Loading...Q. My total cholesterol rose significantly while I took glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve arthritis of the knees. I took it from May, 2005 to May, 2007.
I have always had a healthy, low-fat diet so I was surprised at the increase. In 2003 my cholesterol was 159. In April 2007 it was 273. Six months later it had dropped back to 233 after I stopped the supplement. Do you think there is a connection?
A. Several small studies have not shown any association between glucosamine and chondroitin and elevations in cholesterol. We have heard from many readers like you who noticed an increase while taking such supplements, however.
MP
I was taking glucosamine chondritin to alleviate my minor rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for about 3 weeks. I am 48, healthy, active, not overweight. I started getting heart palpitations and chest pain when exercising and when I went to my doctor we did and EKG, Holter heart monitor, and blood work. Guess what? EKG and heart test were normal but my Triglyceride level has risen to 150. I am discontinuing GC immediately. I just take the occasional Advil for my pain.
rg
Discontinued GC in April, had cholesterol checked in July, it was down only slightly. Also, knee and hand pain back. Have restarted GC and knee somewhat better. rg
Dee
I was taking SMS for a year with great results in healing my joints. I was amazed. I also had an elevation in my cholesterol. I simply reduced the amount I was taking in 1/2. My cholesterol went down and my joints stayed pain free. After taking it long enough for 6 months or so there should be a maintenance dosage instead of just stopping it all together. Seems to be working for me. I noticed that many of you are were taking quite a bit, morning, noon and night. The key may simply be moderation.
Ted O
I am 65 years old and always had low cholesterol, 175 range, started glucosamine 3 years ago and now am 206. I guess it’s knee replacement or a heart attack. Bummer!
cj
My cholesterol has risen also taken glucosome and chrodroitin….seems that the those “small studies” are wrong. I also stopped taking them which is sad for the combination of MSM and glucosome and chrodroitin helped me with pain.
rg
GC – took for knee pain on recommendation from MD for five years. Cholesterol level jumped 50 pts., but knee pain relieved. Now off GC for 1 month, will retest for cholesterol after 4 months and post results.
olive
Some feed back on if cholesterol levels have fallen after ceasing glucosamine would be hugely appreciated. There seems to be a consistent story here, glucosamine intake with consequent rise in cholesterol. Reassure me that I haven’t done any permanent damage to myself !!!!
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO REPORTED ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL AFTER GLUCOSAMINE ALSO REPORTED A RETURN TO PREVIOUS LEVELS AFTER DISCONTINUING THE G&C.
Gina
I am a vegetarian and am interested in taking vegetarian glucosamine. I think it is made from corn. I’m wondering if it has the same effect on cholesterol as the shellfish-based product.
KY
Like many on this email thread; I just had my blood work done and was quite surprised at my total cholesterol level – 247! My LDL was 173 and HDL 63. I am very active; work out 5 days a week, run everyday, practice martial arts, etc. My previous total cholesterol was 191 last year. I started taking clucosine chondroitin in May 09, then switched to Cosamin DS with glucosamin and condroitin sulfate about a month ago. The Dr. requested I see her nutritionist before prescribing drug therapy. I refuse to take the drugs – due to the side affects and negative impact on the liver.
Like many have cited here; the GC has really alleviated my knee pain while running, and now will have to consider an alternative treatment option. Thanks to the poster for the suggestion to try purple grape juice and certo – I will try it.
GP
I have the same problem with elevated cholesterol. Never had that in my life! I have been taking Cosamin DS (without chondroitin) twice a day for well over a year, and it has truly helped my joints, making them less painful and certainly more flexible. I’m very careful with diet, exercise, etc. BUT, my doctor has been warning me about the rising level of my cholesterol and says if I don’t lower it she’s going to put me on a drug.
I do not want that! I have just stopped taking the Cosamin. BUT the big question is: WHAT can we take that will do the same thing for us re joints, but will not raise cholesterol??? I would truly like to find that thing. Any medical people here with suggestions?? Thank you all for being here to discuss this.
mary
Sally, very helpful and I have the exact same situation and problems. I hate to stop the joint relief…I too hope someone will tell us how their Cholesterol readings are now after stopping GCS!
TSH
You may find this information useful. I read an article recently from the Arthritis Foundation; Supplemental Relief I Arthritis Today Magazine (The consumer magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation). Re glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, here is the article in part – “Watch for: People with allergies to shellfish should choose shellfish-free glucosamine. Potential side effects include indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. People with diabetes or who have high cholesterol, triglycerides or blood pressure should exercise caution. Chondroitin has blood-thinning properties, so if you take blood thinners, such as Coumadin, aspirin, or Heparin, talk to your physician before taking it. Chondroitin may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil).”
RB
I took glucosamine back in 1998 when I was in my 20’s. In a period of just 3 months, my total cholesterol jumped almost 50 points. I quit taking it and my levels dropped back down. The problem is that I have terrible joint pain to the point where I have to take narcotics to stymie the pain.
