This site provides reliable information about
glucosamine and chondroitin
as well as other
non-prescription treatments for arthritis sufferers.
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is an amino sugar that is believed to help form and repair the cartilage between bones and joints.
A glucosamine product is also sold as a dietary supplement. It is produced by extracting the glucosamine from shellfish. The dietary supplement is thought to reduce arthritis symptoms by helping to rebuild cartilage. More specifically, it is thought to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.
Typically, glucosamine is often sold in a formulation with chondroitin and sometimes with other anti-oxidants.
Glucosamine is thought to be safe; however, it is not specifically approved for treatment in humans. It has been used as an arthritis treatment in veterinary medicine for a number of years. Neither the Arthritis Foundation nor the American College of Rheumatology recommend glucosamine for human treatment at this time.
The sale and distribution of glucosamine is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Further, the FDA has not approved its use as an arthritis treatment. The FDA does not monitor this product for quality.
The answer is a qualified yes. A few clinical trials have been conducted and the results suggest that glucosamine is effective, at least to some degree.
Some patients report pain relief after taking glucosamine. And several studies suggest that cartilage damage is slowed by taking glucosamine. For example, a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted by Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic concluded:
“Long-term treatment with glucosamine sulfate retarded the progression of knee osteoarthritis, possibly determining disease modification.”
- US National Library of Medicine
- Archives of Internal Medicine(fee charged for access)
In another review, conducted for the Journal of American Medicine, researchers concluded:
“Trials of glucosamine and chondroitin preparations for OA (osteoarthritis) symptoms demonstrate moderate to large effects, but quality issues and likely publication bias suggest that these effects are exaggerated. Nevertheless, some degree of efficacy appears probable for these preparations.”
- Journal of American Medicine(transcript free, full text available for a fee)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is in the midst of conducting a clinical trial to evaluate glucosamine and chondroitin. Results are expected late in 2005. For additional information, see the NIH website:
Some manufacturers identify their product as being “pharmaceutical grade” and claim it makes their brand superior to other brands. Some manufacturers deliver the product in a liquid form and claim the liquid is be better absorbed by patients than tablets.
We are unaware of any clinical trials to substantiate these claims.
Side effects are usually mild. The most common complaints are gas and softening of the stool.
This information is provided for research purposes only, and is not intended to replace your physician's medical advice. Seek out the advice of a qualified medical professional before taking any over-the-counter supplements.