Popular Arthritis Supplements Don’t Work

Over the last decade many doctors have recommended the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin to patients with osteoarthritis. Accordingly, sales of the two supplements have rocketed, with almost $2 billion of glucosamine sold worldwide in 2008. However, results of a new study by Professor Peter Jüni of the University of Bern (Switzerland) and colleagues, suggest that they do not work. The researchers analyzed results of 10 published trials involving 3,803 people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Results showed that the supplements, taken alone or in combination, had no clinically relevant effect on joint pain or on joint space narrowing. The authors concluded: “We see no harm in having patients continue these preparations as long as they perceive a benefit and cover the cost of treatment themselves.” However, they add: “Health authorities and health insurers should not cover the costs for these preparations, and new prescriptions to patients who have not received treatment should be discouraged.”