Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin
Sulfate
Do They Help Relieve Pain due to
Osteoarthritis?
Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin
Sulfate
Do They Help Relieve Pain due to
Osteoarthritis?
While the main treatments for osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) remain weight loss when indicated, a regular exercise program, and protection of joints, these measures are usually supplemented with medication to help control pain. Common first-line medications include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib). However, some people now use other supplemental agents that may help relieve pain. Two popular substances are glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.
What are they?
Glucosamine sulfate is an aminosugar molecule needed
to form glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronic acid molecules that are major
constituents of joint cartilage, or the tissue that lines your joints and
that osteoarthritis damages. Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan
molecule. Think of them as the clay (glucosamine sulfate) and the bricks
(chondroitin sulfate) that make up a wall (joint cartilage). Some sources
of glucosamine include crab, lobster, and shrimp shells. Chondroitin can
come from cattle tracheas (windpipes) and shark cartilage.
Is there a difference?
Because glucosamine sulfate is a smaller molecule than
chondroitin sulfate, it is more easily absorbed across your digestive tract,
making it more available for tissue such as cartilage to use. Therefore,
many believe that glucosamine may be the better of the two to take for
pain due to osteoarthritis.
How are they beneficial?
Chondrocytes (cartilage cells) use these substances for
maintenance and possible repair of cartilage tissue. Researchers have studied
the use of each substance by people who have osteoarthritis of the hip
and knee and have found that they decrease joint pain and improve function
compared with placebo. Some studies show that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin
sulfate are as effective as NSAIDs.
Are there any adverse effects?
The substances are usually well tolerated, causing fewer
gastrointestinal (stomach) problems than NSAIDs. However, young children
and pregnant women should not use them because safety studies have not
been completed in these groups of people. No known drug interactions exist.
How do I get them and how much should I take?
You can purchase these substances without a prescription
at most pharmacies and health food stores. Typical doses are 500 mg three
times each day for glucosamine sulfate and 400 mg three times each day
for chondroitin sulfate. Studies suggest that you need to take the substances
for a month or longer before relief of symptoms occurs.
Douglas T. Cannon, M.D., F.A.A.P.M.R.
Columbus, Georgia
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