Glucosamine: How Glucosamine Helps Osteoarthritis

By: Christopher D. Chaput, MD
November 29, 2000

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are naturally occurring substances found in the connective tissues of the body, including the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints.

How glucosamine helps osteoarthritis

• Glucosamine sulfate functions as the primary building block for proteoglycans, large molecules in cartilage that give it viscoelastic (buffering) properties. When taken orally, glucosamine sulfate is absorbed readily into the system and can be traced to cartilage as soon as four hours after consumption.
  
  Similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s, such as Cox-2 inhibitors), glucosamine sulfate has been shown to have unique anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, in some laboratory tests, the glucosamine supplement demonstrated a protective effect on the cartilage as well. These studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate may inhibit the breakdown of cartilage associated with osteoarthritis and may have the potential to help build-up cartilage (2).

• Glucosamine hydrochloride, another form of glucosamine, is available as a nutritional supplement, is considered to be as effective as the sulfate form although there are fewer completed studies to review. This hydrochloride form of glucosamine is more available to absorption into the body, so a smaller dose delivers an equivalent amount in the system.

How chondroitin helps osteoarthritis

• Chondroitin sulfate is a larger molecule also found in cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate has been studied much less extensively, but early results show that it also seems to work as an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain. Some laboratory studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may slow cartilage breakdown associated with osteoarthritis and even spur cartilage growth (2).

Both glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are available in capsule form and are sold without prescriptions, like vitamins and other nutritional supplements.

Safe use of glucosamine and chondroitin

Be aware that such supplements as glucosamine and chondroitin do not fall under the same rigorous and strict standards that traditional medications do. Patients should ask their healthcare provider and their pharmacist for suggestions on which brand they believe to have the highest quality product.

It would also be wise to contact the glucosamine or chondroitin manufacturer through the Internet or from addresses or phone numbers found on the bottle for more information concerning their methods of quality assurance for their product.