With age, human articular and cartilaginous tissues lose their former elasticity, lose their functionality and are destroyed. Such changes can be delayed with the help of a number of drugs. Glucosamine chondroitin is a remedy that helps maintain the functionality of cartilage and joints, relieve symptoms of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system and improve the quality of life of older people.
What are chondroprotectors?
Chondroprotectors for joints (powders for the treatment of joints) are slow-acting preparations that contain proteins necessary for the construction of articular cartilage, bones and other functional tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Chondroprotective drugs are used in complex therapy of diseases of the musculoskeletal system together with anti-inflammatory and other drugs. However, their main task is the prevention of degenerative changes in joints. Therefore, they are effective before the onset of the disease, as well as in its early stages.
Chondroprotectors - salvation for joints?
The nourishment and hydration of cartilage in the joint occurs with the help of synovial fluid, which contains the already mentioned mono- and polysaccharides. With injury, excessive physical activity or systemic disease, the composition of the synovial fluid may be disrupted. Because of this, it becomes less viscous and can no longer provide slip. Once in the synovial fluid, the components of chondroprotectors help restore its consistency and normal activity of cartilage cells. The joints stop hurting and swelling, their mobility improves. In parallel with taking chondroprotectors, other measures are necessary for the active restoration and nutrition of cartilage - physiotherapy, exercise therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs.
What is the difference between glucosamine and chondroitin?
One of the questions that people face before using drugs is what is the difference between glucosamine and chondroitin? These substances have the same structure. It is important to know that glucosamine is an essential component of chondroitin, which complements it and enhances its properties. The combination of these substances makes it possible to improve their absorption, provide effective protection and active restoration of cartilage. Most chondoprotectors are drugs consisting only of these components. There are also products in which chondroitin and glucosamine complement the composition.
For what diseases are chondroprotectors used?
Glucosamine and chondroitin preparations help protect joints from “starvation” and chemically aggressive substances that accumulate in them as a result of inflammation. For this reason, they are recommended for adjuvant therapy of osteochondropathy - diseases that cause necrosis of spongy bone tissue (bone heads). Chondroprotective drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of:
- osteochondrosis;
- osteoarthritis (including rheumatoid and gouty arthritis);
- spondylosis (spondyloarthrosis);
- osteoporosis;
- tendonitis (dystrophic disease of the tendons);
- bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule)
Chondroprotectors will become indispensable assistants in the fight against joint diseases
Drugs in this group are recommended for congenital and acquired pathologies of bone tissue (for example, bone deformation), hernias and protrusions. Chondroitin sulfate has proven itself as an auxiliary substance in the treatment of keratitis (inflammation of the eye cornea). Chondroprotectors for arthrosis are prescribed at stages 1-2 of the disease.
Reviews
According to Otzovik, 94% recommend. Here are typical ones. Consider possible custom orders on both sides!
Positive
- Financially more profitable than “Teraflex”, “Arthra”.
- Affordable price. High-quality composition.
- The crunch has decreased.
- Effective. Resists chemical drugs.
- Positive for prevention.
- I found no side effects.
- Attracts: domestic manufacturer, modern developments.
- The actual result is that it restores cartilage!
- Convenient packaging.
- Availability, naturalness, thoughtful composition.
- Inexpensive with decent quality.
Negative
- Not sold in pharmacies (only in specialty stores, from distributors)
- The result of the treatment is not 100%, I expected more.
- Expensive. I didn’t feel any relief or positive changes.
- Increases blood sugar levels.
- I take it and I feel an unpleasant discomfort in my stomach.
The effect of chondroprotectors for joints
The use of chondroprotectors can reduce pain, slow down the progression of the disease and improve joint mobility. They are especially effective in treating large joints - knee, elbow, hip.
The effect of chondroprotectors in arthrosis is divided into:
- symptom-modifying (reducing discomfort during wear of cartilage tissue);
- structural-modifying (improving the structure of cartilage, combating its further destruction).
The mechanism of action of chondroprotective drugs is based on the fact that they stimulate the growth of chondrocytes, increase their resistance to oxidation, and suppress the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue. Thanks to this, instead of defective cartilage tissue, stable tissue begins to grow, i.e., strong enough so that the cartilage can again perform its functions in the joint. Also, protective agents have a weak anti-inflammatory effect and reduce swelling.
Chondroprotectors for joints have a cumulative effect, act slowly and over a long period of time. Therefore, they are used to reduce patients’ need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and glucocorticoid drugs and increase the duration of remission. Glucosamine also prevents the leaching of calcium from bones, and chondroitin normalizes calcium-phosphorus metabolism.
Indications and contraindications for taking chondroprotectors
Although chondroprotectors are useful for diseases of ligaments and even periodontal tissue, their main use in medicine is the protection and restoration of joints. Chondroprotectors for joints are made from natural products that have been part of the human diet for centuries, so side effects and contraindications are very rare.
Who needs chondroprotectors for joints?
Joint damage is common among athletes, manual workers, and people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. People with age-related changes in hormonal levels and people over 45 years of age are also at risk. The presence of autoimmune and metabolic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, gout), excess weight is a good reason for the preventive use of chondroprotectors.
You need to start a course of glucosamine and chondroitin:
- at stages 1 and 2 of osteoarthritis and other rheumatic diseases;
- for diseases of ligaments and tendons;
- after injuries and joint surgeries;
- for diseases with a tendency to damage joints;
- in other cases as prescribed by a doctor.
