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Both chondroitin and glucosamine are essential building blocks of
connective tissue that form cartilage, heart valves, mucous
membranes, and synovial fluid--the jelly-like substance that fills
the joints.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine
is a simple molecule that is available in supplement form as
glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and
N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG). The glucosamine sulfate form (stabilized
with a mineral salt, such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride)
is the most common form of supplementation as it appears to be the
most effective when used in connection with osteoarthritis. In a few
small studies, glucosamine has shown promise when used in connection
with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis.
Chondroitin
Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a more complex
molecule than glucosamine. Like glucosamine, it is a major
constituent of cartilage and has been the subject of many clinical
trials. Chonroitin supplementation has also proven to be effective
for people with osteoarthritis. In addition, chondroitin has been
shown to interfere with reverse transcriptase, an enzyme important
to the reproduction of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Chondroitin
is believed to be a component of the heart structure, so taking it
may help repair damage from heart attacks.
When To
Use Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate or Both
Some
studies indicate that using chondroitin sulfate in connection with
osteoarthritis is more effective than glucosime. However, more than
30% of chondroitin sulfate supplements have been reported to contain
less than 40% of the amount of chondroitin listed on the label.
Additionally, studies to date are inconclusive when it comes to
establishing where or not chondroitin sulfate in fact is more
effective than glucosamine.
Many people with osteoarthritis
take combinations of both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. This
practice may be due to the belief that the two supplements work
better when taken together.
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