Side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin

Characteristics of glucosamine and chondroitin

A dietary supplement that contains the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin has proven to be very effective in the treatment of arthritis and the symptoms such as inflammation and pain. Both of the ingredients are naturally found in the human body, but they can also be purchased separately, though it is believed that they are most beneficial when used in combination. So far, it has been proven that glucosamine and chondroitin decrease the inflammation and prevent degradation and damage of the cartilage by making it stronger. This way, the function of joints is generally improved in people suffering from arthritis. Even though, the dosage is rarely prescribed when it comes to supplements, the dosage with this one is carefully prescribed, as well as the daily frequency of using it, and it is important not to use it behind the recommended dosage.

Side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin

Even though this supplement has proven to be effective and safe, there are some side effects that are related to it, and although none of them is too dangerous or serious, they deserve to be mentioned. The most frequently reported have been symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or other problems with bowel movement, the feeling of the accumulated pressure on the eye, and the loss of hair.

Women who carry or breastfeed a child should carefully consider with their doctor the use of this drug, because side effects in such situations are unknown so far. Still, unlike in these situations, there are reasons to believe that people with increased cholesterol level or blood pressure, as well as those with asthma, diabetes, or even prostate cancer are much more likely to experience side effects if they use this supplement. The same applies for people with any type of an allergic reaction.

Besides this, certain medications should either be avoided when using this supplement, or their use should be carefully monitored. This means that the risk of interactions increases in case if a particular medication for chemotherapy or diabetes, for example, are used, or some of the blood thinners or diabetes medications. What should also be mentioned is that these mediations increase the risks of bleeding and insulin resistance, but some researches say that the raise in the blood pressure and level of cholesterol may also be connected with the use of this supplement, which is why people should be extra careful.