There is no doubt in my mind that the glucosamine was behind the increase in my lipid levels. So the question I have is, does anyone know of a good product to relieve joint pain — primarily knee?
rg
I have taken glucosamine chrondroitin for six years because Dr. recommended for knee pain. Three years ago my always low cholesterol levels increased by about 50 to 210. I only recently heard of this possible connection and am interested to learn more about it. G-C completely relieved my knee pain but I think I will try to do without it after my current supply is exhausted.
WLW
Wow, what an eye opener. I began taking glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate consistently a couple years ago. I do aerobic exercise at least 3 x per week, and my job is not one where I am sitting all day. My eating habits have not changed (if anything they’re better). I was shocked to find out that my cholesterol is now 243, and last time I had it checked it was 169. This is a difficult choice because the g/c combo improved my quality of life tremendously by reducing my joint pain. Definitely will seek other alternatives.
SallyB
I am a physically active 53 year old and I have arthritis in my knees and hands so I started taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in March of 2009 and my cholesterol levels have steadily risen since. I don’t know whether to blame the glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, perimenopause, a medication I am on that has a possible side effect of raising cholesterol or what. I work out with a personal trainer, I have a very physically demanding job so I am active all day at work, I to martial arts, I am an avid trail hiker and I try my level best to watch my diet. I do not eat meat so it’s not coming from that.
I keep my weight down but I have begun, despite being physically active, to develop what I jokingly call a bit of a “middle aged gut” that won’t go away no matter what I do.
Just got my latest cholesterol reading back yesterday. LDL was 172, HDL was 52, triglycerides were 100. Total cholesterol is 249, considered high. The doctor is considering putting me on statin drugs to lower it but I refuse to go that route because of what they can do to your liver. I’m thinking flaxseed oil, fish oil, red yeast rice or something, but now that I’ve read all of your comments regarding glucosamine and chondroitin, I am beginning to wonder, but it works so well for my arthritis that I am also puzzled as to whether to continue taking it despite the fact that it helps me so much.
My PT and orthopaedic surgeon recommended taking it which is why I started in the first place. Those of you folks who quit glucosamine/chondroitin and are having blood work done after you’ve quit, please keep us posted. I am interested to know what happened to your numbers. BTW, I take two per day, one with breakfast, one with dinner.
Karen
I had knee surgery this year and my cholesterol level was 187 – now it is 222 and could not figure out why until I read this page. Of course, I am using glucosamine chron. with SMS. I will stop and see how I do in July when my next blood work is drawn.
C Liasi
I have been taking glucosamine chondroitin for some time and I have also noticed my cholesterol levels have gone up
Harold K.
After reading a few feedback on this subject, I decided to stop taking the glucosamine sulfate for 5 weeks and did my blood work before and after. Seems to be almost no change in the numbers. So, I started to take the glucosamine again because it does help with my achy joints.
Lisa J
I’m a healthy 46 year old woman who began taking glucosamine and chondroitin in 2006 for knee and hip pain. My cholesterol level then was 179. In 2007 my cholesterol shot up to 221. I didn’t know what else to do so I started my own research on the G/C tabs and decided to stop taking them in July 2008. This past May my cholesterol level was down to 198. I will no longer take them. I think I’ll try the certo and grape juice another poster suggested. Thanks for the suggestion.
H.K.
I’ve been on Glucosamine sulfate over 7 years and my lipid numbers have been very high. 245 total, LDL 175. HDL 69. My diet has been very careful. Lots of veggies, fruits, whole wheat bread, oatmeal. No eggs or beef, only a little turkey and mostly fish. I just stopped the glucosamine and will do my blood work in five weeks. Hope to see a big improvement. Will keep you posted.
gl
I have always had good cholesteral levels but in 2007 I tried taking a Gluc/cond supplement for joint pain and after taking it for a few months my total cholesteral went from 200 to 247! Stopped taking GC immmediately and rechecked my labs in 6 mos and went down to 210.
In August 2008 I tried the drs. # 1 rated brand Cosaquin and my April labs showed my cholesteral jumped to 263. It has never been that high. I have stopped the GC again and although I am pretty sure this was the cause for the increase in my levels I will h ave them rechecked in 6 months. Will let you know what happens
MM
Last year 2008 my cholesterol was 181 I work out at least 5 to 6 days a week play soccer on 3 womens teams and my knee hurts a lot, so I started taking Glucosamine and Sulfate with MSM. I just a physical and my cholesterol went up to 260. I hardly ever eat eggs or butter or red meat. I stopped taking Glucosamine after I read these comments I’ll go back in 2 months to my doctor to check and see if my cholesterol changes. I will keep all you posted. I will take nothing to lower the cholesterol natural or not I want to get to the bottom of this, and eat they way I have been. Also my LDL went up too, I can’t remember by how much.
MF
Been taking glucosamine & chondroitin for several years but this last bottle of 500 gelcaps has been just glucosamine plus MSM. My total cholesterol level jumped from 185 to 320 after about a month after I started the new formula. Couldn’t take the statins because of muscle pain, so am using 2000 mg. Niacin daily. Re-checked Lipids & Liver last week. Will let you know how they turned out after doctor’s visit next week.
