How do glucosamine supplements work

Get involved with the arthritis community. Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U. Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available. Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis. Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease.

Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now! Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift. I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions.

Become a Volunteer More About Volunteering. By taking part in the Live Yes! And all it takes is just 10 minutes. Your shared experiences will help: - Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes - Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community - Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community. Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis JA community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. Get Started. 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. Reported improvement e. Some studies have shown continued improvement of symptoms after oral intake was stopped. Generally, if there is no pain reduction after two months, there is little chance of improvement.

Patients should keep a diary of their symptoms when treatment begins to better judge any changes in pain level or joint movement, and this information should be shared with their physician. What are the side effects of taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate? Common side effects may include: Nausea Diarrhea Gastrointestinal upset These side effects are reported in a small portion of patients.

Chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the hand A 6-month trial of chondroitin in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the hand showed that it may improve pain and function. Glucosamine for osteoarthritis of the jaw One study of 45 patients with osteoarthritis of the jaw showed that those given glucosamine had less pain than those given ibuprofen. Glucosamine for chronic low-back pain and osteoarthritis of the spine A Norwegian trial involving people with chronic low-back pain and osteoarthritis of the lower spine found that participants who received glucosamine fared the same at 6 months as those who received placebo.

No serious side effects have been reported in large, well-conducted studies of people taking glucosamine, chondroitin, or both for up to 3 years. However, glucosamine or chondroitin may interact with the anticoagulant blood-thinning drug warfarin Coumadin.

A study in rats showed that long-term use of moderately large doses of glucosamine might damage the kidneys. Glucosamine might affect the way your body handles sugar, especially if you have diabetes or other blood sugar problems , such as insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance. More to Consider. If your joints hurt, see your health care provider. Some diseases that cause joint pain—such as rheumatoid arthritis—may need immediate treatment.

If you take warfarin or have blood sugar problems, make sure you talk to your doctor about potential side effects if you are considering or taking glucosamine or chondroitin supplements. Help your health care providers give you better coordinated and safe care by telling them about all the health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. Key References. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. No effect of glucosamine sulfate on osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joints—a randomized, controlled, short-term study.

Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. New England Journal of Medicine. The effect of glucosamine on glucose metabolism in humans: a systematic review of the literature. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Symptomatic effects of chondroitin 4 and chondroitin 6 sulfate on hand osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial at a single center. Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator.

American College of Rheumatology recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Potential glucosamine-warfarin interaction resulting in increased international normalized ratio: case report and review of the literature and MedWatch database.

Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis: a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Archives of Internal Medicine. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed Oct. N-acetyl glucosamine NAG. Natural Medicines.