Can i take glucosamine chondroitin

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that is often combined with another supplement, chondroitin , to treat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is made from the shells of shellfish and chondroitin is derived from cow trachea. Evidence published in the New England Journal of Medicine in suggested that glucosamine alone or combined with chondroitin can help relieve osteoarthritis pain in a subgroup of people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.

It should be noted that based on further research, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons currently advises against the use of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine hydrochloride in treating symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Supplements advertised for improved joint health can be confusing and even downright misleading. And that can be a problem. If you take too much, you may be increasing the risk of side effects. Results of a study from Tufts-New England Medical Center conclude that typical doses listed on over-the-counter supplements are probably not strong enough to help relieve arthritic joint pain and stiffness.

To this end, the recommended dosages are based more on what amount of drug causes little to no harm yet is believed to offer therapeutic benefits. The initial dose is typically 1, milligrams mg of glucosamine and 1, mg of chondroitin daily for one to two months. If a response is obtained, the dose can be reduced to 1, mg of glucosamine and mg of chondroitin per day. According to the Tufts study, it is still unclear as to whether higher doses are more effective and whether that level of dosing may cause potential harm.

Because supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the amount of active ingredient cannot always be verified. Most studies have shown that glucosamine needs to be taken for two to four months before its full benefits are realized, although some will experience improvement sooner.

Potential side effects of glucosamine-chondroitin include:. These risks may increase at higher doses. Glucosamine should be avoided if you are allergic to shellfish. People on the blood thinner Coumadin warfarin may have an increased risk of bleeding. Stop treatment and call your healthcare provider if you experience sudden swelling in the legs or irregular heartbeats. Call or seek emergency care if you develop hives, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeats, or the swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

These side effects are reported in a small portion of patients. However, even substances that are found naturally in the body can have unpredictable results when taken in higher than normal quantities and in different formulations. This is particularly true with patients who are taking multiple medications or who have other diagnosed illness. For example:. Request an Appointment. Search form Search.

Twitter Facebook YouTube. You are here Home Share. What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate? Typical dosage is mg for glucosamine sulfate and mg for chondroitin sulfate, taken once daily. For body weight less than lbs, the dose is generally reduced to mg for glucosamine sulfate and mg for chondroitin sulfate. Duration of treatment has not yet been determined.

Chondroitin may act as a blood thinner, so it comes with a warning about potential bleeding. Many doctors warn patients that the FDA does not regulate supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, so they may not contain the amounts stated on the label or there could be contaminants in them.

But if a patient is interested in taking these supplements, I rarely object. And if, after a period of time, they have noticed no improvement, I will suggest they discontinue them. As long as they have the information they need and the treatment seems safe, whether to take an over-the-counter supplement for joint symptoms is a decision I leave to my patients.

There are different types and doses available and they are taken for a number of different conditions. Only patients who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a health professional and have had other possible causes for their back pain ruled out are candidates for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements.

Patients should inform their physician of any other medications they are taking and of their medical history before taking any type of dietary supplement. See Osteoarthritis Complete Treatment Guide.

In general, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate nutritional supplements appear to be quite safe. The most common side effects occur that have been reported are gastrointestinal in nature, such as upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea.

To date, no significant side effects have been reported, although long-term studies on the safety of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements still need to be completed.