Do Glucosamine Supplements Work For Osteoarthritis?

Glucosamine sulfate has been a popular natural supplement used for the treatment of osteoarthritis for decades.  Originally developed for use in race horses, this natural building block of cartilage eventually made its way onto shelves in health food stores and pharmacies.  But does it work?  The answer appears to be “Yes.”  Most of the current research looks at glucosamine and its role in the management of knee osteoarthritis.  Not only have researchers found that patients taking glucosamine experience less pain, but they also have less progression of joint space narrowing, the hallmark of osteoarthritic change.  This slowing of the wear and tear process can be seen on follow-up x-rays over a span of 2-3 years.  Studies that have looked at glucosamine alone or in combination with another supplement called chondroitin sulfate found that both confer benefits.

Some international guidelines also recommend glucosamine for hip osteoarthritis. Research regarding glucosamine and back pain is limited.  A paper published in 1976 showed some promise for glucosamine in the management of disc degeneration, but studies since then have failed to demonstrate any significant effect.  It is also important to note that most studies failed to demonstrate any significant side effects.  Patients suffering from diabetes should exercise caution however, since glucosamine may raise blood sugar levels.  That aside, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, you should strongly consider adding glucosamine and or chondroitin sulfate to your daily regimen.

References.

1.  What is the Current Status of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Henrotin Y et al.  Maturitas (2014) 78(3)184-7.
2. Effect of Glucosamine or Chondroitin Sulfate on Osteoarthritis Progression:  A meta-analysis.  Lee YH et al.  Rhuematol Int (2010) 30(3):357-63.
3. The effect of glucosamine sulfate on the proliferative potential and glycosaminoglycan synthesis of nucleus pulposus intervertebral disc cells. Mavrogonatou, E and Kletsas, D.  Spine (1976)