Glucosamine Fails Osteoarthritis Test(on joint disease among middle-aged and o...),Health

Weight-bearing joints -- the knees, hips and spine -- are most often affected. Osteoarthritis in the knee and hip can result in chronic pain or discomfort while standing or walking.

Glucosamine, a natural compound, is part of healthy cartilage. Another recent study found no evidence that glucosamine supplements had any effect on pain or function, and no improvement was noted in the X-rays of people taking it.

Despite these results, Lozada thinks glucosamine might have a role in managing pain. There are studies suggesting that that is possible -- but the studies have been conflicting.

"For most doctors, glucosamine is not a standard recommendation for treating osteoarthritis," Lozada said. "It is something you might mention to a patient who is motivated to try nutritional supplements," he said.

If a patient has tried other painkillers, weight loss and exercise, and these haven't worked, then the doctor might mention trying glucosamine, Lozada said. "But it is in no way something every single patient should try," he said. "We really don't have the data to support that."

More information

For more information on osteoarthritis, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

SOURCES: Carlos Lozada, M.D., associate professor, rheumatology and immunology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine; Oct. 19, 2009, news release, American College of Rheumatology