SHC
My cholesterol has always been low and my HDL/LDL ratio has always been good. After 3 months on glucosamine my cholesterol went up 50 points and I became borderline diabetic. I quit the glucosamine and am much better. I know the test results from registered labs say there is no connection but this shows a correlation for me; that’s all I need. I’d also like to know if blood type is a factor. I am A+.
RK
I have been taking Glucosamide, and been very helped with my knee problem, I CAN WALK without pain. My cholesterol level has increased. I will take some natural cholesterol lowering supplements, and monitor my cholesterol one month from now.
please advise
RK
Rob
Over the last few years (2006-2008) I have been taking a regular regimen of glucosamine/chondroitin in an effort to increase my cardio workouts and basketball playing. It helped tremendously, but from 2007-2008 my bad cholesterol increased from 110 to 185. This increase occurred while I was significantly watching my diet. I also was told that my liver levels were off. I have stopped the glucosamine/chondroitin and will re-test my levels in a few months and report back. I think we are on to something significant.
JRC
My low (the bad one) density cholesterol levels have always been way down and my heavy (the good one) density level up, to the point that my MD skipped one year of the blood work for my annual. Well, this year my bad cholesterol went to 200, but my good cholesterol was still normal.
The only difference has been my Glucosamine/Chondroitin intake for some joint pains. In the AM two table spoons daily of the liquid and in the PM two pills of another type. What else could be causing the elevated readings?
I will reduce my intake and totally eliminate it once the bottle is gone. Anyway, my pains are bearable. But we should be able to age gracefully.
Ages P
I’ve just asked the same question. I have been taking Glucosamine for joint care. During a routine checkup, the doctor found my cholesterol level higher than the normal range. I eat well and exercise. Never has a problem with cholesterol levels before until now.
Donna
I am 55. I have been taking glucosamine and chrondroitin for about 3 years and my cholesterol started rising slowly until last test was 237! I eat very healthy, no dairy, eat red meat once a week, yoga and aerobics 3 times a week. I have stopped taking. I will let you know what happens a few mos. from now.
D. Blake
My fibromyalgia was helped immensely by the glucosamine/chondroitin, but my cholesterol levels went way up, and I began having a lot of pain in the general area of the liver. I stopped taking it, and cholesterol levels came down, pain went away. So now I’m back to living with fibromyalgia. My doctor has given me ms contin for the fibromyalgia, which helps a lot, but you have to keep increasing the dosage to receive the same benefits, and I don’t like to take it. I’m sorry I can’t continue taking the glucosamine/chondroitin, but I have higher cholesterol levels normally, so I don’t want to increase it any higher.
ck
I also had this problem, and after reading in a medical book, about purple grape juice and certo I have quit taking glucosomine and chondroitin. I’m still waiting a while before I have blood work again, but this has had the same relieving effect on my knees. Mix one pack Certo to 64 oz of grape juice and drink 6-8 oz per day. I’m hoping my cholesterol has dropped also.
RLL
I am 52, and I have taken Glucosamine & Chondroitin for about 9 years. My total cholesterol has hung around 145 all along, until this past year. I started taking SAMe, and it shot up to 205. I made some dietary changes (oatmeal, no egg yolks, etc.), and it dropped to 180. I wonder?
DH
I just had a cholesterol check and mine has gone up also after taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin for the last six months. This is very depressing and frustrating since it has almost taken away my knee and wrist pains I used to have.
Does it have to be a trade-off? I want to keep taking it, but I also don’t want my cholesterol to keep going up. Does anyone out there have any advice?
ms
I have to work hard to keep my cholesterol down. I also have trouble with elevated liver functions when using statins, etc. I have managed it with niacin and red rice yeast extract. However, I started taking glucosomine recently and now my liver enzimes are back up… could this be because of the glucosomine?
MS
carol Wharton
My oncologist has recommended that I discontinue American ginseng and flaxseed because I have Stage 2 estrogen/progesterone positive breast cancer (diagnosed and treated in 2007 with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation). Can you tell me the connection between the two and my breast cancer? She also recommended not using Echinacea. Your thoughts please?
Joe
I am a runner and relatively in good shape. I am 45 and for the most part healthy and not overweight. I started taking Glucosamine in 2004 and my cholesterol has risen. I thought it was my cheese consumption. I will discontinue taking glucosamine and will report back in July (after my blood test).
Karen B
Does anyone know if the Glucosamine Sulfate reacts the same way? This report has caused me to wonder, because my cholesterol has risen enough to be monitored more closely, and the Glucosamine Sulfate is the added substance to my mix.
AJW
I too was taking Glucosomine/Chrondroitin until my Dr. tried to put me on cholesterol-reducing drugs. I refused these and stopped taking the Glucosomine/Chrondroitin, having heard about this problem.
My cholesterol is now much lower.
Janet
Yes, I had the same elevation. I have discontinued the Glucosomine/Chrondroitin. I will be back for a cholesterol recheck in April. If it is back to 188 or so, I will not take any more Glucosomine in the future.