In 1997 the best seller The Arthritis Cure argued that two then-new supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin, could “cure” joint pain. For the record, neither glucosamine nor chondroitin cures arthritis. But they—especially glucosamine—do help alleviate the pain. A 2006 study by the University of Utah School of Medicine looked at 1,583 knee osteoarthritis patients and found that glucosamine and chrondroitin provide moderate relief for moderate to severe arthritis. But when it comes to mild arthritis, the study found the supplements had no effect. And major studies over the past 20 years have found the supplements work as well as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to relieve joint pain and stiffness, but with less stomach distress.
Osteoarthritis develops when wear and tear breaks down the shock-absorbing cartilage inside joints. Glucosamine helps repair this cushioning by improving its ability to hold water, while chondroitin draws water into cartilage. The more water that cartilage contains, the better the shock absorption for your joints. The studies are not unanimous, but most show that both supplements diminish osteoarthritis pain, particularly in the knees. “The research is compelling, especially for glucosamine, which has been better studied,” says Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC), the nation’s leading independent organization for herb education. “And both supplements have a solid safety record.”
Dosage: Most of the studies used 1,500 milligrams a day of glucosamine and 1,200 milligrams a day of chondroitin.
Caveats: None.
Comments (11)
I wanted to mention a observation I have from many of our chiropractic patients regarding the glucosamine, msm, and chondroitin. Most patients that have been taking a hard pill of the glucosamine/msm/chondroitin have noticed less (positive) effects than those who take or have switched to the capsule or liquid form of the supplement. My advice to those who have felt no relief from your hard pills, try the capsule or liquid form and allow a couple weeks for a possible difference.
I took this combination for years and it did nothing. Then I stumbled upon Sam-E which I have been taking for three years now with wonderful results. My arthritis used to be so bad in my wrist my doctor gave me a brace which I had to wear at night or wake up in extreme pain. Since using Sam-E I have no problems with my wrist or any other area. I would love to see studies on this.
I started with glucosamine and chondroitin,then addid msm. Have been taking a combination tablet for several years to ease the pain in both thumbs. When I stop taking the supplements, pain returns and find it hard to use my thumbs. Go back on (Tripleflex) and thumbs return to normal. Great supplements!
What is Sam-E?
i have pain in my knee ,buttox ,shoulder joint and muscle pain in upper and low muscles in arm please advise me on what to do.and what is sam e
I suffer from mild/moderate pain in my knee. Can it be adjusted the same as my back?
Can I know where to purchase sam.e and glucoasmine and chondroitin combaination liqluids in the United Kingdom please?
I read that glucosamine sulfate works better than glucosamine hydroxide. I also found that Reparagen sold at CVS helps. If it will help there should be an improvment within 7 days.
I also learned that strengthening the hip is good for the knee as they are at opposite ends of the same bone.
my husband has back paing from osto. arthritis . He can not take many pain medicines because he also has colitis of the colin and advil, aleave, motrin etc will cause flare ups of the colon
hia i ve just stumbled on to this site as i have woke up yet again in serious pain ive three slipped discs right at the top of my spine im supposed to have an operation but when i asked the doctor if i have the op will the pain stop he said no so please does anybody have a magic potion that can help debbie i go to have reiki and ive also used acupunture but it gets expensive
SAM-e is short for S-adenosylmethionine, a substance that occurs naturally in the cells of plants, animals, and humans. SAM-e is not an herb. Because the body produces less SAM-e with age, some people think that SAM-e may be a helpful supplement for certain diseases. In the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement.