There are nutritional supplements that provide both Chondroitin sulfate and Glucosamine. For examples, crabs, lobster or shrimp cells are sources of Glucosamine, while shark cartilage and tracheas are the number one source of Chondroitin Sulfate.

Functions of these supplements

People with moderate Osteoarthritis who are taking these substances experience noticeable relief from pain and that Glucosamine and Chondroitin are as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen or NSAIDs in relieving osteoarthritic pain.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, dietary supplement combination of glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate did not provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain among all participants. However, a smaller subgroup of study participants with moderate-to-severe pain showed significant relief with the combined supplements.

Another benefit of Chondroitin and Glucosamine is that they can slow cartilage damage in patients with osteoarthritis.

Taking them as supplements

Since dietary supplements are not regulated, the content and quality can vary widely. If you decide to take these supplements, you should follow these tips:

You should only buy these supplements from a well-established company that has accountability for the supplement. You need to check the product label carefully and make sure that the ingredients that are listed at the back of the bottle are the supplements that you need. You can ask your pharmacist to help you evaluate the supplement bottle.

Consult your doctor first. If you have a medical condition, like osteoarthritis, ask your doctor before taking any supplements. You also need to make sure that the cause of your pain is arthritis, which your doctor can tell you.

Do not reduce or stop your current prescribed medicine without consulting your doctor. Remember that these are only supplements, stop using your current prescriptions is not a wise move.

How to take these supplements

As noted about, you need to consult your doctor before taking the Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements. Your doctor will provide you with the dosage information. The average doses are 1,500 mg/day of Glucosamine and 1,200 mg/day for Chondroitin. These supplements are normally taken for a period of six to eight weeks in addition to your current medication.

Side effects from these supplements

One of the most common side effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements are having a softened stool and increase in intestinal gas.

Caution for using these supplements

Pregnant women, lactating mothers, children and women who expect to become pregnant are not allowed to take these supplements.

Diabetic patients are also not allowed to take these because of the composition of amino sugar in these supplements.

If you are allergy to shellfish, you should consult your doctor first before taking this natural medication for arthritis.