- Studying more patients
- Following these patients for a longer period of time
There have also been long-term studies lasting over one year into the effects of glucosamine. These studies also have shown encouraging results. A presentation at the 1999 meeting of the American College of Rheumatology illustrated the findings of a three year long European study that compared the effects of glucosamine versus placebo in about 200 patients. The group of patients taking glucosamine had less pain and better x-ray findings than the group of patients taking the placebo.
Should I be taking glucosamine and chondroitin?
Again, the results of studies investigating glucosamine and chondroitin have been encouraging, but have not passed the test of a well-designed study to be accepted into the primary treatment plan for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, because these are unregulated supplements, a particular brand of glucosamine or chondroitin may or may not be of satisfactory quality.
Ultimately, what patients should understand, is that glucosamine and chondroitin have shown encouraging evidence that these supplements can provide help with treating osteoarthritis. However, these studies have ranged from poor to satisfactory in quality, and in order to be accepted as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, more research must be completed.
What is known, is that there are effective treatments for osteoarthritis that every patient should be using before considering these supplements. Specifically, recommendations for weight control, exercise, proper use of medications, and joint protection are known to minimize the progression and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis. These steps must be taken by all arthritis patients for optimal treatment to take place.
Sources:
Conn, D, et al.; Alternative Treatments and Rheumatic Disease. Bulletin on the Rheumatic Diseases. 48:1-4. 1999.
Muller-Fasbender, H, et al.; Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2:61-69. 1994.
Leeb, B, et al.; A Metaanalysis of Chondroitin Sulfate in the Treatment of OA. Journal of Rheumatology. 27:205-211. 2000.
DaCamara and Dowless; Glucosamine Sulfate for Osteoarthritis. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 32:580-586. 1998.
