Ask Dr. Gott » glucosamine

Daily Column

Dr. Gott — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:00:01 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Recently a reader said he had terrible itching caused by Centrum Silver and glucosamine/chondroitin. I also took both products and had itching.

Several years ago I learned I was allergic to shellfish. After some research I found that glucosamine/chondroitin was made with ground shrimp shells and that this was the cause of my itchy allergic reaction. As soon as the supplement was stopped, the itch stopped. I have never had a problem with the Centrum Silver.

DEAR READER:
Thank you for writing with your experience. This could be the reason some people have reactions to otherwise benign substances. It may not be the case for everyone but it will at least serve as a starting point.

Daily Column

Dr. Gott — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:00:04 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 60 years old and run 10 miles a week. I also bike 25 miles a week. I take two caplets of Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength with MSM and Joint Shield daily. It helps me a lot and my joints seem to benefit from it.

Is it safe to take the tablets daily or should I only take them when I feel I need to? Is it safe to take folic acid for hair loss at the same time?

DEAR READER:
To the best of my knowledge there is no interaction between Osteo Bi-Flex and folic acid; however, I recommend you speak to your pharmacist who would better know of any possible reactions.

As to taking Osteo Bi-Flex daily, I do not believe this is harmful. The main active ingredients of glucosamine and chondroitin work best if take daily because they may help restore cartilage. MSM has also shown in small studies to be beneficial in relieving joint pain from osteoarthritis. Ask your doctor for more in depth information.

Daily Column

Dr. Gott — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:00:05 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 73-year-old woman with joint pain. I’ve been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for about four years for control. When I read your column about grape juice and pectin for the pain of arthritis, I tried it and it worked immediately. Should I keep taking the glucosamine and chondroitin while using the grape juice and pectin?

DEAR READER:
It appears you have been taking over-the-counter supplements for four years with minimal success. This combination works for some people, but not for all. Therefore, it’s time to experiment. Use the grape juice and pectin only for a period of a few weeks to a month. Remember to make a mental note of your activity during the trial period. If you are involved with cleaning out the attic or choose to paint a room, you will be using muscles that you don’t ordinarily use and could experience pain even without a diagnosis of joint inflammation. This would not be a fair test. If, however, you have a normal routine and your pain level remains decreased, you will have your answer.

If, on the other hand, it elevates considerably, you will probably be better off using the glucosamine/chondroitin and grape juice/pectin combination. Have fun experimenting.