Do Glucosamine and Chondroitin Really Work?

Certain brands of glucosamine supplements have been accused of containing fake glucosamine which does not end up helping people taking it to better their health. Some residents of Orange County, Calif. say they have purchased GNC glucosamine sulfate or 365 EveryDay Value glucosamine chondroitin and argue that these supplements actually contain fake glucosamine.

What is Chondroitin?

Chondroitin is a major cartilage component that helps the body to retain water. Chondroitin is naturally made by the body but it can also be manufactured from the cartilage of animals or generated in a laboratory. In the U.S., glucosamine and chondroitin are frequently combined into the same supplement.

Those who suffer from arthritis problems might prefer to use supplements rather than trying to get injections or taking pharmaceutical drugs. However, a patient making these purchases of a supplement will buy these based on the information on the label regarding ingredients. Someone who believes their arthritis pain could be relived because of chondroitin inside the product may be surprised to realize that some consumers have complained about fake glucosamine and chondroitin products.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural compound identified in healthy cartilage, particularly in joint fluid. It is harvested from the shells of shellfish or can be created in a laboratory and can come in numerous chemical forms. This has become a popular supplement in recent years.

Do Patients Use Chondroitin Sulfate for Osteoarthritis?

For those patients who suffer from knee or hand osteoarthritis, chondroitin could provide some pain relief. This benefit works slowly over the course of three months and might lead to up to a 10 percent improvement. It is classified as possibly effective by the natural medicines comprehensive database.

A study published in the journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism, found that chondroitin sulfate could relieve pain and improve hand osteoarthritis function. It can also be tried as an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Do Professionals Recommend Glucosamine or Chondroitin?

According to osteoarthritis treatment recommendations published in 2012, the American College of Rheumatology does not recommend glucosamine or chondroitin for the initial treatment of osteoarthritis because these alone or in combination might not work for everyone.

Are There Side Effects to Using These Supplements?

In large studies of people taking chondroitin, glucosamine or both for up to three years, no serious side effects were reported. However, these could interact with the anticoagulant, warfarin.

What is Fake Glucosamine?

Glucosamine and chondroitin make up components of supplements sold throughout the United States today. However, some residents of Orange County, Calif. argue that because of the potential benefits associated with these supplements, some companies are including fake ingredients and marketing them as if they were effective supplements.

This leads patients to take them on their own and then experience none of the positive benefits since, allegedly, the glucosamine is fake. A defective products or false advertising lawyer might be able to assist you if you have had this experience.  Top Class Actions can help you identify an attorney with experience in this field if you are concerned about bringing a potential lawsuit.

Join a Orange County, California Fake Glucosamine Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you live in Orange County, California and you purchased either 365 Everyday Value Glucosamine Chondroitin or GNC Glucosamine Sulfate, two brands of glucosamine supplements that may contain “fake” glucosamine sulfate, you may have a legal claim.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.