Reality Check for the Effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Reports abound about the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin, granting them newfound stardom in the treatment of osteoarthritis. But as the stardust settles, the actual benefits appear to fall short of the hype.

Researchers recently pooled the best studies done on these two supplements between 1966 and 1999. The studies tested these compounds in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis over at least four weeks.

After plotting the details of the studies, the researchers found that the study methods could exaggerate the actual benefits. Also, the fact that manufacturing companies sponsored nearly all studies made the researchers concerned that the actual benefits might be inflated. When the authors looked at only the highest quality research, the actual benefits of these compounds were the smallest.

The authors note that these compounds are safe and that they do show some benefits. So even if glucosamine and chondroitin don't live up to their star billing, they may still play an important role in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis.