Glucosamine Sulfate With Chondroitin And MSM | Glucosamine And Chondroitin For Arthritis

Hello Readers we going to talk about glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin and MSM first of all understand the glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin and MSM

What Is Glucosamine Chondroitin With MSM Used For?

Abstract. Background: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are frequently used to prevent further joint degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a supplement containing organic sulfur and has also been reported to slow anatomical joint progressivity in knee OA. 

Glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin and MSM Glucosamine and chondroitin are very popular supplements and they are advertised to help with joint pain and arthritis.

Do They Work?

In this article I am going to explain about evidence that we have for glucosamine and chondroitin, collagen, fish oil, turmeric, and vitamin D. In this Article, I will discuss What are glucosamine and chondroitin? and Are glucosamine and chondroitin good for arthritis? In this Website, I educate people about arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and the best ways that you can use to live better with arthritis.

What Are Glucosamine And Chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are both normal components of the cartilage tissue. They will participate in building the components of your joints. In certain diseases like osteoarthritis, Both chondroitin and glucosamine are decreased. Naturally, many believe that taking a supplement will be an efficient way to stop or slow down the progression of arthritis. Supplements -are natural and/or synthetic products marketed to be added to your diet for optimal health results. However, because dietary supplements are categorized as “food,” not drugs, they are not required

to undergo the rigorous testing that prescription drugs/ medication undergo. The dietary supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring these are safe before they are marketed, but they do not require any approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These manufacturers may not claim to treat, prevent, or cure any specific disease

Are Glucosamine And Chondroitin Good For Arthritis?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. However, the use of glucosamine and chondroitin remains controversial. 

Where Is This Controversy Coming From?

Well, some people are saying that the dose that you take is important. Many studies used doses of glucosamine sulfate of 1500 mg/day and, or chondroitin of 800 mg/day (slide 24,28). Other people are saying that the brand of the product matters (slide 25) or the type of product. For example, this study suggested that a pharmaceutical grade of chondroitin might be better (slide 26). Let’s look further into this study and understand the findings better. They included 600 patients who received 800 mg of chondroitin daily. These researchers showed that pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin was superior to placebo but similar to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications like celecoxib in reducing pain and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

These patients used chondroitin for 6 months. I think it is important to know that the study was supported by the company that produced the chondroitin. 

How Long Should Patients Use Glucosamine And Chondroitin?

One study published in 2010 showed that patients who take these supplements for a long term, two to three years may have delayed progression of osteoarthritis. (slide 28) Some studies do not support these findings, and I think it is important to know about these too (slide 27). Think about the placebo effect.

What Is The Placebo Effect?

A placebo is anything that seems to be like "real" medical treatment -- but isn't. When you get “placebo” pills they do not contain the active substance. In many studies, the researchers compare the effect of a medication with a placebo, to understand the effect of that medication.

Now, let's come back to glucosamine and chondroitin and I will discuss a landmark study called GAIT (or Glucosamine/Chondroitin Intervention Trial). They included about 1500 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The researchers compared glucosamine, and chondroitin, alone or in combination with placebo and anti-inflammatory medications.

Overall, the glucosamine and chondroitin alone and in combination DID NOT decrease pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (slides 29,30). However, a subgroup of patients might benefit from these supplements. Those are patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis.

Another study, called the MOVES trial (slide 31) found the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin was as effective as celecoxib (a very well-known anti-inflammatory medication) in relieving pain and swelling in knee osteoarthritis.

What Is That Meaning?

These supplements could be a good alternative for people who aren’t good candidates for NSAIDs because they have cardiovascular or other gastrointestinal conditions. 

Are These Supplements Recommended By The Osteoarthritis Guidelines?

Currently, due to these conflicting results, the Osteoarthritis guidelines are not endorsing the use of glucosamine and chondroitin. Considering the safety profile is good, you may try to use them for about 6 months and see if your pain is improving. ( OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip,  and polyarticular osteoarthritis. 2019) Before you start any supplement, I do advise you to discuss your clinical situation with a physician who will be able to review your risks and benefits.

Supplements can be dangerous in some situations and can influence the way that other medications are absorbed. This is an educational lecture only and will not provide you with medical advice.