Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Studies - a Winner over Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine and Chondroitin - a Powerful Combination

There are quite a few glucosamine chondroitin sulfate studies that have been published. As we mentioned in another section of our site, the combination glucosamine chondroitin supplement is felt by most researchers to be the most effective in helping to alleviate osteoarthritis. The synergistic effect of both of these supplements working together is thought to be a better bet than glucosamine or chondroitin individually.

glue-co'-sam-een and con-droy'-tin

We learned about glucosamine at our glucosamine benefits page. But what is chondroitin? Chondroitin is a large protein molecule that gives your cartilage elasticity. It keeps your cartilage from getting brittle and breaking breaking down sooner.

Most glucosamine chondroitin sulfate studies have shown promising results when used to help the pain associated with osteoarthritis. In fact, these studies have shown that the glucosamine chondroitin supplement can even slow the progression of this crippling disease.

Arthritis Foundation - the 800 Pound Gorilla

Glucosamine chondroitin sulfate studies reported on by the Arthritis Foundation for instance, tell us that folks suffering with mild to moderate osteoarthritis experience pain relief similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. We are also told that the glucosamine chondroitin supplement may slow down cartilage damage as well.

Also glucosamine chondroitin sulfate studies currently being conducted by the National Institutes of Health tell us this: "Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage. Researchers believe these substances may help in the repair and maintenance of cartilage. In addition, researchers believe that glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth, while chondroitin provides cartilage with strength and resilience."

Physician's Desk Reference

The Physician's Desk Reference reports on 13 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are the real deal. These are studies that the authors feel confident enough in to publish the results in medical journals. Out of these 13 glucosamine chondroitin sulfate studies, 6 studied glucosamine and 7 studied chondroitin. It was reported that "All 13 studies found positive results in hip or knee osteoarthritis."

Another of these placebo-controlled studies on glucosamine sulfate, again reported on by the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), ended with the conclusion that "the supplement halts progression of structural joint damage and reduces symptoms of those with osteoarthritis of the knee."

Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement

Another of the glucosamine chondroitin sulfate studies reported on in the PDR tells us that there is a synergistic effect when both of these supplements are taken together. That means researchers feel that taken together as a glucosamine chondroitin supplement, these supplements may work better than if taken by themselves.