Glucosamine or chondroitin: which is better? Recovery statistics

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Glucosamine is a monosaccharide involved in the formation of chondroitin. The latter is produced by the cartilage tissue of the movable joints of the skeletal bones. It acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for joints. Its bulk is located in the synovium (a thick elastic mass that fills the articular cavity). The human body produces very little chondroitin on its own.

The following symptoms indicate glucosamine deficiency: crunching during sports, pain even in the absence of exercise, stiffness. Athletes, women of menopausal age, people with poor metabolism, as well as those who suffer from degenerative-destructive diseases of the spine and metabolic bone pathologies are at particular risk.

There is no need to place high hopes on the products; after they are heat treated, they lose this valuable nutrient. The main solution is to take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. In this review, we will look at the best tablets and capsules that improve the condition of cartilage tissue.

Sources and properties of glucosamine

There are several sources for obtaining this substance. Depending on the specific source, the different forms of glucosamine, listed below, are named.

Glucosamine of animal origin

Glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate is obtained from raw materials of animal origin. They are made from the shells of crabs, shrimp, crayfish, lobsters, lobsters

. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a common and available form of the substance. However, it may contain admixtures of allergenic substances. Therefore, glucosamine supplements made from animal sources should not be taken by people with seafood allergies.

Glucosamine sulfate is less stable and therefore requires stabilization with potassium or sodium chloride during production. These supplements are safe, but if you consume sodium chloride-stabilized sulfate, you should adjust your diet and reduce your intake of salty foods.

N-acetylglucosamine can be found somewhat less frequently in mono- and complex chondroprotective drugs. It is also obtained from crustaceans. The substance has good bioavailability and has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system, the structure of blood vessels, skin and mucous membranes.

Plant-derived glucosamine

Glucosamine hydrochloride is also obtained from plant materials. The source of the active substance is corn husks, which are ground and fermented.

. The production technique allows us to obtain highly purified glucosamine hydrochloride, which cannot cause hypersensitivity reactions. This form of the substance is considered the best, but is more expensive.

Properties of preparations containing glucosamine

Glucosamine is included in both single preparations and complexes (usually in combination with chondroitin). The list of medications containing exclusively glucosamine as an active ingredient includes:

• Glucosamine Orion;
• Artiflex;
• Artron Flex;
• Don.

Forms of production of products containing glucosamine:

• injection solution;
• pills;
• powder for preparing a solution for internal use.

The active substance has the following range of effects:

• replenishment of the lack of endogenous glucosamine;
• stimulation of hyaluronic acid biosynthesis processes;
• normalization of metabolic reactions in cartilage tissue cells;
• acceleration of calcification reactions of bone structures of the joint.

Glucosamine inhibits degeneration processes and accelerates regenerative reactions in the cartilage tissue of joints.

Release forms

Pharmaceutical drugs:

• Ointments
• Tablets, capsules
• Solutions for injections.
• Sachet containing a powdery substance.

Sports supplements:

• Powder for dilution in water.
• Capsules.
• Pills

There are two types of glucosamine on the market – glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. The latter is less common; its properties and effects are identical to sulfate. This is because sulfate is converted to hydrochloride in the stomach. If we consider pharmaceuticals, the leaders are “Dona” with glucosamine sulfate and “Artron Flex” based on hydrochloride.

Regardless of which salt is included in the formula, glucosamine preparations slow down degenerative changes in joints and can be prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteopathy, osteochondropathy, periodontopathy, arthrosis, fractures and pain.

In addition to medicines, dietary supplements and sports supplements are popular, most often produced by American companies. The difference between a medicine and a dietary supplement is the quality standards applied and the level of control. Medicines are more expensive, dietary supplements are much more affordable.

Properties of drugs containing chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate will be included in monopreparations and complex supplements. Among the monopreparations there are:

• Chondroflex;
• Mucosat;
• Artron Hondrex;
• Artiflex Chondro;
• Structum.

Forms of release of medicines containing the active substance:

• injection solutions;
• capsules;
• ointments.

