Glucosamine/Chondroitin

Do you know what the dietary supplement glucosamine/chondroitin is, does or can do? Do you know what the side effects are or if there are any? Do you know how it's made or what it's derived from? I didn't think so, so that's what I am here to tell you. I was playing lacrosse one day when I made a sudden move and that's when it all went down hill. I tore the cartilage in my knee, the meniscus - a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion - to be exact. A few days later I was talking to my Aunt Marie, a podiatrist, when she mentioned the dietary supplement glucosamine/contortion.

First, let's brake it down. What is glucosamine? Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is produced naturally in our bodies. Glucosamine can also be found in the shells of shellfish. Glucosamine is necessary for the construction of connective tissue and healthy cartilage. It is the building block of proteoglycans, which are large protein molecules that act like a sponge to hold water thereby giving connective tissue elasticity and cushioning effects. It also provides a buffering action to help protect against impacts that could cause damage to the surrounding area. Glucosamine helps to form tendons, ligaments, skin, nails, bones, mucous membranes, and other body tissue. Many studies have been put together to determine whether it effectively supplements our bodies' glucosamine needs. Studies have shown that it can replace what the body can not produce. For example in one study, oral glucosamine stimulated new cartilage and other protective molecules. More importantly, there have been no signs of increased toxicity levels, contradictions, or side effects. However, not enough high-quality or long-range studies have been done and the dietary supplement manufacturers are not regulated.

What is Chondroitin? Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan, which is part of the cell in the joint that makes up the proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are large molecules that attach to hyaluronic acid and trap large amounts of water giving the joint cartilage strength. Chondroitin is produced and concentrated in joint cartilage. It can also be taken from cow cartilage and transplanted into humans to help produce substances needed for the formation of connective tissue. Chondroitin can help to protect existing cartilage from prematurely breaking down. Chondroitin also inhibits enzymes that normally destroy cartilage and promotes cartilage formation while protecting existing cartilage. Like glucosamine, not enough long-range or high-quality studies have been done, but ones that have been done show that while product quality is not assured there are no side effects.

Glucosamine and chondroitin may be "synergistic," that is, they work together to create an even greater effect than they alone could produce. Glucosamine can be used by the body to form chondroitin. Adding chondroitin to the glucosamine frees up glucosamine for more important functions, while protecting existing cartilage from enzymatic decline.