Chondroitin how long

And another study found the combination helped reduce joint space narrowing--a sign of cartilage degeneration. Reviews of studies have yielded mixed results about these supplements. The difference in outcomes may be due to the variety of supplement types and doses researchers used.

Studies have also differed on which of these supplements offers the greatest benefit for OA. Some find chondroitin to be superior, others favor glucosamine, while still others prefer a combination of the two. The ideal form of glucosamine has also caused dissent in the research community.

Some studies show an advantage to glucosamine sulfate; others to glucosamine hydrochloride. One study that compared the two glucosamine forms head to head found no real difference between them. Mayo Clinic researchers agree, saying that evidence supports trying glucosamine sulfate — not hydrochloride — with or without chondroitin sulfate for knee OA. Glucosamine and chondroitin are considered safe, with no serious side effects reported in studies.

However, these supplements can interact with blood thinners like warfarin Coumadin. They might also affect blood sugar levels, and one small study found they raise eye pressure, which could increase the risk for glaucoma. If you have diabetes or glaucoma, you may need to avoid these supplements, or have your doctor monitor your blood sugar levels and eye pressure more closely while you take them.

That means that there isn't strong evidence that benefits outweigh risk, but the supplement could be helpful for people with OA. Also, be patient. Get involved with the arthritis community. Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U. Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available. Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now! Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation.

We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift. I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles. The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community.

We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. But the recommendation was not a strong one, and the ACR acknowledged that it was controversial.

Only 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.

The U. 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. Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Accessed at www. 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. Pain: Considering Complementary Approaches eBook.

Complementary Health Approaches for Chronic Pain. Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis. How much do we know about glucosamine and chondroitin supplements? We have some information about the safety and usefulness of glucosamine and chondroitin from large, high-quality studies in people. What do we know about the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements? What do we know about the safety of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements? Studies have found that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may interact with the anticoagulant blood-thinning drug warfarin Coumadin.

Overall, studies have not shown any other serious side effects. If you take glucosamine or chondroitin supplements, tell your health care providers. They can do a better job caring for you if they know what dietary supplements you use. What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin? More information. For the Knee or Hip Glucosamine Major studies of glucosamine for osteoarthritis of the knee have had conflicting results.

Most participants in the study had mild knee pain. Those who received the prescription drug had better short-term pain relief at 6 months than those who received a placebo. Overall, those who received the supplements had no significant improvement in knee pain or function, although the investigators saw evidence of improvement in a small subgroup of patients with moderate-to-severe pain who took glucosamine and chondroitin together.

In several European studies, participants reported that their knees felt and functioned better after taking glucosamine. The study participants took a large, once-a-day dose of a preparation of glucosamine sulfate sold as a prescription drug in Europe.

Get yours today! Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Low levels of human serum glucosamine after ingestion of glucosamine sulphate relative to capability for peripheral effectiveness. Ann Rheum Dis. Dahmer S, Schiller RM. Am Fam Physician. Combined chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for painful knee osteoarthritis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority trial versus celecoxib. Daniel O.

Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes.

When to Call a Healthcare Provider Stop treatment and call your healthcare provider if you experience sudden swelling in the legs or irregular heartbeats. Frequently Asked Questions Does glucosamine and chondroitin work for knee pain? Are glucosamine and chondroitin safe? Do glucosamine and chondroitin have side effects?

Results of the Glucosamine Arthritis Intervention Trial. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.