Many people assume that “natural” products like glucosamine and chondroitin must be safe, but that assumption could backfire. According to the Arthritis Foundation, glucosamine and chondroitin carry some potential risks. For example, chondroitin may interfere with blood-thinning medications, and glucosamine could potentially raise blood sugar in people with diabetes or cause allergies in people allergic to shellfish. The Arthritis Foundation says that children, pregnant women, or women who might become pregnant shouldn’t take the supplements because there are no long-term studies of the effects on those populations.
Patients shopping for glucosamine or chondroitin need to be aware of another potential pitfall. Since nutritional supplements are not as stringently monitored as drugs, the pills in the bottle may not have all of the ingredients listed on the label. For this reason, the Arthritis Foundation recommends buying supplements only from large, reputable companies. Be aware, however, that the federal government doesn’t regulate any supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are put on the market.
Alternative therapies should never take the place of standard medical care, Klippel says. People with joint pain need to know exactly what kind of arthritis they have and what their future holds. Working together with their doctors and complementary care providers, they may find alternative treatments that really work.
Article by Healthday News
