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Chondroitin Research Paper

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Joint pain is one of the most common problems among people over 50. This is good to know, but this knowledge doesn’t alleviate the pain and swelling in your joints. Taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen can help, but you’re worried about the long- use effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. These concerns have led many joint pain sufferers to consider natural remedies as a complement or replacement for their current treatment. Some natural remedies and supplements have shown some promising results, and Chondroitin is one of them.
What is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin (also known as Chondroitin Sulfate) is a chemical compound produced naturally by your joints. Chondroitin helps nourish the cartilage between your joints and acts as a natural shock absorber. …show more content…

Studies have not conclusively proved that Chondroitin helps the body to repair or produce more cartilage, or that it stops further loss of cartilage. Some studies have shown it to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (the gold standard in research studies) showed very positive results for patients with joint pain in the hands. Patients who were given Chondroitin reported significant reduction in hand joint pain and reduced joint stiffness than those given the placebo.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Chondroitin is generally safe and has a low risk of side effects. Studies and doctor/patient experience show some risks for people with asthma, diabetes and people taking blood thinners or NSAIDs.
Most studies show that you need to take Chondroitin for at least two to four months before you experience benefits. Chondroitin may be beneficial, but it is not a quick fix for your chronic joint pain. Fortunately, you can take NSAIDs with Chondroitin while you wait for the effects to kick in, but talk with your doctor first. While we wait for more conclusive results, you may be one of the people who find significant relief from this dietary …show more content…

Glucosamine, and particularly Glucosamine sulfate, has is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, and is the form most widely studied for this use. Your body’s glucosamine levels as you age and taking glucosamine supplements may help you to restore damaged cartilage, the fundamental cause of osteoarthritis pain.
Some studies have shown that glucosamine is as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. These studies also show that Glucosamine takes more time to relieve pain, reducing pain in 4 – 8 weeks as compared to common NSAIDs like Motrin and Advil, which reduce pain in about 2 weeks. the prestigious British medical journal, Lancet, recently published the results of a three-year study that found glucosamine sulfate was effective in relieving pain and in stopping further joint cartilage damage
While the evidence is very promising for its use in the treatment of osteoarthritis, studies of glucosamine for treatment of other joint pain related disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic low back pain have been much less compelling.
What are the Risks or Side

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