Both glucosamine and chondroitin are both essential parts of what makes up connective tissues, and are key components of the joints. Glucosamine can be taken as a supplement by people whose joints have begun to deteriorate. Clinical trials have proven that taking this supplement is effective in the treatment of patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Chondroitin is similar to glucosamine in that it is a major component in cartilage. Chondroitin is however much different than glucosamine in its composition. Chondroitin is a much more complex and larger molecule than glucosamine. Like glucosamine, chondroitin has been subject to many clinical trials for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These clinical trials have proven that supplements of chondroitin are also an effective treatment in osteoarthritis. The taking of the combination of these two products as supplements is widely practiced by patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Many believe that the combination of these two will have a stronger effect than taking them individually. However, there have been no clinical trials supporting the theory that taking these two supplements together is more effective than taking them alone. It is only based on assumptions; hypotheses remain unproven. The primary use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements is to slow the progression of osteoarthritis, and to reduce the pain associated to this disorder. The repair and formation of new cartilage is what glucosamine has been known to achieve for osteoarthritis patients. Chondroitin is also known to reduce pain. It has also been associated with inhibiting the enzymes that cause the deterioration of cartilage. Other effects of chondroitin in the body include the promotion of elasticity in the cartilage, which allows the joints to move more freely. These two supplements are the primary ways of effectively treating osteoarthritis. Taking either of these two supplements has been proven to slow the effects, as well as easing the pains associated with this degenerative disorder. |
