Michael Rinaldi, PT, OCS

Many of my patients over the years have asked about the potency or efficacy of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, two controversial supplements that have been on the market for more than a decade. The two compounds purportedly help in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, many people still question its effectiveness.

One reason: conflicting research results.

A recently publicized study failed to show an effect; however, the study had two major flaws.
1. The study tested Glucosamine HCl instead of Glucosamine Sulfate (GS), and
2. The placebo group also had 60% pain improvement (which wasn't well publicized)

However, high quality research trials on the use of Glucosamine Sulfate for OA of the knee have been remarkably consistent.

In 2008 long term studies that examined the need to prevent total knee replacement (TKR) were done by accumulating data from studies done over 3 year periods. The data was pooled together and long term follow ups (8 years) were done with patients who had used GS for 1-3 years.

The data demonstrated that in comparison groups, people who used GS (at 1500 mg/day) showed markedly less joint space narrowing due to arthritis versus those that did not supplement with GS. The study data was altered as 65 subjects who had participated in the study were not available for follow-up, thus the treatment effect may have been better in the overall picture.

There were 19 TKRs in people who took placebo supplements while only 9 in the group who took GS. That's less than half the placebo group. In all, this amounted to one avoided knee replacement for every 12 people in the study group.

What that amounts to is a 50% reduction in chance of avoiding a TKR when taking the GS.

This is significant in that it is one of the few studies that looked at disease prevention rather than symptom management in the use of GS.

There are other factors involved in success in treating OA early. Body weight, early detection, proper self-care, and others are also important in warding off advancing arthritis.

We've discussed the use of Omega-3 fatty acids in the reduction of inflammation.

It appears that the addition of Glucosamine Sulfate may be effective in reducing the progression of arthritis in the knee with the possibility of avoidance of knee replacement.

We recommend Lifesource Nutrition.  We use it.  We like it.

Here is a page where you can find out information on their best products for inflammation and arthritis.

Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Total Knee Replacement
Arthritic Knee