Joint pain is an almost unavoidable side effect of aging. Thankfully, there are supplements on the market today that can help to ease those aches. This chapter will cover three supplements you may want to try if you are experiencing joint pain:
chon dr oi tin, glucosamine, and SAMe.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin (pronounced con-DROY-tin) is a natural bodily substance found in and around the cells of cartilage. It’s basically a chain of glucosamine (another “building block” of cartilage also available in supplement form), with sugar molecules attached. Chondroitin sulfate, the form currently sold as a dietary supplement, is believed to provide strength and resilience to cartilage.
Osteoarthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bone joints breaks down, resulting in stiff joints, joint pain, and deformity. (Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflamed knuckles and joints and, often, misshapen hands. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition of the entire body that can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever.)
In one study of 119 people, those who took 1,200 milligrams of chondroitin sulfate showed reduced rates of severe joint damage: Only 8.8 percent of them developed severely damaged joints during the study, compared to 30 percent of those in the placebo group. And, in many of the studies, those subjects who received chondroitin rated their arthritis improvement and pain relief higher than those receiving either a prescription pain reliever or a placebo.
There have been several human studies that suggest chondroitin is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
How does chondroitin work? It’s unknown, but there are a few theories. Chondroitin is thought to give cartilage elasticity, which may improve joint function. It may also block enzvmes that break down cartilaee. therebv slowing the rro session of
osteoarthritis. Chondroitin may also increase the amount of lubricating fluid in the joints. Finally, chondroitin may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Some proponents of chondroitin (as well as marketers of the supplement) claim that it may even prevent joint damage and repair damaged cartilage, thereby reversing arthritis. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Until recently, no long-term studies on chondroitin benefits and safety had been performed. Now, a detailed long-term study of chondroitin (and glucosamine) on osteoarthritis of the knee has been initiated bv the National Institutes of Health.
Should You Supplement with Chondroitin?
It’s unclear whether chondroitin is most effective when coupled with glucosamine or when taken alone. Some experts say that since much of the research on chondroitin used an injectable form and not a pill form, the usefulness of chondroitin supplements is questionable, and that the real benefits come from the glucosamine with which it’s often combined. As more and more researchers begin using the oral form of chondroitin in their studies, additional information about chondroitin as a single
supplement should be available in the next couple of years.
The usual dosage for osteoarthritis is 1,200 milligrams of chondroitin per day (400 milligrams taken three times daily). This dosage is considered safe and has only been associated with mild gastrointestinal side effects in some studies. Children should not take these supplements.
What to Know about Taking Chondroitin Supplements
• Chondroitin sulfate is available as a single supplement in 250-milligram and 400-
milligram capsules. It’s also available combined with glucosamine and various other compounds in varying dosages.
• Chondroitin sulfate is righted from animal tissue, most often from cattle
tracheas, but sometimes from shark cartilage, too (the cheaper way to make it).
Some experts recommend avoiding chondroitin supplements made from shark cartilage, citing inconsistent quality and amount of chondroitin in the supplement.
• Chondroitin has not been shown to provide relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Since dietary supplements (or claims for them) are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, quality control and potency problems may exist with chondroitin supplements.
Source: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/chondroitin-000293.htm
