There are a few great dietary supplements that have been proven to be effective in promoting and maintaining healthy joints and cartilage. This is essential in dealing with arthritis and arthritic symptoms. These supplements are: Glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These supplements have all been clinically proven to be effective in treating arthritic joints, and when combined, have the best results. Read on for more information on these products, or check out our recommended supplement for joint pain.
Studies show that glucosamine chondroitin reduces the expression of several inflammatory and degenerative mediators located near or in the joint spaces and slows the degradation of the cartilage with reduction of disease progression. In scientific terms, glucosamine induces reversal of the pro-inflammatory and joint-degrading effects of interleukin-1. IL-1B(beta) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine produced in high amounts in the tissues of the osteoarthritic joint, where it triggers the expression of inflammatory factors such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible form of nitric oxide, IL-, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Interlekin-1 then produces much more matrix degradation factors. Glucosamine at clinically relevant concentrations reduces COX-2, iNOS and PGE2 synthesis suggesting that glucosamine can control the cascade triggered by inflammatory stimuli.
The European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) considers both glucosamine chondroitin and sulfate to be a first-line therapy for osteoarthritis. They also suggest that when these two are taken together they may delay degenerative structural changes when used in early in the management for osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). This leads to a long-term reduction in the overall use of pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. Pharma economic studies demonstrate a significant reduction of over 50% in costs associated with medications, healthcare consultations and examinations over 12 months. Treatment with these supplements for at least 12 months lead to a reduction in the need for total joint replacement for at least 5 years following treatment cessation. Many studies show that glucosamine chondroitin improved both long term pain outcome measurements and a reduced loss of cartilage volume.
MSM (Meythlsulfonylmethane) is a supplement containing organic Sulphur and has been reported to slow anatomical joint progressively in the knee osteoarthritis. The combination of all three of the previously mentioned supplements show the most benefit for decreased pain and improved function when compared to each other individually. The supplement we have in the office, as well as the one listed below which you can get on Amazon, is a combination of all 3 supplements. Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM combines the top three structural components found in popular joint support products. Glucosamine helps provide the building blocks for supporting cartilage. Chondroitin helps maintain joint cartilage and MSM is an organic source of sulfur and enhances the benefits of GS and chondroitin to support cartilage health.
Sources:
Bruyere, Oliver, Roy D. Altman, and Jean-Yves Reginster. “Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate in the management of osteoarthritis: Evidence from real-life setting trials and surveys.” Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism. Vol. 45. No. 4 WB Saunders, 2016.