The supplements, known as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin and MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, are used for helping with pain or discomfort from some common joint related disorders, such as oseoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are benefits from each of these, which can help with joint mobility, flexion and inflammation. There are benefits and side effects to each, as well as to the combinations, so consulting a physician before using these and any other supplements is always a good idea. Some precautions can help you avoid possible dangers.
What is Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM?
Glucosamine
Cartilage, which is mainly located on the bones near the joints; a hard connective tissue, is helped to be developed and renewed by a naturally occurring substance known as glucosamine. It also helps to keep the cartilage lubricated in order to provide better movement of the joints and flexibility as well.
Chondroitin
The naturally occurring substance known as chondrotin, which is formed of sugar chains, is thought to help your body to both maintain joint flexibility, but also to help maintain fluid in your body as well.
Methylsulfonylmethane
A naturally occurring form of sulfur, known as methylsulfonylmethane, helps the body’s muscle and tendons, by supporting them.
A combination of all three of these is used in different ways. It is important to note that the FDA has not approved all the uses of this combination, so it is not recommended for use in the place of a prescription medication. It does however have uses that are quite helpful.
The combination can be used to help to maintain healthy joints, and osteoarthritis patients, as well as other patients with inflammatory joint disorders also use it. If you do decide to purchase this, please make sure that you purchase it from a reliable source, as some herbal supplements have been known to be contaminated.
Precautions for Taking Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Before taking any medication or herbal supplement it is always a good idea to consult your physician, with this particular herbal supplement, as with many others, there are some specific situations, in which you must consult a physician.
Heath conditions
If you have bleeding or blood clotting, disorder, such as hemophilia, allergies to certain drugs, if you are overweight, if you have diabetes or if you are on a low salt diet, it is a must that you consult with your physician.
Women in special conditions
There are also special concerns for women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, as well as those who are breastfeeding. It is unknown whether or not this supplement affects the unborn baby or if it is passed through the milk during breastfeeding.
Drug interaction
There are precautions regarding the use of this supplement. It is always vital that you read the label, because herbal supplements can contain other ingredients, fillers, binders and flavorings.
Chitosan, which in most cases is marketed as a weight loss supplement, should not be used in conjunction with this herbal supplement, because the use of chitosan can cause the absorption ability of chondroitin to decrease.
Side Effects of Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM
Glucosamine
This sulfate, which is used to help osteoarthritis patients, does have side effects and possibly allergic reactions. The side effects include the following:
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Sun sensitivity
- A variety of skin reactions
It is important also to not consume this if you are allergic to shellfish, as it is often made from that. It can interfere with warafin, so if you take warafin consult your physician before taking glucosamine. Anyone who is pregnant or may be pregnant should always consult their physician before taking any medications or supplements of any type.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin also has a few possible side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea. There are also studies that prove that the use of this is not ok for children or women who are pregnant. Persons with an allergy to shellfish should also avoid this and there is a link between this supplement and the possibility of mad cow disease, as chondroitin may be made from bovine sources.
Methylsulfonylmethane
The basic side effects include stomach upset, headaches and diarrhea and children should not take this, because there is a possible risk of autism related. There has just not been enough research done on its side effects to definitively rule out the relationship with autism, so it is better to air on the side of caution.