Saturday, May 21, 2011

Side Effects of Glucosamine Chondroitin

Side Effects of Glucosamine Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are marketed as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. You can buy separately or in combination. These supplements may reduce the pain of stiff and swollen joints and improve function of joints affected by osteoarthritis. However, there are some side effects associated with glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, so are not for everyone.

Side effects of glucosamine

Glucosamine supplements can cause drowsiness, headache, insomnia, hardening of the nails, sun sensitivity, skin reactions and stomach upset. Less common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gas, abdominal pain, vomiting, heartburn and constipation. Heart rate and blood pressure may increase temporarily. These supplements may also increase the risk of bleeding and cataracts and alter levels of blood sugar.

Chondroitin Side Effects


Most people experience no side effects of chondroitin supplements. When side effects occur they are usually mild. The most common complaint on chondroitin supplements is an upset stomach. Since chondroitin is similar to an anticoagulant called heparin, you can thin the blood. However, more studies should be performed on the side effects of long-term use, because most information is based on short-term use of chondroitin. For example, participants in the main study intervention trial Arthritis NIH Glucosamine / chondroitin supplements use glucosamine and chondroitin for two years, while arthritis sufferers generally use these supplements for many years.

Considerations

The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may be effective in relieving pain for those with moderate or severe pain, but not those with mild pain. The reduction in pain occurred when these supplements were used in combination, but not when used separately.There are large number of cheap glucosamine chondroitin supplement tablets

Other safety issues

Glucosamine is made from shells, so that people who are allergic to shellfish should not use these supplements. Chondroitin is usually made from cow cartilage, so vegetarians may want to look for supplements made from algae in their place.
If you are taking blood thinners or NSAIDs used for pain, you may need to decrease your dose if taking glucosamine or chondroitin, so check with your doctor before using these supplements. 

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