The spectrum of biological effects of chondroitin sulfate can include:

• stimulation of the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans;
• inhibition of degeneration in the cartilage matrix;
• correction of manifestations of the inflammatory process in the joint.

Who is it suitable for?

For medical purposes, glucosamine preparations are used in the complex treatment of osteoarthritis.

Supplements with aminosaccharides are recommended to be included in the diet of athletes of any level, as well as supporters of an active lifestyle. They are especially useful during drying and restrictive diets, when the volume of food is reduced and, as a result, the supply of nutrients decreases.

For those who regularly engage in sports or strenuous activities, medications can help prevent damage caused by years of repetitive motion. Glucosamine promotes the production of proteoglycans (building proteins), and therefore restores joint tissue and improves their functionality.

Powerlifters lead the group of people who need such support because they are constantly at risk of damaging the deep layers of connective joint tissue. Especially in the lumbar region, shoulder and knee joints.

Complex drugs

Glucosamine or chondroitin: which is better? Preferred are complex preparations that contain both active components:

• Artra;
• Teraflex;
• Teraflex Advance (also contains ibuprofen);
• Doppelhertz Active Glucosamine + Chondroitin;
• Kondronov;
• Inoltra (additionally includes vitamins E and C, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids);
• Glucosamine-Chondroitin Plus;
• Glucosamine-chondroitin complex.

The listed medications differ in the content of active ingredients, place of production, and price. The choice of a specific complex depends on the required dosage and the preferred cost level. Before visiting a pharmacy, it is better to consult a doctor.

Contraindications

There are both relative and absolute contraindications to the use of products based on glucosamine (any of its salts). In the first case, violation of contraindications will not cause critical harm to health, in the second, in the harm-benefit ratio, the harm will be much greater. Let us separately go through the factors that are accompanied by unproven harm.

A proven contraindication is:

1. Allergic reaction to glucosamine.
2. Allergic reactions to other ingredients in the glucosamine product.
3. All forms of phenylketonuria.
4. Exacerbation of liver and kidney diseases.
5. Blood clotting disorder.

The risk of using glucosamine in the following situations has not been sufficiently studied:

• Diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Lactation.
• Children and adolescence (up to 15 years).

Conditional contraindications:

• Bronchial asthma.
• Heart diseases.
• Epilepsy.
• Low blood pressure.

Before taking it, you need to find out what glucosamine is, undergo an examination and consult a doctor. This will ensure the presence (absence) of obvious and hidden contraindications for the use of the product.

Recommendations for dosing of bioactive substances

Before starting to take medications that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, or both substances together, you should consult with a specialist about the most appropriate dosage regimen, which depends on the individual characteristics of the clinical case.

Dr. Jason Theodosakis suggested prescribing drugs with chondroitin and glucosamine based on the patient’s body weight:

“Doctors are hiding the truth!”

Even “advanced” joint problems can be cured at home! Just remember to apply this once a day...

>

These recommendations are based on research conducted by this specialist. The daily dose can be divided into 2 or 3 doses. The drugs should be taken orally with food.

The duration of the course of taking chondroprotective drugs should not be less than 3 months. Doctors advise that after 3-4 months of taking it, take a break for 2-2.5 months, then resume the course.

In order for the course use of chondroprotectors to be as effective as possible, you should eat properly, drink a sufficient amount of fluid, not overload the body as a whole and the musculoskeletal system in particular, but exercise regularly in a gentle manner.

Preparations with chondroitin and glucosamine should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to the components, with a tendency to bleeding, with thrombophlebitis, impaired renal function and phenylketonuria.

What do clinical studies say?

Numerous studies have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of various chondroprotective drugs in the correction and prevention of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The results of some of them will be reviewed below.

The drug Artra in the treatment of osteochondrosis and intervertebral osteochondrosis

Author - V.V. Badokin, publication 2012, journal “Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics”

. The work examines the results of a number of clinical trials confirming the effectiveness of this complex remedy for restoring the functionality of joints, inhibiting degenerative processes, preventing pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and improving the quality of life of patients in general.

