has beneficial effects on joint structure.
It is OK to take glucosamine every day, but check with your healthcare provider. For example, with osteoarthritis, the following doses have been studied: By mouth: 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day, taken either at once, in two doses of 750 mg, or in three doses of 500 mg.
Glucosamine can cause some mild side effects including bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. When applied to the skin: N-acetyl glucosamine is possibly safe when used for up to 10 weeks. When given as an enema (rectally): N-acetyl glucosamine is possibly safe when used in doses of 3-4 grams daily.
Because glucosamine products might be derived from the shells of shellfish, there is concern that the supplement could cause an allergic reaction in people with shellfish allergies. Glucosamine might worsen asthma. There's some concern that glucosamine might raise eye pressure.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements which have anti-inflammatory properties. These supplements are typically used for joint pain and osteoarthritis, and are commonly taken as either glucosamine alone or as glucosamine plus chondroitin.
Conclusion. In summary, collagen and glucosamine are both essential compounds for maintaining healthy joints, bones, and skin. While collagen provides structural support to the body's connective tissues, glucosamine plays a crucial role in the formation of healthy cartilage.
Weight gain while taking glucosamine is usually based on your eating habits. Depending on the amount of carbohydrates or fats you are eating, you may see an increase in weight.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. They're components of cartilage—the substance that cushions the joints. Research on these supplements has been mixed, in part because studies have used varying designs and supplement types.
If you're looking for a supplement that may ease your joint pain, glucosamine might be worth a try. Some studies show it gives relief for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, and it may work for other joints, too.
Reported improvement (e.g. reduction in painful symptoms) varies from three weeks to as much as eight weeks. Some studies have shown continued improvement of symptoms after oral intake was stopped. Generally, if there is no pain reduction after two months, there is little chance of improvement.
Chondroitin is believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Like glucosamine, this supplement is thought to help cartilage retain water, keep joints lubricated, and possibly reverse cartilage loss.
The supplement seems to reduce pain as much as ibuprofen. But it doesn't work as fast. It can take four to eight weeks for glucosamine sulfate to ease pain.
In both studies, the patients showed statistically-significant improvements in pain whichever drug they took. The pain score at week 4 in the first trial was lower in the glucosamine group than in the ibuprofen group, showing a greater reduction in pain.
Glucosamine should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment; side effects and renal function should be monitored. It is advisable to avoid glucosamine for patients with severe renal impairment and those on dialysis until more data are available.
Glucosamine has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of glucosamine as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown, and liver injury due to glucosamine or chondroitin must be very rare if it occurs at all.
Common side effects of chondroitin and glucosamine may include: nausea, diarrhea, constipation; stomach pain, gas, bloating; hair loss; or.
Turmeric can also preserve joint cartilage in the long term. A study involving 160 people with knee osteoarthritis found that turmeric was significantly better than placebo in reducing pain, stiffness and improving joint function.
Dietary Sources
There are no major food sources of glucosamine, so you must get it from supplements. Most supplements are made from chitin, the hard outer shells of shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. Other forms of glucosamine are available for people who are allergic to shellfish.
Whereas glucosamine structurally supports connective tissue integrity within the joint, turmeric offers greater protection against joint-diminishing oxidative stress, inflammation, and enzymes.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
The AF recommends NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, as a first-line treatment for joint pain. Ibuprofen comes in several forms, in doses of 200–800 milligrams (mg) . A doctor may recommend that a person take 400–800 mg up to three times per day.
Pills. NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. OTC doses of these drugs, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), may be useful for relieving pain. At higher prescription doses they may also relieve inflammation.