Research on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements
Existing research on dietary supplements
Currently, there is relatively little research
on the effects of nutritional supplements on spine
health and specifically on osteoarthritis of the
spine. At this point in time, existing studies of
glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are inconclusive
as to whether or not the dietary supplements can
prevent or reverse the joint cartilage degeneration
associated with osteoarthritis.
Some studies show that certain patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis
who take the supplements may have pain relief at a similar level to patients
who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (1). One study
on knee and hip osteoarthritis showed a “moderate benefit” of
taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements.
The studies mentioned above generally showed that if no pain relief
occurred after taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for two months,
there was little chance of improvement if the patient took the supplements
for a longer duration. However, a standard duration of treatment and
expected course of improvement for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
have not yet been determined.
Further research on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements
It is important to note that nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate are not subject to the same strict regulations by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as are medications (such as NSAIDs
or narcotic pain medications).
During a meeting held in January 1998, a group consisting of National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and FDA staff as well as experts in osteoarthritis,
alternative medicine and other specialties identified the need for more
in-depth testing of the safety, efficacy and side effects of glucosamine
and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (3).
As a result of the 1988 meeting, the National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) have begun a study called
the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT). The
study is the first multi-center trial in the United States to test glucosamine
and chondroitin sulfate for reducing pain and improving function for
patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The study randomly assigned patients to groups test either the effects
of taking glucosamine alone, chondroitin alone, glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate in combination, Celebrex (celecoxib, a popular COX-2 inhibitor),
or a placebo. GAIT also tested whether glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
nutritional supplements can help slow or stop the progression of knee
osteoarthritis.
In May 2004, enrollment for the GAIT study was completed and data were
being analyzed. At the time of this article, the report on study findings
has not yet been published (3).
Benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate dietary supplements
While more scientific research is needed on the effects and safety of glucosamine
and chondroitin nutritional supplements, many physicians consider them a
viable osteoarthritis treatment for the following reasons:
-
There is some available evidence supporting the
benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
More research is currently underway with GAIT, the
study run by the NIH and FDA.
-
There is currently a
lack of more effective traditional medical treatments
for osteoarthritis pain.
-
Glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate nutritional supplements have a low incidence
of serious side effects.
For maximum pain relief, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can be
used in combination with other non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis
and, as appropriate, with lifestyle modifications (such as rest, gentle
exercise or weight loss). Patients should always work with a physician
to ensure safe use of all nutritional supplements.
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