The running benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Connective tissue in the joints is continually broken down through daily running use. Unfortunately, the body’s ability to manufacture glucosamine is not always efficient, which can cause problems in the rebuilding of cartilage in the joints.

Daily wear and tear on joints as a result of physical movement is inevitable and in the long term can lead to damaged cartilage, limited movement and in severe cases, osteoarthritis. Natural ageing also slows down the renewal process.
Tests have shown that glucosamine can help reduce damage to cartilage in the joints, reduce joint pain, and there is now a growing body of evidence showing it to be effective in easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.



Glucosamine is an amino acid sugar that acts as the structural component of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Chondroitin is a component of cartilage. When taken together, these two supplements protect joints and tendons and relieve osteoarthritis pain.


In the past few years, orthopedists and other physicians have increasingly advised patients to take both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to ease the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition caused by overuse, traumatic injury, or old age. One of the hallmarks of osteoarthritis is an erosion of the cartilage that cushions your joints. Chondrocytes – the cells in your joints that make cartilage – need glucosamine to function optimally. According to several studies, about 1,500 milligrams each of supplemental glucosamine and chondroitin daily helps soothe pain, possibly by stimulating cartilage growth. Animal studies also suggest that supplemental glucosamine may speed the repair of injured joints.



Glucosamine also helps produce substances in ligaments, tendons, and joint fluids called glycoproteins, so it may speed healing in those areas as well.


If you suffer with diabetes consult your Doctor if you want to give glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate a try.  Diabetics who took glucosamine experienced lower insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, so just run it by your Doc first if you have diabetes. If you decide to take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, take 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of each per day.