What is glucosamine and chondroitin?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin
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What are glucosamine and chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage. In dietary supplements, glucosamine may come from the covering of shellfish. And chondroitin may come from shark or bovine cartilage. Or they can be made in a lab. They come in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. They are often taken together or taken with other supplements.

Why are glucosamine and chondroitin used?

Many people take glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, for osteoarthritis. Some people believe they help. But an analysis of studies looking at glucosamine or chondroitin for arthritis in the hip or knee did not show that these supplements slow joint damage or relieve pain.

Are glucosamine and chondroitin safe?

It appears that glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, are safe and have few side effects. But they cost money and will not help you more than a placebo (fake pill). Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about taking these supplements.

If you are allergic to shellfish, do not take glucosamine unless you have talked to your doctor. Some glucosamine is made from shellfish covering.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medicines. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on how well it works.

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