If you are thinking about taking a glucosamine supplement, it’s essential to be aware of its side effects. On the whole, it’s believed to be safe for most people and side effects tend to be rare. 13 If you do notice any unwanted side effects, stop taking glucosamine and talk to your doctor if you’re concerned. Many physicians may still recommend a trial of glucosamine at this point, and if there is not apparent improvement by three months, it would be reasonable to stop glucosamine. Research is ongoing. With upward of 3.6% of the global population living with this debilitating condition, many people use or have tried using combined glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to alleviate osteoarthritis pain ( 2). Summary

It’s worth bearing in mind that studies on the benefits of glucosamine are limited. Some evidence suggests that taking these supplements for joint health may not have the effect you want. 9 It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing pain or other symptoms. A 2016 study of glucosamine and chondroitin enrolled 164 patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis and gave half of them a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin; the other half received an identical placebo pill. The study was stopped early for an unusual reason: those taking the supplement actually reported worse symptoms than those taking a placebo. This raises the possibility that taking glucosamine and chondroitin might make your joints feel worse than doing nothing.Chondroitin and glucosamine is a combination product that has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating osteoarthritis pain. These arthritis supplements are generally well-tolerated. However, side effects can occur. The most commonly reported side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin include: The supplements, which are available in pharmacies and health food stores without a prescription, are well-tolerated and appear to be safe. However, there are no long-term studies to confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness. Keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements, but treats them like food rather than drugs; supplement manufacturers are not required to prove their products are safe or effective before selling them in the marketplace. Glucosamine and chondroitin, taken individually or in combination, are touted not only as relievers of joint pain but also as treatments to prevent joint disease. Yet a number of past studies have come to mixed conclusions; some small studies, most looking at osteoarthritis of the knee, found that people felt modestly better taking glucosamine and/or chondroitin, but at least as many have found no benefit.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, bladder problems, heart disease, high cholesterol, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease).

Similar results were observed in a 2018 analysis, where combined glucosamine and chondroitin didn’t significantly improve pain or stiffness. Meanwhile, chondroitin alone led to minor improvements in pain ( 13). A 2017 double-blind, randomized study in 604 participants with knee osteoarthritis compared the effects of taking 800 mg/day of chondroitin sulfate, 200 mg/day of a popular NSAID known as celecoxib, and a placebo on osteoarthritis pain management ( 10). Glucosamine Sulphate (2KCl) ( Crustaceans), Chondroitin Sulphate, Bulking Agent (Microcrystalline Cellulose), Glazing Agents (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Glycerol), Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex, Anti-Caking Agents (Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide), Manganese Sulphate. In 2019 OA treatment guidelines, the Arthritis Foundation and American College of Rheumatology give a conditional recommendation of chondroitin sulfate for hand OA. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says the evidence on glucosamine for OA pain is unclear, and chondroitin isn’t helpful, but that these supplementshaven’t been shown to beharmful. That means that there isn't strong evidence that benefits outweigh risk, but the supplement could be helpful for people with OA.

Similarly, a 2015 sponsored study showed that combining 1,500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride with 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulfate effectively reduced knee osteoarthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling compared with 200 mg of the osteoarthritis NSAID celecoxib ( 15). Alshammari E, Alshammari A. Glucosamine effects on lipids and blood pressure. Int J Res Pharm Sci. 2020;11(1):431-6. doi:10.26452/ijrps.v11i1.1838 Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020. Glucosamine and chondroitinare popular supplements used to treat osteoarthritis(OA).According to one estimate from the National Institutes of Health, 6.5 million adults, or 2.6% of the population, has used one orboth of theseproducts. Although studies on glucosamine and chondroitin have been mixed, some evidence suggests they may help relieveOAjointpainand stiffness. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before use. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if adverse reactions occur. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing. Consult a doctor before use if you have or have had diabetes or hypoglycemia. Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.Another 2015 study also found that combined glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were comparably effective as celecoxib ( 16). The first phase of GAIT, published in 2006,found that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfatedidn’t offer significant relief to participants in general, but it did help a smallsubgroup ofthosewith moderate-to-severe knee pain.Infollow-upresults of the study released in 2010, these supplements improved pain and function, although no better than a placebo or the NSAID drug celecoxib.

Finally, it’s postulated that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may affect blood sugar levels, reduce insulin sensitivity, and interact with anticoagulant medications likes Warfarin. That’s why you should consult a healthcare professional before trying them ( 17). Summary Manganese is a mineral which plays a role in the maintenance of normal, healthy bones and in the normal formation of connective tissue. However, keep in mind that glucosamine is commonly derived from chitin — a compound found in shellfish. Therefore, those with a shellfish allergy should read the label carefully and opt for varieties made from cows or pigs ( 17). These mixed recommendations may partially stem from the fact that the manufacturer and type of the supplements can result in different study results. For example, pharmaceutical-grade varieties appear more effective compared with over-the-counter options ( 4, 5). Summary Vasiliadis HS, Tsikopoulos K. Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis. World J Orthop. 2017;8(1):1-11. doi:10.5312/wjo.v8.i1.1The 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. Studies havealsodiffered on which of these supplements offers the greatest benefitfor OA. Some find chondroitinto be superior, others favor glucosamine, while still othersprefera combination of the two.“Evidence would favor the two,”D’Adamosays. “They’re typically bundled that way when you buy them.” In a 2017 analysis in 1,625 people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine supplements did not significantly improve osteoarthritis pain or function compared with a placebo ( 6). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis. This collagen retains its 3D structure more than the more well-known hydrolysed collagen, which is typically fragmented.