Question

As our bodies begin to age, there is the never-ending series of aches and pains as our cells, tissues, joints, and bones begin to deteriorate. However, the answer to our ailments always seems to come in the form of a pill that can provide us with what our bodies apparently can no longer provide. While most pharmaceuticals are subject to FDA approval and rigorous testing, dietary supplements are not subject to the same regulation. Most dietary supplements are based on folk or nontraditional medicine, or preliminary studies that do not meet the rigor of medical peer review. These drugs can be bought without prescription and are not subject to most federal regulations, so long as they do not claim any specific benefits. Is it wise for us to take these supplements and is there really any proven benefit?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects primarily the elderly. After repeated bending and twisting of the joints, the cartilage begins to wear down. This loss of flexibility and cushioning leads to an increase in joint pain. Studies in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that because cartilage contains mainly collagens and proteoglycans that taking oral supplements containing these compounds would provide the natural building blocks for the cartilage to be renewed. A combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is often prescribed by physicians to assist with joint health, based primarily on the evidence presented in these studies. However, recent studies have been conducted on these compounds that suggest that these supplements are no more effective than a placebo. Still, physicians and pharmacists continue to suggest these ineffective drugs.

1. Two of the common dietary supplements that are advertised for good joint health are glucosamine and chondroitin. Based on your knowledge of the structure of the extracellular matrix, why were these molecules chosen as supplements?

2. One of your elderly relatives comes to you asking about their doctor’s advice. They want to know if they should take a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement for their rheumatoid arthritis. How would you advise them?

Answer 1

1. Chondroitin is a naturally occurring formed of sugar chains.Chondroitin is believed to help the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints.Glucosamine is sugar protein that helps the body build cartilage (the hard connective tissue located mainly on the bones near the joints)

2. Many people with arthritis use supplements in their diet to ease the pain of arthritis.Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most well-known. Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM) is another supplement used to ease the pain of arthritis, but it has not been through as much scientific testing.