Glucosamine and Chondroitin Interfere With Each Other

Results of a 12.5 million dollar study:
Glucosamine alone group had the least average joint space width loss of 0.013 millimeters
Chondroitin alone group had an average loss of 0.107 millimeters
Glucosamine plus chondroitin group had an average loss of 0.194 millimeters
Celecoxib group had an average loss of 0.111 millimeters
Placebo group had an average loss of 0.166 millimeters.

In addition to measuring average loss of joint space width, the study also measured the percentage of participants with progression (worsening) of their osteoarthritis—defined as a joint space width loss of more than 0.48 millimeters over the two years. Overall, those with grade 2 (moderate) knee osteoarthritis were least likely to have progression of osteoarthritis compared to those with more severe disease. Approximately 24 percent of participants taking the combination of glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate showed disease progression, which was similar to placebo, but greater than either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate alone. The researchers theorize that this may reflect interference in absorption of the two supplements when taken together.

http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2008/092908.htm
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/gait/qa.htm#a1

My personal conclusion: just take Glucosamine alone by itself without Chondroitin or Hyaluronic Acid or MSM. It's also the cheapest method. I was told that glucosamine actually gets converted into chondroitin anyway. Also, chondroitin is a really large molecule, so it is difficult to absorb. I read a couple articles saying chondroitin spreads cancer more quickly.

http://malecare.com/prostate-cancer-treatment_26.htm
http://forum.natural-animal-health.c....php?p=928#928

Lots of comments in various books about Chondroitin,
http://www.supplementreference.com/c...n_sulfate.html

But glucosamine is safe to take. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but there are no studies I could find showing glucosamine molecules increase with cancer, only for chondroitin. But logically, I agree, if glucosamine converts to chondroitin then whatever problems are associated with chondroitin should exist with glucosamine.

Most companies who sell glucosamine only contain only a fraction of the actual glucosamine reported, and more than 90% of the capsules and tablets come from China. Only FDA regulated glucosamine guarantees 90%+ glucosamine which you can get at Nutrasense-1,000 capsules, 750 mg capsules, for $95 U.S.

I have decided to stop taking the other stuff and just stick with the Nutrasense glucosamine (three 750 mg per day with meals).

In the Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 by Michael T. Murray, ND, it says...any direct action of orally administered chondroitin sulfate on cartilage and chondrocytes is not possible. The few clinical studies that have been done with orally administered chondroitin sulfate demonstrate that it is less effective than glucosamine sulfate (32-35). Far more impressive results have been achieved with glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is faster acting and provides much greater overall benefit.

There is really no solution to golfer's elbow (inside) and tennis elbow (outside) except time to heal. Trying to reduce the inflammation will just make it worse. Inflammation exists for a reason.

While your elbow is healing and you are limiting your sport activity, it is important to keep stretching it to get the blood flow to the tendon. You shouldn't use ice on your elbow because inflammation is a good thing to get the blood to flow to that area.

You can still play your sport but just very lightly so your elbow will heal as quickly as possible. So if you were playing 5 games per day, 3 days a week, limit it to 3 games per day instead. When you play take something off your stroke. The other days of the week you can still practice just no hard shots.

You shouldn't take MSM because MSM is anti-inflammatory. All you need to take is glucosamine. I read somewhere that your cartilage is made up of 70% glucosamine and 15% chondroitin.