What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin good for?

Glucosamine together with Chondroitin are supplements that bring great reinforcement and benefit, actively participating in the process of formation and repair of worn cartilage and joints. The combination of these two substances provides infinite benefits by complementing each other, although they are equally effective to consume them separately.

If you are someone who suffers from mild or moderate osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis, or you simply want to avoid the risk of injury to your joints, this article is the ideal one for you; Keep reading and we will tell you everything you need to know about these two substances and the power of their combination.

What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin for?

These two substances have proven and confirmed their excellent results in cases of joint wear, pain relief and cartilage repair. In other words, we could say that they serve to:

Repair and reconstruction of cartilage and joints:

• For the repair of damaged cartilage, they help by stimulating the necessary production of mucopolysaccharides.

Increased elasticity and density of  synovial fluid :

• To improve their cushioning capacity and reduce joint friction, they help to produce this viscous substance that is found in the joints.

Prevention of the risk of injury in athletes or high-level athletes:

• The correct functioning of the joints, as well as the regeneration of cartilage, are achieved and guaranteed with the presence of both substances in our body and are even more necessary if we are forcing our body to extreme physical activity.

Joint pain reduction and relief:

• This thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect to alleviate this type of discomfort, more if they become consistent and progressive.

Common in treatments for osteoarthritis:

• A highly recommended compound, due to its beneficial properties for the joints.

What really are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

The  Glucosamine  is a compound or substance that occurs naturally in the body. Today we can acquire it in supplement form, this is extracted from crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp or lobsters, actively participating in the formation of cartilage and the  mobility of the joints .

It is a form of aminosaccharide that is derived from glutamine and glucose, forming part of the components of hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which play an essential role in the process of formation and repair of cartilage and joint tissue.

Chondroitin is another component, which is part of a long and large protein molecule, known as proteoglycan, which provides elasticity to articular cartilage, preventing body enzymes from destroying it, and is of great relevance also in our vertebrate tissues; In most cases, this substance is extracted from shark cartilage, as well as cartilage from the trachea of ​​cattle.

Its presence in our body gives cartilage  elasticity , in addition to being present in ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and skin, which are important connective tissues of the human body.

Contraindications

Before consuming or giving someone else any of these supplements, consult your pharmacist or doctor, it may have risks or negative health effects if you suffer from

• Bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
• Allergy to marine products.
• Diabetes.
• Asthma.
• High cholesterol.
• Cancer of the prostate
• High blood pressure.

Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin drugs?

These two drugs at a medical and pharmaceutical level are considered nutritional supplements, rather than medicinal ones, since both Glucosamine and Chondroitin are substances extracted from animal tissues, in addition to the fact that the regulations of these two components are not as strict as those of the drugs. For this reason, it is advisable to investigate which are the manufacturers and trusted companies at the time of acquiring them.

Adequate doses of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

If you decide to try these supplements, the ideal amount used is 1500 mg of Glucosamine per day, administered in tablets, capsules, powder or liquid, and between 800-1200 mg of Chondroitin per day, administered in capsules, tablets, powder and divided in two or four doses.

Although it is not really known yet whether the combination of both substances causes better effectiveness than using them individually, it is advisable to consume them together.

It may take a couple of months before you notice any improvement, if with the administered dose you have relief in your discomfort, you can gradually decrease the amount after those first months.

To avoid any  symptoms of toxicity, we do not recommend for any reason to exceed 2000 mg daily.

Adverse side effects

The most common negative side effects are stomach upset, increased intestinal gas, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, nail hardening, loss of appetite, and heartburn. Among other side effects that can be more delicate are:

• Unless the specialist doctor advises otherwise, Glucosamine is not recommended in patients with high blood pressure, as it is contraindicated.
• Chondroitin can increase clotting time in some people, so caution should be exercised if you decide to take this supplement, taking any anticoagulant product.
• Those patients with low sodium regimens, should take into account that these products contain small amounts of sodium.
• In the case of those who suffer from a severe allergy to fish and shellfish, great care must be taken, since these substances are extracted from marine animals.
• Glucosamine is an aminosaccharide, therefore blood glucose measurements should be made while taking the product in patients with diabetes.
• Although these substances have not been studied as much as to verify the effects they could have on pregnant women, children or women who are breastfeeding, it is preferable and advisable to avoid their consumption in this period without first consulting with your specialist doctor.

Final Recommendations

• Both Chondroitin and Glucosamine have proven to be effective and safe supplements, so you can take them with confidence always guided by your doctor’s advice.
• It is not necessary to stop treatment if you are taking another medicine, since both substances can be taken together with other medicines or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that you are using to treat your osteoarthritis or joint condition.
• Inform your doctor immediately and stop taking the supplement if you notice that something is wrong or experience any adverse side effects.
• Avoid unfamiliar brands, you should opt for a reputable and trustworthy manufacturing company.
• They are rarely recommended for children, do not administer any medicinal supplement to a child without first seeking medical advice.
• Some coaches suggest giving small doses and for a very short time to children who participate in sports.

The information presented in this post is not intended to replace the indications of any medical specialist. Both are considered nutritional supplements, because they are not subject to strict regulations as in the case of some drugs and medications, each person can decide on their own whether to consume it. However, we always recommend consulting a doctor before starting its consumption.