Glucosamine and Chondroitin are nutritional supplements and as such are not subject to the same strict regulations required for prescription drugs and prescription. Therefore, if you decide to take any supplement, you do so on your own. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying these supplements. Make sure that the cause of your pain is osteoarthritis (OA). Do not stop or reduce the dosage of prescription drugs currently taken without consulting your doctor.

What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphateate?

* Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are substances that occur naturally in the body.

Glucosamine:

* Glucosamine is a aminosacárido which plays an important role in cartilage formation and repair.
* Glucosamine is extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells.

Chondroitin Sulphate:

* Chondroitin sulphate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity.
* Chondroitin sulphate is extracted, in most cases, the cartilage of the trachea of cattle, but in Japan also is extracted from shark cartilage.

Why do we use these supplements?

* These supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in horses and dogs for many years.
* In Europe, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate is used to treat OA in humans since the 1980's.
* It is important to remember that these supplements have not been studied as a treatment for other forms of arthritis or related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout, or treat other causes of pain, such as stress fractures.

What Do these supplements do?

* In studies conducted mainly in Europe, some people with mild to moderate OA who took glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate showed some pain relief and improved joint function. Reports indicate that these supplements relieve pain similarly to NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
* Limited studies have been conducted double-blind controlled long-term to assess the benefits or safety.

What characteristics should the supplement posses?

* Glucosamine comes in several forms, the most common are glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. It was found that both forms are equally effective, although most studies were conducted in the form of sulfate.
* The shark cartilage products containing chondroitin sulfate, but the amount and quality of chondroitin sulfate is not consistent.
* Since dietary supplements are not regulated, the quality and content can vary widely.

Some tips for picking quality products are:

* Choose a product manufactured by a large company who can be responsible and serious
* Read labels carefully to make sure that the ingredient list makes sense
* Ask for recommendations from your doctor or pharmacist

How doo we you should take this supplement?

* If you take these supplements, experts recommend taking the amount used in most clinical trials:
o Glucosamine: 1,500 mg (milligrams) per day
o Chondroitin: 1,200 mg per day
* If this dose relieves symptoms can decrease the amount gradually after a few months.
* Generally we recommend taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate together, but do not know for sure if the combination takes a better effect than the individual use of each substance.
* You should plan the use of supplements along with current medications for 6 to 8 weeks. If the pain decreases, then you can ask your doctor whether you should reduce or stop the other drugs for a while to see if there are any changes in the levels of pain and stiffness.
* If after four to six months do not notice any change in symptoms, probably the supplements did not provide any relief. Some people may experience partial relief using supplements, but may have to continue taking medication for a complete relief.

"These supplements have side effects?

* Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may have the following effects:
o Increased intestinal gas
o Softer stools
* Further studies should be performed to confirm the safety and efficacy of supplements. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any new or unusual symptoms when taking these supplements.

Precautions

* Children, pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should not take these supplements. These substances have not been studied enough to determine the possible effects on a developing fetus or a child.

People showing the conditions set forth below should take precautions with these supplements:

Glucosamine:

* Diabetes, because glucosamine is a aminosacárido, people with diabetes should control their blood sugar levels more often when taking these supplements.
* Allergy to seafood, if you are allergic to shellfish, consult your doctor before taking glucosamine. In most cases, allergies are caused by proteins found in shellfish, not by chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted.

Chondroitin Sulphate:

* This supplement may contain a similar structure to heparin, an anticoagulant drug, and the combination could increase the risk of bleeding.
* People taking anticoagulant medicines in combination with chondroitin sulphate should be monitored prothrombin time and coagulation more frequently.