More than 20 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis.Many people try new therapies and dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in their search for relief.

Over-the-counter supplements come from animal sources and Glucosamine is found naturally in the body. It stimulates the formation and repair of articular cartilage.

Chondroitin sulfate is another natural substance found in the body. It prevents other body enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint cartilage. The type sold in health-food stores and pharmacies is derived from animal products. Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been used in Europe for many years, with few reported side effects. Both supplements also have some anti-inflammatory effects that may account for the pain relief.

While there is evidence it provides pain relief, there is no proof that either substance, taken by itself or in combination, will actually slow the degenerative process or restore cartilage in arthritic joints.

Recent studies show that liquid forms of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help reduce pain more effectively than other forms.

Dietary supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are not tested or analyzed by the Food and Drug Administration before they are sold. That means consumers can’t be sure they’re getting what they pay for when they purchase bottles labeled "Glucosamine/Chondroitin." In fact, a study by ConsumerLab.com showed that almost half of the glucosamine/ chondroitin supplements tested did not contain the labeled amounts of ingredients.

Emergen-C Joint Health is a good tasting, high quality glucosamine chondroitin supplement

It also tastes pretty darn good. For those with swallowing issues, the liquid is a great alternative and comes with essential vitamins as well. It contains 1000 mg Vitamin C and seven mineral ascorbates. This supplement is a whole cartilage building nutrition supplement and a powerful antioxidant.

Just pour in a glass with water. It fits in a purse or in a shirt pocket or carry on bag. This Triple Power is the preferred supplement fr those wishing to maintain healthy joint structures and cartilage tissues and it comes recommended by prominent orthopedic surgeon Frederic G. Nicola, M.D. There aren't many supplements that get that seal of approval from the medical community.

Decision guidelines

If you’re considering nutritional supplements to help your arthritis, you may want to follow these guidelines:

1. Don’t stop your current regimen of diet, exercise, medication or other therapies. You may need to take the supplements for a couple of months before you see any results.
2. Do some research first. Find out about the supplement you are considering buying. For additional information on glucosamine, check the web site for the National Institute’s of Health (www.nih.gov).
3. Stick with a reputable manufacturer. Because these products are not regulated, consumers are on their own. Even products labeled "standardized" don’t meet outside standards, just internal ones set by the manufacturer. Standards can vary among manufacturers, so avoid brand names you don’t know.
4. Side effects are rare but if you experience any after taking the supplement you should discontinue it. Some reports indicate that those with allergies to sulfa or eggs should not take the supplements. You should research this further if you have any drug or food allergies. If you take prescription medications you should consult the doctor that prescribed them to make sure it is ok to take supplements.

Allergies, Warnings, Contraindications

Since glucosamine can be made from the shells of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish, people with shellfish allergy or iodine hypersensitivity may have an allergic reaction to glucosamine products. However, some research suggests that there is not enough shrimp allergen in glucosamine supplements to trigger reactions in patients who are allergic to shrimp. Nevertheless, caution is warranted. There are reported cases suggesting a link between glucosamine/chondroitin products and asthma exacerbations.

Discuss taking supplements with your doctor, particularly if you are pregnant.

• Glucosamine supplements normally contain one of two types of glucosamine: glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride. Emergen-C Joint Health has Glucosamine sulfate which is not recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure
• It has a warning for those who eat shellfish since it has shellfish ingredients.
• One person mentioned to me that it raises her blood pressure. This is the only person who has told me this but bear that in mind if you take it and experience this side effect.
• See ingredients in the visual on the right.