Glucosamine and chondroitin are two very popular
supplements that are often recommended to help
reduce back pain and joint stiffness. However, many
people do not know what these compounds are, how
they work, and if they are effective.
Glucosamine is a compound that is a precursor
(a precursor can be though of as the main ingredient
in a recipe) to another class of compounds called
glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans form the frame
work of cartilage.
Unfortunately, we can not just take glycosaminoglycans
directly because this compound cannot be absorbed by the
digestive track since it is a polysaccharide
(clump of sugar molecules) and our body can only absorb
monosaccharides (single sugar molecules). Glucosamine
however is a monosaccharide used to make
glycosaminoglycans and can be absorbed by our digestive tract,
making glucosamine the perfect candidate to provide the body
with materials to make the framework of cartilage.
In short, taking glucosamine is thought to protect cartilage
by providing materials to create the framework that supports
cartilage tissue.
Chondroitin (particularly condroitin sulfate) is the other primary
constituent of cartilage tissue. Tiny chondroitin sulfate
molecules branch off from the wire-like framework provided
by glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin is what fills in the empty
space between branches of glycoaminoglycans.
To simplify the theory, taking a glucosamine and chondroitin
supplement to build cartilage is just like eating extra protein
to build muscle. Even if your body wanted to produce more
cartilage, it could not do it without the base constituents!
Taking these two supplements together has been shown by
a variety of studies to improve joint function, reduce pain,
and slow the onset of osteoarthritis. However, not all types
of glucosamine and chondroitin are created equally.
In particular, research favors the sulfate variety of both
types, so when you pick out a glucosamine and chondroitin
supplement, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are
the most researched varieties. Note that glucosamine is
generally made from shellfish, so if you have a shellfish allergy,
make sure you get a non-shellfish variety.
Aside from the possibility of allergy, these two supplements
are an easy and cheap way to reduce joint pain, reduce
the risk of developing osteoarthritis, and slow down the
progression of the osteoarthritis in cases where it is
already present.