Results of new joint study disappoint

Glucosamine is the second most commonly used supplement to treat joint pain and arthritis. Many patients turn to glucosamine supplements as a complementary and alternative therapy. “More than 1 in 10 U.S. adults use this supplement, and global sales exceeded $2 billion in 2010,” says an article at MedPageToday.com.

According to a new trial conducted at the University of Arizona and published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, glucosamine may not help with chronic pain or lessen cartilage deterioration.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was split into two groups:

• Patients treated with 1500 milligrams of glucosamine per day

• Patients treated with a placebo

Researchers looked at MRI’s from 201 patients with chronic knee pain and found that there was no difference in those who took glucosamine and those who took the placebo.

Studies in the past have relied on radiographs to assess changes rather than a more sensitive MRI. Using an MRI to evaluate changes directly reveals changes to cartilages along with subchondral bone marrow lesions.

What experts say

"It doesn't work. There's a group of patients who get a reduction in pain when they take glucosamine, because glucosamine is a sugar and sugars can be analgesic to some people," says Nancy E. Lane MD, director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of California Davis in Sacramento.

"Although [it's] tempting to say that no advantage to glucosamine was shown and [there is] even some evidence that it was worse than placebo, we need to temper our interpretation because of the low rate of progression, as this means the study did not have adequate power to detect even a relatively large difference between treatment and placebo," says Allen Sawitzke MD.

Is it the last word?

Because of the size of the study and other limitations, findings are not conclusive and this trial now opens the door for larger studies in the future. Always speak with your doctor before taking any supplement.

To learn more on this topic:
Supplemental Relief: Get the Facts About 4 Supplements for Pain
Calcium: Getting the Right Amount
How a Touch of Turmeric Can Tame Arthritis Pain