Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin is a dietary supplement best known for its effects on treating arthritis. The combination product is believed to work by decreasing inflammation, stimulating the cells that produce cartilage, limiting the production of certain compounds that degrade cartilage, and inhibiting a certain enzyme that damages cartilage. Some of the side effects that have been reported with the supplement include diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea.

 

What Is Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin is a dietary supplement most often used to treat arthritis (although it is claimed to be beneficial for a few other uses as well). The two components (chondroitin and glucosamine) can be purchased and used separately, although they are most commonly used together.
 
(Click Benefits of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for more information on what the supplement is used for, including additional uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar naturally found in the human body. It is important for the production of certain proteins, lipids (fatty molecules), and other substances in the human body. Most researchers think that glucosamine works for arthritis in several ways, such as by:
 
  • Decreasing inflammation
  • Stimulating chondrocytes, the cells that make and maintain cartilage
  • Decreasing the production of certain compounds that degrade cartilage.
     
Chondroitin is a molecule naturally found in the human body (as well as in many animals). It is part of a group of very large molecules known as glycosaminoglycans. Researchers think that chondroitin might work for arthritis in several ways, such as by:
 
  • Inhibiting a cartilage-damaging enzyme known as leukocyte elastase
  • Decreasing inflammation (by changing the way certain white blood cells respond to certain chemical signals)
  • Increasing the production of hyaluronic acid, a component of synovial fluid (the lubricating fluid in joints) and of cartilage.
     

Effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Initial research for these two supplements (either used together or separately) was very positive. However, later research has shed some doubt on the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin. At this point, it is not entirely clear if glucosamine and chondroitin really does work for arthritis (see Does Glucosamine Work? and Does Chondroitin Work? for more information).
 

Dosing Information

Dietary supplements usually lack clear, evidence-based dosing information. However, the recommended dose for glucosamine and chondroitin has been clearly established.
 
(Click Glucosamine and Chondroitin Dosage for more information.)
 

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Side Effects

Most studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin is well tolerated. However, there are a few side effects that may be attributed to glucosamine and chondroitin, such as:
 
(Click Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Glucosamine and chondroitin may potentially interact with some medications (see Drug Interactions With Glucosamine and Chondroitin).
 

Is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Safe?

Glucosamine and chondroitin is probably safe for many people when used appropriately. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to the supplement. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking glucosamine and chondroitin if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known exactly what to expect from a glucosamine and chondroitin overdose. If you think you may have taken too much, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Glucosamine Overdose and Chondroitin Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods for Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how to best store the supplement. Keep all medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;