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What are the Benefits of Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM?
Glucosamine chondroitin MSM is a nutritive option which may provide support to joints and connective tissues. It is often used to ease the pain of osteoarthritis, particularly for the knee according to the Mayo Clinic 1. It is the combination of three compounds, glucosamine, chondroitin and methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM).
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Glucosamine
The compound glucosamine exists in healthy cartilage. It is an important component in the body’s ability to make proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) which are compounds of cartilage. Normally, as the body moves, cartilage is worn away and reshaped. At rest, it resumes its normal shape and restores itself. If glucosamine levels are low, the repair process is slowed down. According to the Pain Clinic, taking glucosamine supplements can increase the body’s production of proteoglycans and GAG’s dramatically and improve the natural repair process 1.
- The compound glucosamine exists in healthy cartilage.
- According to the Pain Clinic, taking glucosamine supplements can increase the body’s production of proteoglycans and GAG’s dramatically and improve the natural repair process 1.
Chondroitin
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Chondroitin is actually chondroitin sulfate and is one of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Molecules of chondroitin sulfate blend with proteins to make proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are essential to all connective tissue in the body such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Chondroitin supplements appear to increase the hyaluronic acid, an important part of the synovial fluid which is what lubricates joints. It also decreases pain and swelling.
- Chondroitin is actually chondroitin sulfate and is one of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).
- Proteoglycans are essential to all connective tissue in the body such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
MSM
MSM, which is methyl sulphynol methane, is a natural sulphur compound. Sulphur is a fundamental mineral used by the body to maintain the immune system, balance hormones, control the activity of enzymes and promote healthy joint function. Some research implies MSM can improve the flexibility of joints, while minimizing pain and swelling 1. It is thought to be able to reduce and soften scar tissue and break down calcium deposits while improving circulation.
- MSM, which is methyl sulphynol methane, is a natural sulphur compound.
- Some research implies MSM can improve the flexibility of joints, while minimizing pain and swelling 1.
Effects
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Glucosamine chondroitin MSM improves the consistency of the synovial or lubricating fluid in joints. It reduces the swelling in the joint and decreases the associated pain 1. It enhances the body’s ability to repair cartilage and other connective tissues and improves flexibility. The effects of the three supplements working together is greater than if only one or two compounds were taken.
- Glucosamine chondroitin MSM improves the consistency of the synovial or lubricating fluid in joints.
- It enhances the body’s ability to repair cartilage and other connective tissues and improves flexibility.
Considerations
Taking the supplements separately is more costly than taking a combination tablet. Combination tablets or capsules also means having less tablets to take which makes it easier to maintain the regimen. Effects may not be felt for several weeks or even months as the body works to repair damage. Be careful of combination tablets that include other supplements that may not be necessary for joint health but may serve to inflate the price of the supplements.
- Taking the supplements separately is more costly than taking a combination tablet.
- Effects may not be felt for several weeks or even months as the body works to repair damage.
Related Articles
References
- The Pain Clinic
- 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.i1.1
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis. Updated September 24, 2017.
- DiNubile N. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: What has been learned since the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. Orthopedics. 2018;41(4):200-7. doi:10.3928/01477447-20180511-06
- Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018;13(1):170. doi:10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5
- Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):220-233. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Don’t use glucosamine and chondroitin to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Choosing Wisely. Updated September 11, 2013.