To carry out GAIT, 16 rheumatology research centers across the United States assigned more than 1,500 women and men with osteoarthritis of the knees to take a daily dose of glucosamine (1,500 mg),
chondroitin (1,200 mg), both, Celebrex (200 mg), or a placebo.
* Look for a combination glucosamine/
chondroitin supplement, such as Puritan Pride Double Strength Glucosamine and
Chondroitin, Rexall Osteo BiFlex or Cosamin DS Joint Health Supplement, all of which passed muster with ConsumerLab.com's quality review.
"The study confirmed that both products are efficient for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms, although only
chondroitin sulfate has the additional advantage of exerting a joint protection effect and a better safety profile," declared Professor Pelletier.
A 2015 systematic review of 43 randomized trials evaluating oral
chondroitin sulfate for OA of varying severity suggested there may be a significant decrease in short-term and long-term pain with doses of >800 mg/d compared with placebo (level of evidence, low; risk of bias, high).
Chondroitin, on the other hand, is a natural component that helps retain water in the cartilage, giving it strength and durability.
The evidence for using glucosamine and
chondroitin is weak, but many people like you believe they benefit from taking them.
Nutramax Labs announced in January the publication of results from an international clinical study that demonstrated the effectiveness of glucosamine hydrochloride and
chondroitin sulfate--the same active ingredients found in its joint health dietary supplement CosaminDS --in the management of joint health and wellness.
Based on the medical literature, glucosamine and
chondroitin are most likely to be helpful if you have moderate-to-severe knee OA pain.
Subjects were once daily either given 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate; 800 mg of
chondroitin sulfate; both supplements; or matching placebo capsules.
Side effect profiles and tolerability were similar with glucosamine /
chondroitin (Droglican) and celecoxib (Celebrex), with 51% of patients overall having treatment-emergent adverse events, Dr.
The association between use of glucosamine and
chondroitin supplements and mortality was examined in a prospective cohort study of 77,510 individuals (aged 50-76 years) living in Washington State.
Chondroitin is naturally found in the body in connective tissues.
