| What
are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate?
Glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine
is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in
cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is part
of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage
elasticity.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate are sold as dietary or nutritional supplements. They
are extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster
or shrimp shells; and chondroitin sulfate from animal cartilage,
such as tracheas or shark cartilage.
What do they do?
Past studies show that some
people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) taking either
glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate reported pain relief at
a level similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Some research
indicates that the supplements might also slow cartilage damage
in people with OA. Definitive results about the effects of
these supplements are expected from an in-depth clinical study
currently being conducted by the National Institutes of Health.
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