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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 46 million adults in the U.S. were told by a doctor in 2006 that they had osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. Further, in 2004, there were 454,652 knee replacements performed in the U.S., 232,857 hip replacements and 41,934 shoulder replacements, all primarily due to advanced arthritis, adds the CDC. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are supplements that are used, sometimes all together in the same product, to slow down the progression of arthritis and help manage arthritic pain.

Glucosamine Sulfate Benefits

Glucosamine sulfate is themost common supplemental form of glucosamine, which is a natural compound found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is mainly used to help form the ingredients of joint fluids and surrounding tissues. Specifically, it stimulates the production of proteoglycans and collagen in cartilage, bones and tendons. Glucosamine also thickens synovial fluid within joint capsules, which increases its ability to cushion and lubricate joints, especially large weight-bearing ones, such as the knee.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is good evidence based on human research that glucosamine sulfate is most effective at treating mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, which is the "wear and tear" type. Further, several human and animal studies report benefits of glucosamine treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in various other joints of the body. Benefits include pain relief, improved joint function and decreased inflammation. It was noted that it may take eight to 16 weeks before significant clinical changes are experienced. Almost all studies showing benefits have been conducted on the sulfate variety of glucosamine, not other formulations.

Recommended dosage of glucosamine sulfate that exhibits the most benefits is 1,500mg daily, divided into three equal doses, which has not caused any serious side effects, contraindications or toxicities, according to a 2005 study published in the "Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases." Mild side effects might include heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and headache. Because most glucosamine sulfate is derived from shellfish exoskeletons, it is not appropriate for people who are allergic to shellfish.

Chondroitin Sulfate Benefits

Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage, which is the "shock absorber" between synovial joints. Chondroitin helps to maintain cartilage's spongy nature by absorbing water. Chondroitin may also retard enzymes that can damage cartilage, and it provides the basic "ingredients" for the body to make new cartilage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, results from several well-designed scientific studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee and hip. The studies' findings suggest that benefits lasted up to three months post treatment and included reduced arthritic pain, improved joint function and reduced joint swelling and stiffness.

Chondroitin sulfate can be, and often is, combined with glucosamine sulfate. Each has shown to be effective by itself, but taken together, they may provide synergistic benefits. According to UMMC, the recommended therapeutic dose of chondroitin sulfate is 1,200mg daily, divided into two or three equal doses.

MSM Benefits