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Osteoarthritis – also known as OA – is characterised by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most widely used supplements. However, recent research and clinical guidelines suggest chondroitin is more important than glucosamine for managing osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage that helps retain water and maintain elasticity, which is essential for joint function. Supplementation with chondroitin has been shown to slow cartilage breakdown, reduce joint pain, and improve mobility in people with OA.
Several large-scale studies have found chondroitin can significantly improve joint function and comfort. Glucosamine is also important, but evidence for glucosamine only is inconsistent. Many people who contact me have used high glucosamine supplements with little benefit. Adding therapeutic amounts of chondroitin alongside glucosamine can make a significant difference.
I recently spoke to a client who first contacted me six months ago with significant discomfort from OA in his knees, wrists and back. As I expected, his knees started to respond within a few months. I explained hand/wrist joints take longer and backs can give variable results. However, he’d now found his wrists are steadily improving and his back had become more comfortable.
The key to success is a personalised programme. In my client’s case we started with double the dose of my joint supplement, giving him 1600mg of high-grade chondroitin and glucosamine with 400mg of the latest Curcumin (from turmeric) extract.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice, contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz