The early report from a long-awaited study of glucosamine/chondroitin supplements found no benefit for most people with arthritis, and the possibility of reduction in pain for people with moderate to severe arthritis. So what does this mean for you?
1. If you have mild arthritis, you're unlikely to benefit .
In the study, the supplements, taken separately or together, were not effective in reducing pain for people with mild arthritis. So there's no need to try it for this condition.
Whether the supplements relieve pain in people with more advanced disease is still an open question: In a secondary analysis, a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate appeared somewhat more effective for people with moderate to severe arthritis. But more research is needed to confirm those findings.
Research exploring whether glucosamine/chondroitin might slow cartilage damage in osteoarthritis patients continues.
2. Watch your wallet.
For an unproven treatment, glucosamine/chondroitin is expensive -- $25 to $50 a month.
3. Safety doesn't appear to be an issue .
Studies have found few dangerous side effects to glucosamine/chondroitin, though it's always smart to consult your doctor before starting a new treatment. In the latest study, principal investigator Daniel Clegg said safety data were reassuring. There were no deaths or heart attacks. Gastrointestinal events and blood sugar problems were no greater in the supplement group than in the placebo or Celebrex group.
The most common problems associated with glucosamine/chondroitin are increased gas and softened stools, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Because animal research has suggested that glucosamine may exacerbate insulin resistance, a cause of diabetes, the organization advises people with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels more frequently when taking the supplement.
The group also advises extra caution for people who take a blood-thinning medication or are allergic to shellfish. Patients on blood thinners were excluded from the latest trial, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
4. Product quality is nearly impossible to determine.
