What is glucosamine chondroitin?

Glucosamine chondroitin is a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds which are found in a normal cartilage. Cartilage is the connective tissue found in between bones in a joint. It acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint.

Glucosamine can be found in its natural state in shellfish like crabs, shrimps, lobster, scallop, and oyster. Natural glucosamine is also found in the form of Glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is made naturally by the body and is found in the joints. Glucosamine is also available in synthetic forms. The synthetic form of glucosamine is glucosamine hydrochloride.

Glucosamine is also known as chitosamine. Apart from the cartilages, glucosamine can also be found in tendons, ligaments, and the synovial fluid. Glucosamine is made from glucose and an amine group (NH2).

Chondroitin on its part can be found in the natural form in shark and bovine cartilage. It can also be synthetically made in a laboratory. Chondroitin is also referred to by other names. These include chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin sulfuric acid, and chonsurid. Chondroitin sulfate is a combination of chondroitin and mineral salt.

Glucosamine and chondroitin can be obtained through eating foods rich in them such as shellfish and bovine cartilage or they can be taken in as dietary supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin are available in tablet, powder, capsule, or liquid form and they are usually taken in combination with each enzymes or together with other dietary supplements.

Benefits of glucosamine chondroitin

Intake of glucosamine chondroitin is important for good health and wellbeing. Here are the benefits of glucosamine chondroitin:

Remedy for Osteoarthritis

Studies conducted in the past have shown that glucosamine is effective in treating knee osteoarthritis. A number of other studies have also found that glucosamine is helpful in osteoarthritis in other body parts besides the knee. A combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin may be effective in slowing the breakdown of cartilage in early stages of knee osteoarthritis. A combination of the two may also to reduce moderate to severe knee pain.

Joints health

Glucosamine helps to nourish and support connective tissue in joints. In a research whereby X-rays were used to examine the condition of the knees, patients who had 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate daily showed better knee joint health as opposed to the patients who had taken placebo. The group that had take placebo showed continuous bonr degeneration when the knees were examined using X rays. This study involved 212 patients and was published on the British journal Lancet. The patients were given placebo or 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate for a period of 3 years and over.

Chondroitin sulfate works in synergy with glucosamine. It is recommended that glucosamine and chondroitin be taken together in a ratio of 5:4 (1500 mg glucosamine sulfate: 1200 mg chondroitin sulfate) for people who weigh between 120 and 200 pounds. Researchers from the Arthritis Center at Boston University School of Medicine reviewed 15 studies which had previously been conducted on humans to investigate the effect of glucosamine and chondroitin on joints. The findings showed significant joints improvement in people who were using either of the two materials.

Glucosamine and chondroitin may be combined with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for even better results in joints health. These three substances can be found separately or they can be sold as a complex for joints health. If you are taking the glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM complex then you should take care to take it as directed by a medical professional. The doctor will advise concerning side effects and possible medical complications.