Show
What’s the Bottom Line?How much do we know about glucosamine and chondroitin supplements?
What do we know about the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements?
What do we know about the safety of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements?
What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the joints. Both are produced naturally in the body. They are also available as dietary supplements. Researchers have studied the effects of these supplements, individually or in combination, on osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis that destroys cartilage in the joints. More informationCartilage is the connective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joints. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage between the bones of a joint wears down. This allows the bones to rub together, which can cause pain and swelling and make it difficult to move the joint. The knees, hips, spine, and hands are the parts of the body most likely to be affected by osteoarthritis. For more information about osteoarthritis, visit the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site at www.niams.nih.gov. For more information on complementary health approaches for osteoarthritis, see the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) fact sheet Osteoarthritis and Complementary Health Approaches. What the Science Says About Glucosamine and Chondroitin for OsteoarthritisFor the Knee or HipGlucosamineMajor studies of glucosamine for osteoarthritis of the knee have had conflicting results. More information
ChondroitinIn general, research on chondroitin has not shown it to be helpful for pain from knee or hip osteoarthritis. More information
Joint StructureA few studies have looked at whether glucosamine or chondroitin can have beneficial effects on joint structure. Some but not all studies found evidence that chondroitin might help, but the improvements may be too small to make a difference to patients. There is little evidence that glucosamine has beneficial effects on joint structure. Experts’ RecommendationsExperts disagree on whether glucosamine and chondroitin may help knee and hip osteoarthritis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has recommended that people with knee or hip osteoarthritis not use glucosamine or chondroitin. But the recommendation was not a strong one, and the ACR acknowledged that it was controversial. For Other Parts of the BodyOnly a small amount of research has been done on glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis of joints other than the knee and hip. Because there have been only a few relatively small studies, no definite conclusions can be reached. More information
What the Science Says About Safety and Side Effects
More informationIf you use dietary supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, read and follow the label instructions, and recognize that “natural” does not always mean “safe.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements, but the regulations for dietary supplements are different and less strict than those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Some dietary supplements may interact with medications or pose risks if you have medical problems or are going to have surgery. Most dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children. For more information, see Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. More To Consider
For More InformationNCCIH ClearinghouseThe NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1 Website: https://nccih.nih.gov/ Email: (link sends email) Key References
Other References
AcknowledgmentsNCCIH thanks the following people for their technical expertise and review of this publication: Daniel Clegg, M.D., University of Utah; Marc Hochberg, M.D., M.P.H., University of Maryland; Julian Leakey, Ph.D., U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Allen Sawitzke, M.D., University of Utah; and Partap Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D., and John (Jack) Killen, Jr., M.D., NCCIH. This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH. Last Updated: November 2014 What are the negative side effects of glucosamine chondroitin?Common side effects of chondroitin and glucosamine may include:. nausea, diarrhea, constipation;. stomach pain, gas, bloating;. hair loss; or.. puffy eyelids.. Who should not take glucosamine?Glucosamine may also increase glaucoma risk. Therefore, it shouldn't be taken by those at risk of developing glaucoma, including those with a family history of glaucoma, people ages 60 or older, and those who have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure ( 31 ).
Can glucosamine cause side effects?Glucosamine can cause some mild side effects including bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. When applied to the skin: N-acetyl glucosamine is possibly safe when used for up to 10 weeks.
Does glucosamine chondroitin raise blood pressure?Possible side effects include upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, sun sensitivity and nail toughening. Based on several human cases, temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as palpitations, may occur in those taking glucosamine/chondroitin products.
|