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Is Glucosamine & Fish Oil Any Good?

Both glucosamine and fish oil are popular supplements these days, with the number of manufacturers trumpeting their effectiveness equal only to the scientists lining up to evaluate those claims. Several studies seem to indicate that both have some health benefits, though newer studies suggest that the supplements should be taken together to ease the symptoms of joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

  1. Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Fish oil is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which, though they are not produced by the human body, are considered to be essential to human health. Studies suggest that these fatty acids can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, increase brain function, help maintain a healthy weight, stave off mood disorders, improve the circulatory system and decrease the risk of heart disease. Additionally, taking omega-3 fatty acids is thought to reduce inflammation---a major cause of joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

    Glucosamine

    • Glucosamine is a natural substance found in healthy cartilage. It is believed that taking glucosamine supplements helps the body repair and rebuild damaged cartilage, thereby relieving joint pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, a common therapy for osteoarthritis patients includes taking glucosamine alongside anti-inflammatory steroids, and that adding it to therapy may help reduce the need for the steroids.

    Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate

    • Glucosamine supplements are frequently manufactured in a compound with chondroitin sulfate, a component of a molecule called proteoglycan, which helps build elasticity in cartilage.

    Combining Supplements

    • Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, some patients who suffer from joint pain have reported added benefits from taking fish oil in combination with glucosamine. Accordingly, some companies market the two supplements in combination. Merck even mentions on its website that fish oil and glucosamine are "safe and useful complements to standard drugs."

    Warning

    • Most glucosamine is extracted from shellfish, and fish oil comes from the fatty tissue of freshwater predator fish, which may also have higher concentrations of mercuary in them. Patients who are allergic to shellfish or certain freshwater fish should not take supplements until they have determined the source of the product. Additionally, since neither glucosamine nor fish oil are regulated by the FDA, caution should be used when purchasing either supplement. Buy glucosamine and fish oil supplements only from companies with a good reputation.

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