Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help osteoarthritis, says new study

The potential benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for people with osteoarthritis have been highlighted in a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Disease.

A total of 600 people with osteoarthritis of the knee were split into groups. Some received drug treatment (analgesic therapies or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) alongside a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement and others were given the supplement alone. After two years, the participants’ knees were assessed for structural changes using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.

The results showed that the people taking the supplement had less of a reduction in cartilage volume loss over the two-year period. And this benefit was seen whether or not they received conventional drugs.

Studies of the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have had mixed results, so this one adds weight to the evidence in their favour.

To read the original research visit http://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2013/12/13/annrheumdis-2013-203906.abstract.