Who should not take chondroprotectors?
Absolute contraindications to taking chondroprotectors for joints are phenylketonuria (a disorder of amino acid metabolism) and individual intolerance to their components. A preliminary consultation with a specialist before taking chondroprotective agents and further observation is necessary for:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- children under 12 years of age;
- asthmatics (if breathing is difficult, the drug should be discontinued);
- diabetics (glucosamine changes glucose tolerance);
- allergy sufferers (especially those with allergies to various types of protein and shellfish);
- patients with gastrointestinal diseases in the acute phase (gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers);
- people with kidney disease (including cholelithiasis, urolithiasis, renal failure) and liver failure;
- patients with vascular pathologies (including varicose veins, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis) and blood clotting disorders;
- persons with oxaluric diathesis;
- patients diagnosed with malignant tumors.
Best before date
24 months
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The description of the vitamin Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM is intended for informational purposes only. Before starting to use any drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor and read the instructions for use. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not self-medicate; EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal. Any information on the project does not replace consultation with a specialist and cannot be a guarantee of the positive effect of the drug you use. The opinions of EUROLAB portal users may not coincide with the opinions of the site Administration.
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Classification of chondroprotectors
In medical sources, chondroprotectors for joints are divided by generation:
- 1st generation.
Animal and plant extracts and concentrates rich in glucosamine and chondroitin; - 2nd generation.
Preparations that contain purified glucosamine or chondroitin. They are absorbed faster and easier, and are less likely to cause allergies; - 3rd generation
. Combined products that combine glucosamine, chondroitin, sulfur preparations and other components. The composition of new generation chondroprotectors is often supplemented with anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac), fatty acids (improves the elasticity of cartilage and protects its cells from destruction), vitamins (for better absorption of active substances and protection of cell membranes) and microelements (for building stable cartilage tissue).
New generation chondroprotectors make the patient feel better much faster and have fewer side effects.
Chondoprotectors are available in various forms. Choose what suits you.
Pills
Tablets and capsules are prescribed in courses of 3-6 months. They are especially effective for lesions of large joints or systemic diseases that affect 4 or more joints. Capsules are absorbed almost as well as liquid glucosamine, but are stored and dosed much better. The absorption of these chondroprotectors is quite high - 13-25%.
Chondroprotective ointments
Local chondroprotectors (ointments and gels) are used for arthrosis of intervertebral, small and medium-sized joints. External preparations have minimal bioavailability (less than 5%) and have virtually no effect on the structure of cartilage, especially if it lies deep under the skin. But chondroprotective ointments have a beneficial effect on periarticular tissues, relieve pain and swelling, and reduce inflammation. In the absence of an allergic reaction, they can be used continuously.
Powders for the treatment of joints
Powder chondroprotectors are the rarest form of release. Glucosamine powder is well absorbed by the body (bioavailability over 26%), but is not recommended for gastrointestinal diseases. Typically, manufacturers include additional components that improve the metabolism of cartilage tissue.
Chondroprotectors in injections
Injections of chondroprotectors are most effective in comparison with other forms of glucosamine and chondroitin. They are placed intramuscularly and intraarticularly. Injectable medications are a good alternative to oral medications if the patient has gastrointestinal diseases.
An intramuscular injection of a chondroprotector can be done independently or with the help of loved ones, but injection into the joint should only be carried out by an experienced medical professional.
Intra-articular administration of CP (usually with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs) is considered the most effective. Chondroprotectors in injections help with synthesis disorders - when cartilage tissue stops producing substances necessary for the growth and hydration of cartilage.
Popular release forms
Glucosamine chondroitin is available in the form of external and internal use. These can be creams, ointments, capsules, tablets and powders. Products for external use do not always give the expected results and do not act as quickly as drugs that need to be taken. Tablets may be slightly less effective than capsules because some of the active ingredient dissolves on the way to the intestines, causing it to lose its benefit. In addition, the tablet form of the drug can cause intestinal irritation. Capsules are more effective and safe. They do not contain additional components that provoke adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, and deliver the active substance intact to the stomach, through the walls of which it is completely absorbed into the bloodstream. Powders are more convenient to use if it is difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.
Natural chondroprotectors in food
The human need for effective chondroprotectors is partially satisfied by food. To do this, the diet must include tendons, cartilage (joints, ears, etc.), bones, bone marrow, skin of animals and fish, rich bone broths - the best chondroprotectors among food products. It is believed that “marine” collagen has the greatest digestibility and benefits for cartilage tissue, so mollusks and crustaceans, anchovies and other small sea fish should be included in the diet in boiled form. An additional source of collagen can be dishes with the addition of edible gelatin - jelly, jellied meat, aspic. It is advisable to eat eggs (soft-boiled, not overcooked) every day, and eat beef, red fish, and cheese more often.
People with sore joints also benefit from plant collagen-like compounds, which are found in wheat sprouts, mushrooms, nuts, broccoli, and seaweed. It is worth increasing the content of citrus fruits and leafy greens in the diet.
Even daily consumption of chondroprotective products does not guarantee cartilage health if:
- metabolic disorders;
- high professional or domestic loads on the joint;
- age-related changes, when cartilage cells stop actively growing and multiplying.
In these cases, the menu should include medications - chondroprotectors with glucosamine and chondroitin. They can be taken even by patients who cannot consume fatty broths and jellied meats for health reasons.