Do joint supplements such as universal animal flex, nutrend flexit drink (collagen), which contain glucosamine, chondritin, msm and various plant extracts and vitamins, do not damage the digestive system, mainly the liver and pancreas? ? Can you take them safely? Are they really effective?
Hello, The preparations available for sale containing glucosamine or chondroitin have the status of the so-called dietary supplements that differ from drug and prescription drug status. In the case of dietary supplements, the rules of product registration allowing a given product for sale and further supervision, as in the case of food, apply. On the other hand, in the case of both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, stricter rules apply to product registration, prescription by a doctor, and supervision over the safety of its use - for example, when side effects (especially serious ones) occur, the doctor is obliged to report such effects to special drug safety monitoring institutions. Dietary supplements are, in most cases, purchased by patients on their own. Medical databases do not always contain sufficiently accurate data on possible symptoms of intolerance, because patients do not always report to a doctor with symptoms resulting from intolerance of a given dietary supplement. However, there is some data on the safety of glucosamine and chondroitin. The most important rules for the safe use of these dietary supplements are as follows: 1. the possible use of a dietary supplement should always be consulted with your attending physician 2. people with diabetes should not use glucosamine, because there is scientific evidence that glucosamine may increase insulin resistance, which in turn results in deterioration of diabetes control and an increase in insulin demand 3. people allergic to shellfish should not use glucosamine 4. children, pregnant women, nursing women should not use glucosamine 5. people taking anticoagulants or aspirin should not use chondroitin because there is an increased risk of bleeding. People who develop any symptoms of intolerance while taking glucosamine or chondroitin should be advised immediatelystop taking these supplements and see your doctor. The most common symptoms of intolerance are heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. The first safety data obtained in accordance with the rules of scientific research (so-called Evidence Based Medicine) appeared only recently. Arthritis & Rheumatism in February 2009 (vol.60, no 2, pp. 524-533) in the article "Long term effects of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate on knee osteoarthritis" published an article by prof. A. Kahan et al. On the use of a specially purified preparation of chondroitin-4,6-sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joints. The drug was used in 622 people for 24 months. The preparation was well tolerated in 94% of patients receiving chondroitin-4,6-sulfate and in 93% of patients receiving placebo. Gastrointestinal symptoms were generally mild; 16 patients taking chondroitin-4,6 sulfate had to withdraw it due to side effects and 17 patients taking placebo. Laboratory tests showed no abnormalities in the group receiving both chondroitin-4,6-sulfate and placebo. This drug will be available with a prescription. Dr. n.med. Krystyna Knypl
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Krystyna KnyplInternist, hypertensiologist, editor-in-chief of "Gazeta dla Lekarzy".
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