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Arthritis and Glucosamine

A study performed by researchers from Belgium, Italy, and the United Kingdom, found that glucosamine could halt loss of joint cartilage in people with mild to moderate degenerative joint disease (Osteoarthritis) of the knee.

On January 27, 2001, The Lancet Publishing Group (www.thelancet.com) posted the results of a 3 year study performed by researchers from Belgium, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The study (a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial) found that Glucosamine Sulfate could halt loss of joint cartilage in people with mild to moderate degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the knee. The study looked at 212 people who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee and were 50 years and older. Half were treated with a daily dose of glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg). The other half received a placebo.

After 3 years, the group taking the glucoasmine sulfate showed minor to no joint deterioration. While those taking the placebo showed significant progression of their osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, is one of the most common types of arthritis. Symptoms include inflammation of the joint resulting in pain and swelling. It is also responsible for the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Cartilage provides a tough elastic cushion between bones. Cartilage breakdown can cause bones to rub together, resulting in additional pain and restricted movement.

Osteoarthritis affects mostly people 40 and older. The symptoms range from mild to severe, and typically affect the joints in the back, feet, hands, hips and knees.

Some of the factors that may cause osteoarthritis are:

• Joint injuries - due to accident, sports, or work related activity
• Genetics - defective cartilage or joints
• Obesity (osteoarthritis of the knees and/or hips)

Treatment of osteoarthritis may include:

• Exercise
• Heat/cold therapy for pain relief
• Joint protection to reduce stress on joints
• Medication for pain relief
• Surgery to relieve pain
• Weight control to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine is found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation, repair, and slow cartilage damage in people with osteoarthritis. Sulfate is a mineral salt used to stabilize the compound. People with mild to moderate osteoarthritis have reported that taking glucosamine sulfate has relieved pain at a similar level to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Glucosamine sulfate is sold as a nutritional supplement. It is extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells.

Cautions and Side Effects

The most common side effects are increased intestinal gas and softened stools. Although there have been no significant differences from the placebo and glucosamine supplements in the area of safety, more studies need to be done.

Children, women who are pregnant, and women who could become pregnant should not take these supplements. They have not been studied long enough to determine their effects on a child or on a developing fetus.

Because glucosamine is an amino sugar, people with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels more frequently when taking this supplement.

If you are allergic to shellfish, consult your doctor before taking glucosamine.

If you decide to take dietary supplements:

• Choose products sold by well established companies. Dietary supplements are unregulated, so the quality may vary widely.
• Carefully read product labels.
• Consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements and ask about the proper dosage.
• Contact your doctor if you experience unexpected symptoms.

Resources and Acknowledgments

1. CAM on PubMed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2. Arthritis Foundation - Find out how arthritis symptoms may be relieved with glucosamine supplements.
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is one of the world's foremost medical research centers, and the Federal focal point for medical research in the U.S.
4. The National Library of Medicine is the world's largest library of the health sciences. The Library has an extensive Website that provides a great variety of information for the general public and for health professionals.
5. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science; training CAM (complementary and alternative medical) researchers; and disseminating authoritative information.
6. The Lancet Publishing Group