Glucosamine and Chondroiton - Whats the buzz??

Glucosamine and Choindroiton are commonly beleived to help with Joint Pain and more specifically Joint Health. The theory is that they help prevent the breakdown of cartilage and/or can help the body regenerate cartilage in joints.

The fact that product sales for these products has reached almost a billion dollars in the US would tend to support their efficacy.

But do they really work?

As we get older the quantity of Chondroiton in the body declines and joints usually become stiffer and less mobile. People advocating glucosamine beleive that it helps prevent cartilage breakdown and may be able to help with regeneration of new cartilage. Both of these substances are produced naturally in the body so the theory is that by supplementing the bodies natural resources of the two can help with maintaining joint health.

These products typically appeal to people who are either sufferring from chronic joint pain as in arthritis or sports people who may expose their bodies and joints to wear and tear beyond what would be considered normal.

There is both good and bad news about scientific research concerning glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate.

The good news is that there have been numerous studies on both and both seem to be better than a placebo at releiving joint discomfort...They may not be as effective as NSAIDS in relieving pain but they do seem to have fewer side effects and lower toxicity.

Conversely they have a slower response time and don't offer the immediate pain relief that NSAIDS provide but some studies have suggested that they are longer lasting.

The bad news is that the methodology of a lot of these studies have faced severe criticism.

So where does that leave us?

The general consensus is that it does not seem unreasonable to suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin might have moderately positive effects on joint health. However there is currently no really solid evidence that conclusively demonstrates the benefits.

Given that the two substances are generally considered safe many people beleive that it 'worthwhile' taking them as supplements until studies have given more evidence either way.

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