Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are found naturally in the connective tissues of the human body, such as those that cover the ends of bones in the joints. But while glucosamine is extracted from animal tissues such as crabs, lobsters, or shrimp shells, chondroitin sulfate is found in animal cartilage such as tracheae or shark cartilage. Both commonly taken as dietary supplements (also known as nutritional supplements).
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It is believed that glucosamine sulfate can aid in the formation and repair of cartilage in people with arthritis . In fact, some laboratory tests show how this substance protects articular cartilage by limiting its decomposition and helping to build new parts of it. Glucosamine hydrochloride, another form of glucosamine, is considered equally effective as in the sulfate form. However, it is more easily absorbed by the body and can be taken in lower doses and with the same efficacy as glucosamine sulfate.
On the other hand, chondroitin sulfate is part of a protein molecule that helps give the cartilage its elastic properties and is believed to also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce painful swelling in the joints, which occurs when the bones, exposed by the wear of the cartilage, rub against each other. In addition, chondroitin sulfate can also help delay the disintegration of the cartilage and restore its growth, which is a better mattress for the joints.
Conventional medicine does not yet have a proven treatment to stop or slow the progression of osteoarthritis , so the nutritional supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have become an alternative treatment for some patients suffering from this disease.
Perhaps the most important aspect of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements is that they are believed to help decrease or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, the underlying cause that causes the pain of osteoarthritis, therefore, these dietary supplements can also help relieve existing joint pain It is currently believed that, unlike many other medications available to treat the pain of arthritis and inflammation, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have very few side effects.
However, glucosamine and chondroitin nutritional supplements do not offer the same relief results for all patients with osteoarthritis. At the time of writing, the benefits and risks of taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate had not been definitively tested, since long-term studies are needed to better understand their effects.