Conclusions from the analysis of the results of using the drug Artra:

• the drug is an effective, slow-acting symptom-modifying medication;
• confirmed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
• taking the complex improves the functionality of the joints;
• safety and good tolerability;
• taking the Artra complex creates the opportunity to reduce the daily dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To confirm the structure-modifying properties of the drug, further long-term studies are required with analysis of the results of radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, and laboratory tests.

The effectiveness of Theraflex in patients not taking NSAIDs

The authors of the work are I. Z. Gaidukova, I. A. Romanova, A. P. Rebrov. The results were published in the journal Modern Rheumatology, 2015.

The work examines and analyzes data from a clinical study that involved 84 patients diagnosed with arthrosis of the knee joint, aged from 47 to 62 years, with a disease duration of 5 to 7 years, among whom there were 78 women and 6 men. Patients were randomized blindly into two groups. Patients from the main group received Teraflex with/without acetaminophen, patients from the comparison group received only acetaminophen. At the beginning of the study, and then after 3 months and six months, the severity of arthrosis was assessed using various indices and an analogue scale. The occurrence of adverse reactions was taken into account.

The study allowed us to draw the following conclusions:

• patients who took Theraflex for six months experienced a decrease in Lequesne and WOMAC indices, relief of pain, and a decrease in the need for analgesics;
• While taking Theraflex, no adverse reactions occurred, including among patients who had diagnosed diseases of the kidneys, digestive system, and hypertension.

Dynamics of antioxidant protection against the background of glucosamine and chondroitin

Authors of the work: E. S. Elovikova, O. V. Bugrova, V. G. Leizerman, S. I. Krasikov. The results of the study were published in the Kazan Medical Journal in 2009.

The dynamics of antioxidant protection was assessed in 34 patients while taking glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. It was found that the use of these substances normalizes the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous use of the drugs Artradol and Artracam

Authors of the work: S. A. Lapshina, M. A. Afanasyeva, E. V. Sukhorukova, I. F. Akhtyamov, L. I. Myasoutova. The test results were published in the journal “Bulletin of Modern Clinical Medicine” in 2021.

A study was carried out on 30 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee joints with intense pain. The age of the patients ranged from 53 to 63 years, the duration of the pathology was from 3 to 9 years. The drugs Artradol (active component - chondroitin sulfate) and Artracam (active component - glucosamine sulfate) were prescribed in addition to the course of therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed after 1 and 2 months of treatment using the WOMAC index, pain intensity, need for NSAIDs and a number of other indicators.

The following conclusions were drawn:

• while taking Artradol and Artracam, a significant decrease in the intensity of pain was observed;
• a decrease in the WOMAC index was recorded;
• the time to travel a distance of 15 meters has decreased;
• the need for non-steroidal drugs has decreased.

Patients and doctors rated the effectiveness of therapeutic correction as “good” or “satisfactory.” The study confirmed the effectiveness of the combination of Artradol and Artracam in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Thus, clinical trials confirm that substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin have a positive effect when necessary in the treatment of various joint pathologies. Only a qualified doctor can select a combination of drugs and their dosage. It is recommended to combine the use of chondroprotective agents with proper nutrition and moderate physical activity, then the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system will be maximum.

Can I take it together?

These substances are more effective when taken together. At the same time, these drugs are present in chondroprotectors, which are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. The human body produces these substances, so the drugs are easily tolerated.

Collagen is prescribed for the treatment of arthrosis, since the medication not only treats the affected tissue, but also prevents damage to healthy tissue.

They can be used for quite a long time (for a year or more). If chondoprotectors are used for up to 3 years, their effectiveness increases. These drugs are also prescribed in a course of 12-16 weeks with a break of 8-10 weeks. Medicines belong to the group of symptom-modifying drugs.

Doctors prescribe them for the treatment of arthrosis. Medicines not only treat the affected tissue, but also prevent damage to healthy tissue. These medications act more slowly than antispasmodics, but their effectiveness is high and the results last up to 8 weeks.