Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements for joint pain are ineffective.

September 17, 2010

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An analysis of 10 studies involving more than 3,800 people has found that

glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint pain are ineffective either

alone or in combination.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been popular for years among people

with arthritic knees or hips. According to the authors of the study, worldwide

sales of the supplements reached almost $2 billion in 2008. Previous studies on

whether the drugs work to relieve arthritis pain, however, have been

conflicting. A study published earlier this year from the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that people who took the

supplements for two years had outcomes similar to people who took the

prescription pain medication celecoxib or placebo pills.

The new analysis included 10 large, randomized, controlled studies. Researchers

concluded that people taking the supplements did not differ from those taking a

placebo on measures of pain or any changes in joint space.

The supplements don't appear harmful, the authors note. But if people begin to

feel better while taking them it could be due to the placebo effect or just the

natural healing of joints over time.

" We see no harm in having patients continue these preparations as long as they

perceive a benefit and cover the costs of treatment themselves, " the authors

wrote.

The study appears Friday (9-17) in the British Medical Journal.

-- Shari Roan / Los Angeles Times

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" Jim " <Jrdoubleyou@...>

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