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The Ins and Outs of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Published 04/30/09

In February 2006, many major media outlets reported on a finding published in the New England Journal of Medicine, in which glucosamine and chondroitin failed to show efficacy against arthritis.

As I often point out, the media does a mediocre job at best in getting the results of studies straight. Fortunately, this time, some press reports did get it right, pointing out that 79 percent of the individuals in the study with moderate to severe arthritis had significant relief from glucosamine (500 mg three times a day) in combination with chondroitin (400 mg three times a day). In fact, relief increased each month of the six-month study period.

This should come as no surprise. Glucosamine and chondroitin do a lot of good, especially for moderate to severe arthritis. In addition to reducing pain, they also help nourish depleted cartilage. I personally have been taking both nutrients for years to deal with the self-inflicted arthritis I developed from football and mogul skiing. Thanks to supplements like these, I've been able to delay an inevitable date with the hip replacement doctor for five years. But don't take my word for it alone. Both supplements have superb track records around the world and, in some countries, they are sold as prescription.

Beyond Glucosamine and Chondroitin

In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, I also like high doses of fish oil to help with arthritis symptoms. I take about 10 grams a day, in divided doses, and recommend five to 10 grams to patients with arthritic pain (as long as they aren't taking Coumadin, as fish oil can increase the blood-thinning effects of Coumadin).

For additional relief, I also suggest methylsulfonylmethane-commonly known as MSM. This sulfur supplement absolutely works as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. In a randomized, double-blind study on MSM and arthritic knee pain, researchers at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, reported improved symptoms of pain and physical function among 50 men and women between the ages of 40 and 76.

For relief from arthritis, I recommend taking as much MSM as you need. I'd start at 5 grams twice a day, going up to 10 or 15 grams if needed to reduce aches and pains.

The Sinatra Solution

When it comes to arthritis, I suggest that you try glucosamine and chondroitin first, and see how that goes. Next, add in fish oil and MSM, and see what additional relief that provides. If symptoms still linger-as they often will in severe cases-experiment with the other supplements, such as white willow bark and boswellia.

Remember one thing though: There is no "cure" for an arthritic joint, other than replacement. You can help relieve, and perhaps even overcome, symptoms by taking these supplements long-term, but you'll need to keep taking them. More often than not, if you stop, the symptoms will return.

References:

Ø    Clegg DO, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med, 2006;354(8):795-808.

Ø    Kim LS, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2006;14(3):286-294.