Treatment Overview

Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint.

These supplements come in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. They are often taken together or taken with other natural health products. Glucosamine may be taken separately as a supplement for joints.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine, also called chitosamine, is a natural substance that comes from the covering of shellfish. Or it can be made in a lab. It's also known as:

• Glucosamine hydrochloride.
• N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG).
• Glucosamine sulfate. This is a combination of glucosamine and mineral salt.

The body absorbs glucosamine well.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin can come from natural sources, such as shark or bovine cartilage. Or it can be made in a lab. It's also known as:

• Chondroitin sulfate. This is a combination of chondroitin and mineral salt.
• Chondroitin sulfuric acid.
• Chonsurid.

Why It Is Used

Many people take glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, for osteoarthritis. Some people believe they help. But an analysis of studies looking at glucosamine or chondroitin for arthritis in the hip or knee did not show that these supplements slow joint damage or relieve pain.^{footnote 1}

Risks

It appears that glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, are safe and have few side effects. But they cost money and will not help you more than a placebo (fake pill). Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about taking these supplements.

If you are allergic to shellfish, do not take glucosamine unless you have talked to your doctor. Some glucosamine is made from shellfish covering.

The Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), within the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada, regulates natural health products in Canada. Natural health products, including glucosamine and chondroitin, must be reviewed and approved by the NNHPD before they can be sold in Canada.