Glucosamine how long to work

Most trials used a standard dose of mg of glucosamine sulphate or glucosamine hydrochloride taken three times a day. A review article of 18 trials investigating the effectiveness of glucosamine sulphate in treating osteoarthritis was published in A further four trials published since evaluated the effect of glucosamine sulphate in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. A second review article compared the clinical effectiveness and safety of glucosamine sulphate with those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs.

The number of participants in the RCTs included in this article ranged from 30 to The trials lasted from three weeks to three years. The first trial involved people over two years. In this six-month trial, which included participants, glucosamine had a clear significant benefit over a placebo and an even stronger effect than paracetamol in improving both pain and function.

The 64 participants with osteoarthritis of the knee in this study received either mg glucosamine sulphate three times a day or mg vitamin E made from palm oil once a day for six months. Both groups improved in pain and function, but there was no difference between them. After 12 weeks, there were no improvements in the placebo group but those who received glucosamine reported significant improvements in resting and moving pain, overall pain, stiffness and function. The improvements in these final three measures lasted for 20 weeks.

These side effects are reported in a small portion of patients. However, even substances that are found naturally in the body can have unpredictable results when taken in higher than normal quantities and in different formulations.

This is particularly true with patients who are taking multiple medications or who have other diagnosed illness. For example:. Request an Appointment. Search form Search. Twitter Facebook YouTube.

You are here Home Share. What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate? Typical dosage is mg for glucosamine sulfate and mg for chondroitin sulfate, taken once daily. For body weight less than lbs, the dose is generally reduced to mg for glucosamine sulfate and mg for chondroitin sulfate. Duration of treatment has not yet been determined. According to one estimate from the NIH, 6.

Although studies on glucosamine and chondroitin have been mixed, some evidence suggests they may help relieve OA joint pain and stiffness. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in healthy cartilage -- the connective tissue that cushions joints. Supplements are manufactured from the cartilage of animals such as cows, pigs, or shellfish, or are made in a lab. Glucosamine is sold in different forms, including glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.

In many European countries, these supplements are a prescribed treatment for OA. In the U. In OA, the gradual degeneration of cartilage leads to pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin have anti-inflammatory properties.

Glucosamine and chondroitin protect cells called chondrocytes, which help maintain cartilage structure. In theory, these supplements have the potential to slow cartilage deterioration in the joints, and to reduce pain in the process.

In follow-up results of the study released in , these supplements improved pain and function, although no better than a placebo or the NSAID drug celecoxib. A multinational study called the MOVES trial found the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as effective at relieving knee OA pain and swelling as celecoxib, without the side effects. And another study found the combination helped reduce joint space narrowing--a sign of cartilage degeneration. Reviews of studies have yielded mixed results about these supplements.

The difference in outcomes may be due to the variety of supplement types and doses researchers used. Studies have also differed on which of these supplements offers the greatest benefit for OA. Some find chondroitin to be superior, others favor glucosamine, while still others prefer a combination of the two.

The ideal form of glucosamine has also caused dissent in the research community. Some studies show an advantage to glucosamine sulfate; others to glucosamine hydrochloride. One study that compared the two glucosamine forms head to head found no real difference between them. People with more severe pain experienced modest relief with the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. If you're wondering whether glucosamine and chondroitin might work for you, the answer is "it depends. If you find they ease your pain, it's reasonable to keep using them.

If not, save your money. As always, if you choose to try these or any other vitamins, supplements, or alternative therapies, tell your doctor. For more on living with osteoarthritis and the latest treatments for this condition, buy Living Well with Osteoarthritis , a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Thanks for visiting.